Hi Tom, I have owned Waves since 1999 (as many as three at a time but now just one) and have always had the hooks. You gave the answer in your question - just keep some tension on the sail as you lower the main. You simply teach yourself a new habit. Write a reminder to yourself on the luff of the main if that's what it takes to remember (I'm not kidding) - very easy to do and very inexpensive! Before long you remember to do it automatically - just like breathing!
Hi Mike, thanks for the response. Yes, I know this is the method and have tried to be diligent but sometimes it is just not possible. I often need to lower the sail before beaching due to wind direction and with the boat pitching in the waves I have lost the clip twice, even while concentrating on keeping tension on it.
However, for $6 I found a clip that operates like a climbing carabiner but is more tear drop shaped and it works great. No more flying halyards!
More simple advice for your other problem - move back! If the bows go under the water, move your weight back! That easy. Do not mess around with diving planes or other add-on crap. It messes up the boat, costs alot, is a bunch of trouble, and delays the learning process.
Well, I do have my weight back (even slightly behind the tiller!) but I do agree with your advice on keeping it simple. I will just leave as is and if I get launched, I get launched. The boat did start to pitchpole a couple days ago in heavy winds (20-30mph) and threw me across the trampoline but the hull came up in time not to go over so I guess I will just live with it.
[quote]Now go sail some more and practice these easy solutions! ;-)
Mike
A large part of the Wave's attraction comes from its simplicity; do not fight it! Adapt to it, do not adapt it to you. You will come to appreciate its attractiveness when you are more receptive to it.
I am all for simplicity, but I depart from your philosophy when it turns from simplicity to stupidity (I think Hobie's choice of the open clip was wrong)!
Thanks again,
-Tom
