Sailing Basics - Hobie Mirage Tandem Island Manual

Sailing Basics | 45

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SAILING BASICS
This manual will quickly go through some sailing and boat handling information.
There are plenty of books, videos and classes out there to further your sailing
knowledge.
Launching
For safety, and to ensure that you have control of the boat at all times, we
recommend the following steps when launching. These instructions start with
the assumption that the boat is in the water with the MirageDrive in, the sail
rolled up, and the amas folded to the sides. As you become more familiar with
the boat, these steps will become automatic.
1. Move the amas into the "out" position and lock the crossbrace to the hull.
2. Lower the rudder.
3. Pedal to deeper water, and drop the daggerboard.
4. Before you unroll the sail, make sure there is enough space around you to
maneuver as you start to pick up speed.
5. Point the boat into the wind, unroll the sail and trim the mainsheet accordingly.
Docking
Properly docking the Hobie Island will prevent damage. Always furl the sail and
approach the dock under power of the MirageDrive. As you approach the dock,
release the locking crossbrace on the outrigger closest to the dock and pull it in
next to the main hull. Stretch the ama holder Bungee over the ball post on the
hull to hold it in against the hull. Be aware of the water depth as you may want to
pull up the centerboard and rudder.
Beach Landing
Landing on a beach is simple. Before you approach the beach, furl your sail and
pull up the centerboard. Use the MirageDrive to propel the kayak toward the
beach. As you reach the shore, put one pedal forward to raise the fins and move
the rudder into the "up" position. Always keep the sail furled when docked or
beached.