LAUNCHING
LAUNCHING options, look at the wind direction because lee shore launches are much more difficult to get right. Also look out for obstructions, like moorings, shallows and underwater weed.
Launching the RS600FF is in some ways similar to a keel boat or the International Moth. Each have their challenges which makes it more difficult than launching a conventional sailboat. The objective is to launch from the shore, push down the foils, secure the pins and attached the flap controls.
Launching the RS600FF is in some ways similar to a keel boat or the International Moth. Each have their challenges which makes it more difficult than launching a conventional sailboat. The objective is to launch from the shore, push down the foils, secure the pins and attached the flap controls.
- Consider the wind direction and look at which side of the dagger-board the boom is lying in the boat. Because when the sail is at the top of the mast the boom is not able to swing across both sides of the cockpit until the dagger-board pushed down. Knowing this before launching can help you prepare before you get into trouble.
- Always pull up the mainsail facing head to wind with the boat on the trolley. Pulling the sail up when boat is lying on its side is much harder than when its upright.
- The mainsail halyard can be difficult to pull up the mast. This occurs with forestay tension on or if the sail battens are in opposing positions. This puts pressure on the sail track, if it is very difficult you can use a sail track lubricant. Loosen the rig tension and make sure the battens are parallel to each other (all on the same side). Help the sail up by pushing from below the batten ends. Here are two different methods to launch (3) & (4).
- Launch into the water and roll the boat on to its side allowing the lower wing to rest on the ground. Pull out the foils, secure and attached the flap controls. Carry the boat on its side to deep water, this is easier if you lift from the daggerboard, then right the boat upright and sail away. (this method is good on a windy day, but impossible if launching from the lee shore.)
- Launch off the trolley, hold on to the windward wing by the shroud, reach across to part extend the daggerboard foil just low enough so that the boom can move freely to both sides of the boat. Leave the elastic attached to the top of the daggerboard otherwise the daggerboard will fall lower before you get to deep water. Lower the rudder 1/3 and step into the boat, sail away from the shore on a broad reach. Fully extend the foils, secure and attach the flap controls.
Underwater weed - Weed is a big problem for foilers - the horizontal wings rake up the weed and even with a good breeze behind you the weed often won't let go. When there is weed choose (4) for launching and don't extend the foils until you are sure you are in deep water away from weed. If the wind direction is straight against you (on the lee shore) and there is a lot of underwater weed then I recommend that you roll the boat on its side (3) extend the foils etc. and get a motor boat tow to deep water, towing with the boat on its side (capsized) You might find it easier to be standing on the dagger-board whilst towing so that you can balance the boat. If there is no motor boat available I recommend that you just don't sail. Weed can ruin your day and break your control flaps. Written by Matt Botfield
Watch me getting into difficulty with WEED!
Watch me getting into difficulty with WEED!