The 19th century Scot, John MacGregor, is generally credited with devising the decked, double-paddle sailing canoe, then popularizing it by writing of the international cruises he made aboard his canoe ROB ROY.

The Iain Oughtred design presented here is the larger of two Oughtred-designed canoes offered by WoodenBoat, although at 13'7" it is a bit smaller than many first generation boats of this type.

But unlike the original models, Oughtred's MacGregor can be built on a tight schedule and with average skills, thanks to the recent development of glued-seam lapstrake plywood construction. To further ease and accelerate the building process, Oughtred has provided lofting-free full-sized patterns, predetermined plank shapes, highly detailed plans, and a companion instructional booklet on methods and materials.

The MacGregor shares much with her smaller sister, Wee rob (WB Plan No. 79). Both are ultralight, traditionally attractive, versatile canoes. Both offer decked/undecked options; both can be expanded to longer lengths on a fixed beam; and both have been given the seakeeping benefits of greater flare, freeboard, and keel rocker than were typical of the old canoes of this kind.

A further refinement in Oughtred's design is the marked reduction of excesses in joinerwork and rigging often seen in the older boats. A simple bulkhead opening has replaced deck hatches; a quick-change leeboard replaces a complex, folding centerboard; and simplified (but still authentic) sail plans - a single lug or battened lug yawl - eliminate a snarl of "strings" to pull.

Early double-paddle canoes were classified according to their order of abilities (paddle, sail, cruise, race); Oughtred's pair of canoes follows that convention. Given her longer waterline length and larger sail plan, the MacGregor is more of a sailer than her sister, but each of these canoes will perform capably with double paddle or sail, and as cruising rather than racing craft.

The designer has specified scantlings for those who prefer conventional, plank-on-frame, lapstrake construction (see WB Nos. 36 and 37); he has also provided offsets and stem patterns for building this boat at 15'8" or 17'3".

There are five sheets of plans containing lines and offsets, construction, two sail plans, plus mold and stem patterns showing plank lands. Additional items include a comprehensive materials list, and the 14-page illustrated text on building procedures. WB Plan No. 80. $65.00