Abstract: A canopy for a small watercraft, such as kayak or canoe. The canopy has a generally rectangular planar frame supported overhead of an individual occupant of the watercraft by a forward leg assembly and an aft leg assembly. The frame is provided with a cover designed for protecting the individual from direct sunlight. The forward leg assembly is releasably connected to brackets mounted on the watercraft and the aft leg assembly is pivotally connected to brackets mounted on the watercraft so that the forward leg assembly may be released from the brackets and the aft leg assembly may pivot about an axis perpendicular to the centerline of the watercraft to support the frame in an upright orientation to catch wind as a downwind sail.