Well, we are stuck in various forms of isolated situations without sailing.  It’s a tough time for all and in the scheme of things, although sailing is not as important as other challenges people may be going through, it is our sport.  It is what motivates and inspires us.

Time to Get Ready for Next Year

The current break from sailing presents some opportunities that we maybe don’t have time for normally.  Here are a few things to get you thinking and busy over the coming weeks and months:

Boat work

Thinking about everything on your boat that has caused issues and think of improvements/solutions.  It could be maintenance or maybe another boat in your fleet has a better solution.

In the Olympic class boats, after years of sailing against each other, most boats end up with very similar setups and systems. Rig settings would be within 1-2mm of each other. There are breakthroughs but they are quickly tested by most teams and adopted as the new “norm” so the advantage is only there for a short term.  Sometimes the measurers take a while to catch up:

Examples that I have seen directly:

  • Automatic jib sheeting systems invented by Swedish sailors in the 90’s on 470’s won regattas before being outlawed.  This was a beautiful system that automatically adjusted the slot based on pressure.
  • The USA team had a secret system for keeping the water our of the centercase that lasted for 2 Olympics before being picked up on and outlawed (1 Bronze and 1 Silver). The skipper had a zipper on a stick that could seal off the centercase at the bottom of the hull saving several kg’s of water sloshing around.
  • I had a simple rope tensioning system on the Etchell that allowed changes to the rig to be made whilst sailing. Invented by Andrew York.
  • The new endless short cord system on the 49er developed by the Kiwis just before Rio, reduced weight and removed drag and windage from under the wings

Don’t go crazy, but think about anything that could work better and now is a time to build a prototype ready for next season.

Alternatively, keep everything clean and simple.  Minimal ropes, aligned pulleys, everything insulated from corrosion.etc,..

Sail Selection

I’m sure your Sail Makers would like some work over winter and would love to be designing you faster sails rather than just repairs.  Check your sails, talk to your sailmaker and check in with the boats going faster than you.

Fitness

Fitness is one of those things still available if at home or in groups of two (still keeping social distancing) Key areas to work on are:

  • Endurance
  • Flexibility
  • Agility
  • Strength

Maybe your class of boat would benefit from having a Hiking Bench at home. Normally anything that works the same muscle groups is sufficient.  Alternatively, you can get creative and customise a home simulator like your class of boat.  Here’s an example of a 49er simulator for inspiration for you https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=659060471556111

Hiking tips from Steve Cockerill

https://youtu.be/yDGYMVGU2j0

For the less serious, maybe design some cool team shirts and for the musically talented, maybe a Sea Shanty?

If you want to run some ideas past me, feel free to drop an email to and I’ll see how I can help.

Hope you Keep Healthy

Denis