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his normal position, and pull gently on the rudder downhaul to lower some of
the rudder blade. Then, s/he may instruct the crew to push the bow off the
wind and climb in. The crew will then lower the daggerboard as depth allows.
The singlehanded sailor may choose to ask someone to help them to launch.
If launching alone, stand in the water alongside the gunwhale, holding the
boat head to wind. Lower part of the daggerboard and rudder, and then push
the bow off the wind while hopping in.
As soon the water is deep enough, make sure that you lower the rudder
blade fully by pulling the rudder downhaul hard. You will know it is fully down if
you feel a gentle ”thud” as the front face of the blade hits the front face of the
stock. Cleat the downhaul and tidy it by winding it around the tiller. Pull the sail
in and you are away!
For the best performance, you should ensure that you and your crew position
yourselves so that the boat is sailing through the water as flat as possible.
Watch the trim (fore and aft) and the heel. The boat should always be sailed
as upright as possible.
Top Tip
As a general rule, sit further forward in lighter winds and further aft in stronger
breezes.
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