Sailing a Wave in 5 mph wind?

Windfinder is telling me to expect 5 mph winds this weekend. On the other hand, the solunar charts say this will be a strong weekend to go fishing. Decisions, decisions.

How does the Wave perform in light winds, say around 5 mph? If nothing else, this might be a gentle baptism into the Gulf of Mexico instead of Corpus Christi Bay, but is 5 mph enough to go sailing?

5 mph is just enough, but still challenging to set sails properly. Keep weight forward and concentrate on the air flow on the sails. Sailing in light wind can be fun and rewarding when you get it moving!

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

Sounds pretty much like just about every regatta I have been to lately.

The Hobie Wave in 5 mph winds is extremely slow, but get it in 15 mph to 25 mph winds and then you have some fun!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMrXEHegpqU&list=UUL9iEvaX5-kZq5XN_yah5Vw

I actually like sailing in light air. It's a challenge to milk out every last bit of motion.

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Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks

IMHO
Will you learn a lot in light winds? -Yes.
Will you enjoy sailing Wave in light winds? -Most likely no.

If it doesn't rain I will probably go kayak fishing. It is a rare day that kayaking isn't difficult due to the wind. Most days around here favor sailing. Might as well fish from a kayak when that rare day presents itself because there is no shortage of high wind days along the mid Texas Gulf Coast.

My light wind sailing video; https://vimeo.com/30709990

Fantastic! Was that a T2?

It doesn't take a lot of wind to move a Wave. No, you definitely won't go fast but you certainly won't get stuck. I found the traveler kit to be helpful if you have to go on a true downwind run in light wind. Lets you get more sail surface opened up on an otherwise boomless rig because otherwise a run can be agonizingly slow in a lack of wind.

Relaxing days can be a treat sometimes. Depend what your brain needs that day. Sometimes after a ridiculous day at work, I just have to veg. Of course kayak fishing is a great way to relax as well.

Thanks!!! In the video I was on a Hobie Getaway & a Hobie Wave.

Its almost as much about the water as the wind... 5 mph can work in smooth water. Waves just cause a Wave to stop dead in the water if there is any chop and only a light wind. Look at the surface as well as the speed when you decide between fishing and sailing. But also agree with the others... light air is the best teacher. Anyone can sail with a good breeze.