The addition of foam flotation was recommended by Luger Industries in both of Luger's 16-foot models - the Leeward and Seabreeze.  When the added flotation is installed, the Leeward and Seabreeze are self-rescuing and unsinkable. 

          -  Leeward flotation should be located under the seats, and ahead
             of the bulkhead near the bow.
          -  In the Seabreeze, flotation should be placed under the forward
             V-berth, under cockpit seats near the transom (where it would
             be out of the way).
          -  Note:  Flotation is not a substitute for insurance, life
             preservers or other safety equipment.

The original owner/builder probably already installed flotation in the Leeward - but it should be checked.  Styrofoam can degrade, or another owner may never have gotten around to installing it.  Replace or reinforce as needed.

For additional information about flotation material and "How much is enough?", please review the webpage on "Flotation".

You might want to practice doing this for the first time in the very early a.m. (before you get much wind - or onlookers!).  Be sure to face the boat into the wind before raising the sail.

I always start by attaching the boom to the mast.  I find raising the main sail is a little easier when the other end of the boom is supported by a topping lift, to keep it in a horizontal position.  I also fold the sail in a manner that will allow it to easily "unfold" as it is raised.   

1. Slide the foot (bottom) of the main sail's bolt rope through the boom's sail track.
   
2. Place the tack of the main sail (bottom corner of the main, closest to mast) between the gooseneck castings of the boom (the two raised "wings" with a hole in the center of each). Insert a clevis pin through the gooseneck casting and the tack of the main to hold it all together.
   
3. At the other end of the boom, use an Outhaul Line to pull the foot of the Main Sail tight.
   
4. Attach the Main Halyard (typically a rope/wire combo used to actually hoist the sail) to the head of the main sail using the Halyard Shackle (a long shackle made just for this purpose).
   
5. Once the head of the main sail is attached to the main halyard, slide the bolt rope at the head (top) of the main sail into the large opening at the bottom of the mast's sail track (should be just above the boom).
   
6. Check the wind, and be sure the boat is facing into the wind. Pull on the main halyard to begin raising the Main Sail - - BUT REMEMBER to stop at the first batten pocket to insert the batten.  (I can't tell you how many times I have proudly raised the main, only to bring it right back down because I forgot to put in the battens!!)
   
7. Continue pulling on the main halyard to raise the main sail, feeding/straightening the sail's bolt rope into the mast's sail track as you go along.
   
8. Tie the end of the Main Halyard to the Main Halyard Cleat.
   
9. Reverse at the end of your sailing day.
   

If you have trouble - check the mast and the sail track again.  This is usually the source of the problem - and should be checked before raising the mast, but it's never too late to check and/or correct this.

Hint: I have a small piece of a discarded sail, but you can use a piece cloth that is sewn around a short length of rope (about one foot in length) - and the combo is about the same size as the bolt rope. I attached grommets so I could connect it to the main halyard, and sometimes I raise and lower it first, to be sure the track is clean. (Don't laugh - I once had to clear a wasp cocoon from the track...)  If you do this trick, be sure to attach a rope to the bottom of the cloth/rope gadget so you can pull it back down!! 

If you are mooring your Leeward, you'll probably want to leave the boom connected to the mast, and use it with the topping lift, as the cabanna/tent support. If so, you can drape the cover over the boom to protect the cockpit from dew, bird droppings and errant casts by fishermen.

Before purchasing the boat, you probably checked the mast to make sure it was straight and the sail track was also straight and appeared to be clean.   Each time, before raising the mast, you will want to do the same thing:  Check the mast for straightness.  Is the sail track dirty?  Crimped?  Does it have burrs?  Any of these can cause difficulty in raising your sail AND cause premature wear on the sail's bolt rope.

Even if you keep your mast raised, it can still get dirty.  Here's a tip to keep from having to lower your mast to clean it:  I have an old piece of cloth that is sewn around a short length of rope (about one foot in length) - and the combo is about the same size as the bolt rope. I attached grommets so I could connect it to the main halyard, and sometimes I raise and lower it first, to be sure the track is clean. (Don't laugh - I once had to clear a wasp cocoon from the track...)  If you do this trick, be sure to attach a rope to the bottom of the cloth/rope gadget so you can pull it back down!!  There are also commercially sold devices that will do the same thing.

If you trailer your Leeward, be sure you have installed the drain plug before putting the boat in the water.  You would be surprised at how often this important step is overlooked.  Also, check that you have enough life jackets and other items required by local boating ordinances.

Be sure to lower your centerboard after the boat's in the water, but before you start sailing.  It's an easy thing to overlook.  To help me remember, I sewed the end of the centerboard rope with bright red thread (the length that's not seen when the centerboard is lowered).  When the centerboard is raised, the red part of the rope is visible (and it acts as an "alert").  But in the lowered position, the red section goes within the centerboard well. 

If you are mooring your Leeward, you'll probably want to leave the boom connected to the mast, and use it with the topping lift, as the cabanna/tent support.  If so, you can drape the cover over the boom to protect the cockpit from dew, bird droppings and errant casts by fishermen.