Unhooking the Main

I am new to sailing and I had a small wreck last time I was out. I spent the day out on the lake exploring my boat and had a blast, however coming in towards the dock and boat ramp I found that I couldn't unhook the main sail and at this point it was too late to change course and I ran my boat up the ramp ! I relize the importance of the hook but how can I unhook when I need to?

Thanks.

Tony

H-16 KESTREL

VERY difficult to do while on the water.

Only way: Head to wind early. Release the downhaul and mainsheet completely. Step out on the bow and pull the halyard out of the hook and release.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Yea, dropping your sail before coming in to shore is probably not going to happen - if the breeze is in front of you coming in to shore, just head to wind and walk the last few feet. If the wind is behind you, you'll have to bring it around early and back the boat in.

If you don't know how to back the boat, learn and practice! It's an invaluable skill, for getting out of irons, or picking up a Man Overboard, etc...

_________________
Tim
Unofficial Fleet 72 Communications Officer and Div 4 Webmaster
http://www.hobiefleet72.org
http://www.div4.hobieclass.com/

If you are going to back up the boat make sure you have enough water depth! Running your rudders into the bottom going backwards can be disastrous.

_________________
06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

Method for backing a catamaran

Turn head to wind (in irons)
While boat is gliding to a stop, pull both rudders up and lock
Move all weight to the front center of the tramp (solo), or even on the bows (two)
Boat will drift straight down wind
Fun really, as stated a good boat handling skill to have in your repertoire

_________________
Sheet In...Max Out
www.fleet297.org
sailflatlands at gmail dot com

Thanks for all your input! The weather is starting to get better and I'll be out practicing backing up soon.

Thanks again


Tony


H-16 KESTREL