I sail off a beach on Chicago's north shore. When we get North East breezes we generally face a significant surf combined with a wind that is almost directly perpendicular to the beach. My 19' hulls have so much volume that the boat is virtually impossible to keep pointed into the waves. This has resulted one shoulder dislocation and us basically sitting the big surf days out watching the 16's and 18's leap off the beach. Light air really compounds the problem. Occasionally we'll need an entourage of spotters to get us going if there is a race. This is our fourth season with the Nacra. I will also add that none of the other Nacra owners (all smaller) love the surf either. We live for NW,W,S,SE (Our Favorite!)

I've tried many strategies (all suggested by Hobie sailors) including having my crew all the way forward. I always feel that I'm courting disaster. Does anyone with a Nacra have a tried and true method? We love this big cat but on these days I wish I had a 16 or my old turbo 14.

Thanks

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Larry Smith
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i dont have a nacra but there are a few things that are "universal".

Point into the wind and set your jib so when you push off (bear off) it will be set and fill right away.

Also tighten your mainsheet, but travel out for the same reason... as you push your hull away from the wind.. it will fill and you will start to move forward. Of course you have to time this with the waves so you can get momentum from the wind before the wave pushes you back.

Not sure about having your weight forward as this is one thing we do when we are backing our cats up ...

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Andrew Scott
Mystère 5.5

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Definitely keep the weight forward. I used to launch into Lake Michigan from Benton Harbor MI and the waves will get you if you are too far back in the boat.
I managed a bow over stern capsize on a rogue wave last summer trying to sail through Michigan surf on the east shore.


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Rich
Nacra 5.5 Uni
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Folks...Meant to thank you for the tips. Had some surf over labor day and these tips seem to work. Not tested on norester's yet but optomistic as the physics seem right.

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Larry Smith
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Hi Larry:

Remember me, the guy from Chile. We met at Larry White's seminar last Year. I finnaly bought an Inter 20 but since ive never salied a cat with spi, ive capzised 4 times last saturday. Can you help me with some tips for the downwind leg? regards, from Chle and lets hope ***** Wins Today.

Different Larry unfortunately. (And you definately don't want any racing tips from me!) I don't have a Spinnaker but I'm sure someone does.

Might be a good topic for a new post. Thumbs up on the hopeful message though!

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Larry Smith
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