How to Sail - 2h beach launch - Part 5 of 5 - Common mistakes & key learning points

Common mistakes Not understanding where the wind is blowing from, which will result in the boat being incorrectly positioned on the beach prior to launch. Not parking the trolley above the high water mark, which may result in it floating away if the tide comes in. Sailing away too fast before you have put the rudder down. Key learning points Establish what time high tide is. Establish what direction the wind is blowing from, from flags, burgees or ripples on the water. The wind can be blowing onto the beach, across the beach, or away from the beach. In preparation for launching, park your boat on the beach keeping the bow head to wind, and hoist the sails. When you’re ready to go, introduce the boat to the water continuing to keep the bow pointing towards the wind. Return the trolley to shore above the high water seaweed mark. To stop running aground whilst you sail away from the beach, lower just the tip of the rudder and centreboard. To sail away when the wind is onshore use the close reach point of sailing. When the wind is cross shore sail away on a beam reach. And when the wind is offshore, sail away on a training run. Sail out slowly until you’re in deep water, slow the boat and lower the rudder. And lower the centreboard to suit your point of sailing.