When to raise mainsail on 26 foot S2

[stryderr]

Relatively new sailors with 26 foot S2 and 15 horsepower inboard. We motor out of the mooring field before sailing, and then at the end of the sail we motor back in. Should we raise the mainsail at the mooring, or wait till we clear the mooring field? (Water can be choppy outside of the mooring field, and without the main raised, the boat is a bit unpredictable in it's behavior.
What is the general rule of thumb here?) Also on the return, should we leave the main up till we get back to the mooring...or take it down prior? Any suggestions appreciated.

[jackdale]

There is nothing wrong with raising / lowering the main on the mooring. It can be more relaxed and there are more hands to help. The key "ENSURE THE MAINSHEET IS EASED AND THE SAIL IS LUFFING." Otherwise you may start sailing on the mooring.

[Barquito]

In my mind, a good reason to have some sail up is to have some way to keep moving if the motor dies. A reason not to have it up is that you may need to gybe the sail to turn.

At some point in the future, start the motor, leave it in neutral, raise the sails, and SAIL out of the mooring field.

[Andyman]

I sail off the mooring with the jib. Undo the mooring line and let the wind push the boat away. Raise the jib and sail off. Once out of the field, we just unloose the main and raise it. this next season we will try sailing onto the mooring...with the motor running of course.

[centaursailor]

Keep my boat in a busy walled harbour and raise the main, if I,m going far, as soon as I,m clear.
Boats on the moorings in Skerries bay generally raise the main, then motor into clearer water beyond the reef marker before sailing. It can be dangerous to sail off at times with wind and /or tide pushing towards the beech, the rocks or the reef.
Safe sailing

[PJFORD]

I always choose the main; better control (you can "back" it if needed), and generally the main will not hoist well off the wind so heading-up leaves you with a flogging genny/jib while you raise the main . Also setting the jib/genoa to get the best "slot" is better done after setting the main. I've had to sail into a busy marina under sail alone after a minor engine failure and i wouldn't attempt it with a headsail alone, just not enough control.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by PJFORD

I always choose the main; better control (you can "back" it if needed), and generally the main will not hoist well off the wind so heading-up leaves you with a flogging genny/jib while you raise the main . Also setting the jib/genoa to get the best "slot" is better done after setting the main. I've had to sail into a busy marina under sail alone after a minor engine failure and i wouldn't attempt it with a headsail alone, just not enough control.

A month ago I had to sail to the government dock in Port Hardy. Did it under the main only.