RS Toura - Page 68

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13.1 Introduction
The RS Toura is a very rewarding boat to sail – to fully appreciate its handling, you should be
comfortablewiththebasictechniquesofsailingsmallboats.Ifyoulackcondenceorfeelthat
a refresher is in order, there are many approved sailing schools which can be
recommended. See www.rya.org.uk for more information.
Whileweo󰀨eryouafewhintstoaidyourenjoymentofyournewboat,theyshouldnotbe
considered as a substitute for an approved course in dinghy sailing. In order to build your
condenceandfamiliariseyourselfwithyournewboat,werecommendthatyouchoosea
fairlyquietdaywithasteadywindforyourrstouting.
13.2 Launching
With the sails fully hoisted, and the rudder attached, the boat should be wheeled into the
water,keepingitheadtowindasfaraspossible.Ifyouhaveacrew,s/hecanholdtheboat
head to wind whilst the trolley is stowed ashore.
13.3 Leaving the Beach
The easiest way to get going is for the helm to step aboard while the crew holds the boat. The
helm should put a little centreboard down, then move back to his normal position and lower
someoftherudderblade.Then,s/hemayinstructthecrewtopushthebowo󰀨thewindand
climb in. The crew will then lower the centreboard as depth allows. As soon as the water is
deep enough, the centreboard should be fully lowered, and the retaining elastic clipped to the
rope handle to prevent it retracting into the hull in the event of a full inversion.
As soon the water is deep enough, make sure that you lower the rudder blade fully. 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.Pushthetillerdowntolocktheblade.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 upright as possible.
TOP TIP
If the tide is coming in as you launch, make sure that you leave the trolley far enough up the
beach that it will not be swept away.
TOP TIP
If you are using the jib, pulling this sail in as you leave the beach will ensure that the bow
continues to swing away from the direction that the wind is blowing from.
TOP TIP
As a general rule, sit further forward in lighter winds and further aft in stronger breezes.
13 - Sailing Hints