paralympic-sailor

Ability, Experience and Commitment

Top sailing racers usually have three things in common: ability, experience and commitment. Many new racers often find it difficult to believe that they can take on and beat the established competition due to their experience within the class. It is of course difficult to take on the established order but one should not be put off by a lack of experience. Hard work and practice to master the technical skills will soon pay off, add this newly won ability to a commitment to learn off every source available and race wins will follow.

In my experience it is just as important to study as it is to practice. In my study I try to learn about a small piece of the sailing/racing jigsaw and then the next time I sail I go out with the purpose of understanding and or mastering what I have learnt. When I practice I always have a goal in mind, I never go out just to sail - I go out to master a leeward rounding; see how mast bend affects the mainsail; discover if I can sail with my eyes shut; find a better way to change sail trim; perfect stop and go manouvers etc.

I have read every sailing source and race manual I could get my hands on or find on the web. Each new writer has given me fresh take on a subject and I have gone back to each many times over the last two years.

Suggested Reading List

Illustrated Sail & Rig Tuning, Ivar Dedekam

Winning in One Design, Dave Perry

Advanced Racing Tactics, Stuart Walker

Manual of Sail Trim, Stuart Walker

Damien Seguin of France