Are you race ready?<\/p>\n
Entered a big race? Don\u2019t know where to start with your preparations? Follow the RYA\u2019s ten top tips to get you in the best possible shape for race day\u2026<\/p>\n
Embrace your competitive spirit<\/p>\n
We’re not talking fair weather boating jaunts – we’re talking racing.\u00a0 And that means doing everything to ensure that you are making the best of your skills.\u00a0 So how do you switch your mind set in order to deliver an outstanding performance?<\/p>\n
Sailing coach Mark Rushall comments: “Racing puts both physical and mental sailing skills in the spotlight. You’ll need to be more aware of the conditions and able to adapt your sailing style accordingly.\u00a0 The best sailors treat every race as an opportunity to learn.\u00a0 Having a plan, an understanding of tactics, the ability to learn from your mistakes and the passion to succeed will take you a long way.”<\/p>\n
Make time<\/p>\n
Practice makes perfect according to Ian Walker who will be taking over as RYA Director of Racing later in the year\u00a0. He says: \u201cIt\u2019s all about getting time on the water, particularly at a young age. It doesn\u2019t matter what you sail; crewing, helming; all different classes of boat \u2013 it doesn\u2019t matter. Just get out there as much as you can and that will improve your feel. It\u2019s no surprise that Ben Ainslie is the first one out on the water and the last one in when training.\u201d<\/p>\n
Try different crafts<\/p>\n
Rio 2016 Olympian Nicola Groves recommends asking around at your local sailing club and offering to help crew and sail as many types of boats as you can. She adds: \u201cFor me, this definitely sped up the learning process. It makes you a better all-round sailor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Join a club<\/p>\n
Clubs are brilliant environments for nurturing your racing skills. Not only do they give you access to different boats and first-rate training, they also provide regular practise sessions with plenty of support from fellow club members. Most clubs also offer a full racing\u00a0calendar as well. To find a club near you visit www.rya.org.uk\/getafloat<\/p>\n
Get trained<\/p>\n
Preparation will get you in the right head space for racing. Perhaps you are new to boating and want to race? RYA courses will help you improve, laying solid foundations to hit the race course. If you\u2019re racing dinghies RYA Start Racing will help you everything you need to know about how to get off the start line and onto the race course.<\/p>\n
Even if you are an experienced racer who has never considered any formal training, you may have areas you\u2019d like to improve like how to keep your speed on through a tack. RYA Advanced Racing covers everything from boat preparation to strategy. Whatever your level, there\u2019s always something new to learn. For more information visit: http:\/\/www.rya.org.uk\/go\/training<\/p>\n
Know the rules<\/p>\n
The rules change all too often \u2013 luckily, you can keep up to date with our brilliant selection of racing books in print and digital formats. From the pocket sized rules books to interactive eBooks and attached case books, you can go deeper into the detail – learning how to refine tactics, make correct boat-on-boat decisions and give yourself the best chance of coming out on top in a protest hearing. With detailed explanations in easily digestible formats it\u2019s one way to become an expert, because let\u2019s face it, you can never be too informed. For the full range of books, including RYA The Racing Rules Explained 2017-2020 eBook, visit www.rya.org\/go\/racingbooks<\/p>\n
Hit the gym<\/p>\n
If you are serious about racing, you\u2019ll need a sailing focused fitness regime.<\/p>\n
An instructor at your local gym can help you identify areas you need to work on like core strength and cardiovascular training.<\/p>\n
Follow the RYA\u2019s top tips on sailing fitness with these handy videos by former RYA British Sports Scientist Tim Jones:<\/p>\n