As the end-of-season JSA championship regattas approach over the next few days, here are some resources we've compiled to help everyone have a successful, smooth, and fun week:
A is for Articles:
If it's your style, doing a little background reading never hurts. Earlier this summer, WindCheck Magazine published a story on preparing for junior sailing regattas, with a rundown of the nuts and bolts of ensuring a great event. Another good article comes from the archives of Sail1Design, written by Tufts Head Sailing Coach Ken Legler, about avoiding mistakes at regattas and the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. Though its written with the college sailor in mind, the advice is great for sailors of all ages: including avoiding fouls, when and when not to tack, preventing breakdowns, and dealing with traffic on the water. Check it out!
B is for Being Ready:
American YC coach Graham Landy reminds us of some basic and key points of getting ready for a big regatta: "When preparing for a major event, I always research the venue well ahead of time to practice effectively. Shortly before the event, I focus on basics on the water such as boatspeed and boathandling. Most importantly, I eat and sleep well in the days preceding the event."
Frank Pizzo, Head Sailing Coach at Bowdoin and former program director at Larchmont and Pequot YC, echoed Landy's statements about eating and sleeping well. He added, "Sailors need to hydrate well before getting on the water. The most common way to lose focus is through dehydration."
Pizzo also noted the importance of keeping to routine, saying, "It is important to treat your championship regattas just like every other event. Stick to the routines that have made you comfortable and ready for earlier events. It is important for sailors to avoid trying sometime new or experimental for these bigger events. New sails or new rigging need to be worked out at the smaller events. These new things are really just distractions."
C is for Checking Conditions:
Know what to expect at your venue! For those heading to Norwalk/Rowayton for the Pixel & Blue Jay Champs as well as Stamford for the Laser, Radial, and C420 Champs, CleverPig has all the links to weather forecasts, tide tables, and wind conditions in the area. Those headed to Opti Champs at Larchmont later this week can get the same information here.
Good luck to everyone, and sail fast!
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