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38 | Sailing Basics
Refer to the sail trim diagram below for approximate sail settings for the different
points of sail or directions you will be sailing. Note the "can't sail zone". You
cannot sail in this direction because the sail will luff constantly when pointed into
the wind. If you get stuck in "irons" (or stop pointed into the wind) you will need
to reverse the rudder and push the sail forward to back-wind it. The jib should
be back-winded by the crew to assist. This will back the boat up. Reverse the
rudders and let the sail out until the boat is positioned more across the wind
(close reach). Then you can correctly trim the sail and start moving forward.
Launching
When launching from a beach where the wind is blowing from the beach towards
the water, you simply keep the boat pointed into the wind. Drift backward with
the rudders in the up position and your weight toward the front of the boat. Stay
forward as the boat drifts into deeper water. You can hold the sail out to catch
wind backward to increase reverse speed. Then move to the rear and lower the
rudders. It will be easiest to lower only one rudder while moving backward.
Then lower the other when the boat begins to move forward again. Be aware of
the intended direction you wish to sail when lowering the rudder and steer the
boat as the rudder drops into the water. There will be a lot of force on the rudder
to turn one way or the other when going backward. Plan ahead and steer the
rudders so they will be pointing in that direction before dropping them into the
water. Steer the boat while going backward so the bow turns away from the wind
and toward the direction you wish to sail. As the sail begins to fill with wind, the
boat will slow then begin to move forward. Trim in the sail and off you go.
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