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Reply to: Nacra 5.8na - Launching Into Waves - Tips Needed

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[quote=Dogboy]The OP said that the [i]wind[/i] was perpendicular to the shore.  I highly doubt the waves would also be perpendicular to shore.  Wind perpendicular to shore is ideal conditions for surf launching because it allows you to easily power up the boat without much risk of rounding up and stalling and lets you easily hit the waves perpendicular to their face.

I think Jake's comments are quite appropriate.  We surf launch a H18 and we used to sail the H20 in the surf when we had one.  The process is pretty standard for all boats.  Keep the jib powered up to pull you through the surf and prevent rounding up.  Get as much dagger board and rudder down as possible without risking touching down on the bottom (we usually just focus on the windward board and rudder for the most part until well into deep water).  Always hit the waves as square as possible.  If you do stall out, dump the main and sheet the jib in immediately to get the bow pulled off the wind.  If there is shore break, I have my crew planted on the windward bow tang with a firm grip and solid stance until we are ready to launch because if water gets under the bow before you're ready it will float the bow, the jib will spin the bow downwind, and the boat will take off.  Be aware of what is well downwind from you (in NJ we have these unpleasant formations called jetties every couple hundred yards down the beach  :-x ).

One final note, if the waves are too big or the wind too light or from the wrong direction, sometimes the most prudent option IS to stay on the beach (or hitch a ride on someone else's boat  :-D ).

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