Returning to Shore

Some care must be taken when returning to shore, otherwise, damage can be done to your hull, centerboard or rudder, as well as yourself if you’re not careful. Similarly to launching, your method will vary depending on which angle the breeze is coming from relative to the shore.

Returning to shore scenarios

Wind parallel to the shore

The easiest direction is when the wind is traveling parallel to the shore. In this situation, when approaching, make sure your fin is almost all the way up (but low enough so that it won’t hit the boom), and that all your ropes are clear. Hold the mainsheet rope between the center block and boom. Approach slowly by easing the mainsheet, and when you can safely jump overboard into water that isn’t too deep, but deep enough so that the rudder and centerboard don’t hit the bottom, ease the mainsheet right off and carefully jump off. Quickly raise the fin and centerboard, and move up to the bow. If you drag the boat up onto the shore, make sure the self-draining plug is fully retracted, otherwise, you may snap it off.

Wind coming off the shore

If the wind is coming off the shore, the steps are essentially the same, but you will have to sail in at an angle, which can be a little tricky with the fin up. You might want to allow for a bit more sideways slippage as a result.

Wind coming off the water

If the wind is coming off the water, you have to be even more careful that the wind doesn’t quickly push you up onto the shore. Untie the figure 8 knot in the end if the mainsheet rope, and as you are approaching the shore, let all the rope out, and let the boom swing right around to the bow, fully depowering the sail. Let it flap, and slowly drift into shore.

Whenever approaching the shore, always assess the situation beforehand, have a clear plan of attack, approach with caution, and make every effort to protect yourself, your hull and your foils.