How to launch a dinghy

So you have bought your dinghy and had a tow hitch fitted to the car... but how are you going to get your boat in the water? It can seem like a daunting task, so here is a  brief  guide on how to do it most efficiently.

First find a slipway and make sure it is suitable for your boat. Check the tide times as some slips have no access at low water. Make sure that the tides will allow you to launch and recover your boat.

On arriving at the slip, have a good look around. Talk to the harbourmaster, pay any launch fees that are due and pick up any tips about the  location that may help you. Walk down the slip to check its condition – is it muddy, slippery or are there any objects in your way?
Get everything ready before you attempt to launch. Make sure the bung is in the boat, remove the trailer straps, and load all your gear into the boat. Then launch. If the sails are hoisted, aim the boat head into the wind. Make sure the centreboard and rudder are raised to prevent them dragging on the floor.