I own a '14 TI and have sailed some 'off the beach' in Destin, Fl. I had a hands on lesson the first time I attempted to beach the TI in 1-2ft surf conditions. Started to broach just off the beach, rudder already raised (bad move), but man handled the clew and recovered. Now I unlock the rudder and the center board, build up speed with both sail and drive. keeping perpendicular to the surf line and pull the drive in about 2 ft of water and ride it in. I usually sail single handed.
This Sept. I'll be back in Destin on the beach and plan to get more experience (practice) launching and beaching in surf. I understand every beach is different, i.e, prevailing winds, breaking surf, bottom slope, etc., and requires different tactics. 'My' beach has breaking surf close in, except at low tide, and a fairly steep incline approaching the shore. The surf does not usually break parallel to the shore line due to prevailing winds.
I'm anxious to hear from sailors who successfully launch and recover from the beach and their favorite tactics, as opposed to the nay sayers about beach launches.
I've beach launched Hobie, 14, 16, Wave, and Playcat Escape cats. Tandem Islands definitely require different tactics launching thru surf and returning. Sometimes seemingly much easier, other times more challenging.
thanx in advance for your input. bill
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