Departing a pier with wings on a windy day

Question is in regards to departing a very solid comercial/ public launch type wooden pier, on a windy, wavy day.
The 10" x 10" timbers standing vertical are quite imovable. Is it best to leave the dockside wing folded up until underway? Use a quick pin to pin it down? Fold down and secure with nut and bolt, before launch, hoping the boat doesn't slam the pier too hard? I can see this as a "case by case" situation, but thoughts and tactics in general will be considered.

Think I’d prefer to have the wing contact the pier rather than the hull. Neither sounds like a very good situation. Maybe get a large pool noodle and slice lenth-wise and slip over the outside wing tube to act as a bumper.

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Man, I had an embarrassing, hellish day when I came back to a very robust dock with a wind shift... With the boat banging against the dock, it tore up the wing fabric pretty good. I was also worried about socket damage, but with folding wings that may not be an issue for you. I'd say keep the wings from getting damaged, but that's kind of a preference. I wish there was a way to protect them effectively, but with sail up, there's A lot of force on whatever is hitting the dock and aluminum bends and fabric tears... With the hulls, maybe you have chance to use fenders, got the boat closer, etc. If the folded wings give you that flexibility... Following, because I'd like to know as well.

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ChuckC
H21SE- 408

I just picked up this set and really don't want to smash them up. IE: I have no idea as to how sturdy or stout these things are. Should I be looking to add a strut similar to what the SX style uses? The small strut that holds the wings inline with the hulls? Been looking for 30 years for an available, affordable set. The launch i normally use, has a predominatley off-shore wind, but is very busy. It will be interesting.

If I have the width I always leave the wings out. The shrouds will prevent you from folding the wings in far enough to keep them safe. With the wings partially folded their skinny legs can catch on the dock. I also use my righting line as a dock line. I run it loosely around a cleat or pier near the stern and another near or forward of the front cross bar. This helps control rotation and keeps the boat from floating away from the dock. I then have my crew hold the boat off the dock while I park the truck.

That said... I usually raise the main sail once I am out on the water, and have never had to dock this way in more than 1ft chop.