Racing with Limited experience Women and wind April 2018

Boat prep Good condition, free running Only racing equipment, well organized

Boat Prep Ask other boats for advice Offer to pay for improvement

Setting goals Get around the course No fouls Don't lose crew overboard

Setting goals Get out early to study the wind Know the rules Pick off the competition, one boat at a time

Crew responsibility and interaction Discuss what is expected of each crew for each maneuver. Leave sarcasm, tempers, pet peeves, etc. on shore Value punctuality and attendance Develop communication through body movement.  Encourage crew discussions on tactics, with one deciding voice

Crew responsibility and interaction Have a practice day Review position expectation before leaving the dock Review again a couple boat lengths before tricky maneuvers Discuss what worked, what didn't, after the race, before the bar What happens on the water stays on the water Don't lose good crew. Not everyone is a fit for every boat

starts Ensure all lines and rigging are ready Take a transit Which side of the line is favoured?  Which side of the courses has more wind?  Do "S" turns to give you a slot with clear air. 

starts Watch earlier fleet - Where, when, why are they starting/tacking Watch the strongest boat in your fleet At the bar, ask the winners why they did what they did

WINDWARD MARK ROUNDINGS Go fast by keeping clean air, avoid dueling Watch sail shape, sail position of neighbours Prior to mark rounding, visualize next leg Go wide to mark, tight around.    Leave some in the bank in light winds Review everyone’s tasks prior to rounding Calmly share all info on wind changes, water changes, competition

WINDWARD MARK ROUNDINGS Stay with the fleet If in doubt about direction keep parallel with your neighbours Watch the winners

Leeward gates Choose best mark to round. Look for clean air Allow time for crew to complete their maneuvers Get on new tack as soon as you get around mark The shortest distance between two points

Leeward gates Watch winning boats Learn from your performance what might work next sausage.

Don’t be too hard on yourself Enjoy!