Rudderless launching

the centre board was half down but its too shallow to put it down any further

lol cheers guys had a bit of a go tonight.. we're fine launching onto a reach and close hauled but we couldn't get the hang of launching onto a run because as soon as the jib pulled the boat round onto the run the main filled and turned us round towards the bank.

Has any one got any tips for launching onto a run?

Originally posted by JimC Originally posted by bigwavedave Helm gets in the boat...very careful not to get the helm wet. You missed the bit about Helm shouting at crew "for ****s keep the boat head to wind..."

p.s He also missed the bit about this technique should only be done in water temperatures less than 10 degrees!!!

Helm gets in the boat.  Crew pushes the boat out into chest deep.  Helm passes the crew the rudder which the crew then fits, taking great care not to damage it.  So as the rudder does not ground when the crew climbs over the back of the boat, it is recommended that the boat is pushed out a bit further, to about neck deep.  The crew then works their way round to the windward side of the boat and climbs in near the shroud, being very careful not to get the helm wet.

Yeah depending on how hard the rudder is to fix on, ie if it takes a lot of time fitting it on while moving may not be an option. Since as the crew moves the hull in the water to steer the boat it will create turbulence which will then affect the way that the water flows past the rudder, this could end up moving the rudder as its not connected, therefore making it harder to fit. If there are not too many boats bout I tjhink that heading up into the wind to get the boat stopped is a good idea.

I think you aught to have a practice with a rescue boat nearby so that if it doesnt work you dont end up back on the shore and damaging more things.