Rudderless launching

I think there is plenty of good stuff here and Andrew is right you sail rudderless on a run until you're in deep water then luff up - stop and fix the rudder. Its far harder to get off a beach in heavy waves without the rudder.

Few extra tips - get crew to sit in the middle so there is only one person moving their weight about to steer.

Adjust the centreboard to balance the sails.

Pull the jib in slightly more than you need and adjust the main to steer. If you have speed on just heel the boat to leeward to luff and let both sails flog

There is an interesting article in the latest Wavelength on rudderless sailing - perhaps Y&Y could also do one as they reach a wider audience.

Edited by Garry

My personal experience is that when close hauled balancing the sails is more important than boat balance, but the more downwind you go the more improtant boat balance becomes. Whilst on a run just let the sails go and concentrate on balancing the boat, ensuring you've always got a significant amount of windward heel. If its windy you may find luffing up a bit will make getting the rudder on easier, but in light airs you shouldn't have too much trouble.

 you can hold the rudder stock and steer with the blade tip(so it does not load up to much) Centre board position is important to have the right hight as to little and the boat slips sideways makeing it difficult to put the rudder on or on a run flip. to much and the boat will tack. You could on a run have no board and slip sideways but its a problem if you have to avoid someone. also you can also stand on the bow keep the boat head to wind and steer by leaning but not if you have a light weight deck.

 

i sail a scorpion, furling the jibs not possible

I would say heel the boat to counteract the way the boat wants to turn.
If launching on a dead run you could balance jib against main (add some heel) and it should stay on track.