You are more likely to hurt yourself or damage your dinghy while launching and landing than while sailing.
Launching and landing are not simply getting the boat into and out of the water. They are sailing skills in their own right.
When you are sailing, you usually have open water around you. When launching or landing, you are dealing with wind, waves, shallow water, surf, sand, and a boat that can suddenly become difficult to control.
A wave can move the boat independently of the sailor. A gust can move the sail and boom unexpectedly. A rudder or daggerboard can strike the bottom. A boat that was under control a moment ago can suddenly be pushed toward the sailor or toward the beach.
The first and last few minutes of your sailing day deserve just as much attention as the time you spend sailing.
Always keep yourself between the incoming wind and the ILCA.
The wind should be behind you, with the ILCA on the downwind side. This helps you control the boat and keeps the boat from being blown into you.
Learn how wind direction, wave direction, beach conditions, and boat position affect launching and landing.
See why your position relative to the boat, sail, boom, waves, and beach matters.
LearnPractice recognizing wind and wave conditions and choosing the safest way to approach, launch, or land.
Learn to anticipate how the boat will move before you put yourself in its path.
PracticeDecide how you would launch or land without step-by-step assistance.
Use the wind, waves, boat position, and beach conditions to make your decisions.
Take the ChallengeDon't just ask, "How do I get the boat into the water?" or "How do I get it back onto the beach?" Ask, "Where will the boat move next?" Then put yourself somewhere the boat cannot hurt you.