Beach launching

I have been sailing here at Edisto Beach in SC this week on vacation. This has been my first time sailing in the ocean, and Ive only been sailing for about a year total. I did a lot of reading and talked to some others on what to expect and how to go about ocean sailing before coming down here. The first two days were great, very small surf winds between 10-12, no problems launching and returning. Went out yesterday for a final sail before loading the boat up since some bad weather was supposed to be coming this way and that's when I had trouble. The surf wasn't terribly bad and we got out fine, had four guys total on the boat. Don't know if it was the weight or the strong current that day but I couldn't make any forward progress hardly. The wind was coming on shore at an angle and I could start getting out but when I would tack I couldn't make any progress. Ended up having to return to shore farther down where I started and ended up snapping a rudder at the top of the blade coming in. I was having problems getting my rudders to unlock. Could unlock one and the other would snap back locked.

Not sure if I've explained myself well but any tips are welcome.....

Definitely having four people on board was a major contributor to your problems. Ocean/beach sailing is not the time to test your boat's max capacity. Sail with two on board and just take turns, the boat will handle much better.

As for the rudder issues, it depends on whether you have the new or old style rudder castings. In either case, just do a search and check the rudder FAQ, there is a ton of information on this forum already about getting the rudder systems to work properly.

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Yes, the four guys on the boat would be an issue. With the weight and the waves I suspect the boat did not have the power to get out. How was the wind?

Was your jib out as well? Was your sail full? This will help with power as well.


Sorry to hear about the rudder. Not a fun start to the season. Hope the gudgeons are alright. I will be launching at DeBordieu over the 4th of July week.

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1984 Hobie 18

There was plenty of wind, jib was out and trimmed, sail full. As far as I can tell the rudder is the only damage and I'm ok with it, have another one. I'm thankful that the casting didn't break.

4 people can explain it for sure but I've also run into slight wind direction change manytimes making it seem like you can't head upwind. Also you mention current.

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H18, H17 & Various motor boats