snjsanders wrote:
The wind was from the SE gusting 30+ knots. The direction of the wind pushed us towards the beach at a rapid pace. I agree with you that bosab's suggestion is the best option discussed so far. My thoughts are if you had a sea anchor off the bow it would help control the bow as you swim/pull the boat in from the stern (bosab's suggestion). Again as he mentioned it is vital that as the boat touches the beach that you be ready to pull it in before it has a chance to go sideways.
If you are an experienced surfer or kayaker, you may want to take your chances and use your mirage drive and paddle to cross the surf zone. If all goes well, you will be out of there much faster.
But if you are going to ditch, here's my variation on this theme.
See if it makes sense for you.
First of all, NEVER get in front of the boat in an active surfzone. Keep it between you and the beach. Tell anyone who attempts to help the same thing.
Before you enter the surf, secure the mast and rudder. Remove the dagger. Lock the mirage drive against the hull with the heavy bungie/hook that Hobie gave you. Tie down anything else you are particularly fond of.
Tie a drogue off the stern or the rear Aka crossbar. The sea anchor should slow the boat and point it to the beach. Slide off the rear before things get bad. Grab the rear Aka and crossbar with a wide grip. Hang on as you drift into the impact zone, Enjoy the ride
(If you really feel you need to, let go and dive under the breaking waves, but try to grab the anchor line).
Keep things pointed toward the beach. Warn anyone you see on shore to move aside. Especially kids.
Once you have good footing, grab the anchorline or the stern and try to control the boat. Guide it from the rear as long as you can, letting the shallow rushing water do the work for you.
When it's safe, run to the front and grab your bowline (you have a bowline, right?) Lean back and drag the boat up to the high waterline. From there, you will find it easy to use the "double" T-Grip bow handles you just installed (yes 2!) to lift the bow with both arms and drag the hull along its aft section. Much less resistance.
Now catch your breath and go try to find all your stuff! (Perhaps your dignity will still be among them).
This all assumes an AI "crash landing" on a sandy beach. If it's a rocky coast, all bets are off.
Generally, I don't like backing the AI in. Consider that if the rudder is dropped while the boat pushes in backward, it will quickly snap the rudder housing and is likely to damage the hull.