Hello,
I finally received my correct sail kit (previous post "wrong sail kit") and went out on the water solo with it for the first time yesterday. Since the winds were a bit strong and the water unusually shallow (water levels are very low in Eastern Canada this year) which inhibited my ability to get my turbo fins in & my rudder down in a timely manner, I was quickly overpowered. I tried, unsuccessfully, to furl the sail so that I could paddle into deeper waters in order to get the rudder & fins down. While I paddled with ++ force, the main sheet and sail were luffing & flapping like crazy. I returned to shore after being mildly humbled, and decided to take down the sail. I had a nice pedal trip but was disappointed in my first sailing experience.
My questions are the following:
1/ What is the 'best' technique to furl the sail so that it doesn't flap around uncontrollably while awaiting to be unfurled?
2/ What is the 'best' technique for tightening the mast stays? I pulled from the stay from the clip end (as opposed to the sail end) and then did a few round hitches to secure it.
3/ What is the 'best' technique for keeping the turbo fins in the full downward (dagger board-like) position for both of the fins without risking hitting them on the bottom when soloing a tandem? I don't think I could get to the front fins and pull them up fast enough if I was alone. Perhaps someone has rigged up ropes or something?
4/ What is the 'best' technique for setting up the sails on the water? Would you have the stays clipped in and the mast lying on the deck and then just raise the mast, get it into the deck mount and bungee it down? This is the only way I can imagine doing this solo...
A comment:
It would be
really helpful to have a step-by-step video or photos for rigging and sailing the inflatables. Perhaps this will all become evident in the next few attempts, but so far I've had a few 'boat bites' and humbling moments. I sailed dinghies all of my youth, so I should know how to do this.
If anyone was the inclination to do this, I think many people could benefit.
Thank you to everyone for your input and generous support. This forum is great