Coypu

The coypu (from Spanish coipú, from Mapudungun kóypu;Myocastor coypus), also known as the river rat or nutria, is a large, herbivorous, semiaquatic rodent and the only member of the family Myocastoridae. Originally native to subtropical and temperate South America, it has since been introduced to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, primarily by fur ranchers. Although it is still valued for its fur in some regions, its destructive feeding and burrowing behaviors make this invasive species a pest throughout most of its range.

Coypus live in burrows alongside stretches of water. They feed on river plant stems.

Etymology

Two names are commonly used in English for Myocastor coypus. The name "nutria" is generally used in North America, in Asia, and throughout countries of the former Soviet Union; however, in Spanish-speaking countries, the word "nutria" refers to the otter. To avoid this ambiguity, the name "coypu" (derived from the Mapudungun language) is used in Latin America and Europe. In France, the coypu is known as a ragondin. In Dutch, it is known as beverrat (beaver rat). In German, it is known as Wasserratte (water rat). In Italy, instead, the popular name is, as in North America and Asia, "nutria", but it is also called castorino ("little beaver"), by which its fur is known in Italy. In Swedish, the animal is known as sumpbäver (marsh-/swamp beaver).

Coypu (dinghy)

The Coypu is a class of small sailing dinghy. It is a highly stable boat, suitable for beginners, and is normally sailed by two people, although three can be accommodated comfortably.

Design

There are variants in the design of the coypu depending on the builder. The hull is normally Glass-reinforced plastic construction, with buoyancy tanks front sides and rear. The Centreboard is metal, and the rudder is removable, either fixed (i.e. does not have a downhaul) or with a moveable blade.

Most coypu mainsails are normally raised by feeding the luff into the track on the mast, although there are variants that have gunter rig sails

The mainsheet is fixed to the stern of the boat. A jib is used for normal use and only one size is available.

The boat is heavy in comparison with other dinghies, so traditionally they have proved popular at training centres where it is not necessary to remove the boat from the water on a regular basis. However the design provides a stable boat in all weathers which is ideal for beginners- especially juniors.