Championship Checks with P&B!

by Ben McGrane, P&B 6 Jul 2014 23:24 BST 6 July 2014

CHAMPIONSHIP CHECK LIST!

Hard to believe it is already July! For many this means the major events of the year are fast approaching and if you haven’t already, then it is definitely time to get a job list on paper and make sure it is completed.

As always I have left myself with more than enough to do with 3 championships to be sailed during the next month so getting through all the jobs for these 2 classes is pretty challenging, that said there is nothing I hate more than doing boat work at an event so a large part of the next few weeks when not at the events will be ticking boxes to make sure the boats are ready and will pass measurement.

There will always be eventualities that you can’t foresee but turning up with a boat which is ready and measured saves on a lot of stress. I always like to have used the kit for the event beforehand, small variations in spars tend to mean I favour having a mast I use consistently for training and racing before replacing it every 1-2 seasons to stay confident of not putting too much mileage on it. I always carry a spare when possible, in the Merlin and the I14 I always have another rig of the same spec and fit out ready to drop straight in to the boat, on a 2 or 3 race day this can save your championship and also means you are back on the water with minimal stress. With sails I will always have used the spinnaker a couple of times while the main I tend to use for a couple of events and the jib for a couple of days in moderate breeze to get a feel for it, which would also ideally be racing or tuning with other boats. This means if you are looking to get new sails for your big event then get your order in soon to give yourself time to try them before you reach the start line of the first race.

So is your boat ready? In order to achieve your goals this summer don’t let your equipment be your downfall, breakages are frustrating and can cost positions or even a finishing result. Below is my list of must do’s to do before your championship;

Hull & Foils – Make sure they are free of dings and scratches. Make sure the hull is clean and polished, my preference in the Hullkote product as talked about in the last e-news.

Spars – Make sure the mast and boom are straight. That there is no sign of cracking, fatigue of fittings, nothing moves that shouldn’t and all moving components such as sheaves are in good working order. High loaded items like boom brackets, gooseneck pins and kicker attachment points that are more than 2 years old I would replace. Make sure the mast sets straight in the boat and is tuned correctly. Check over all rigging and halyards, if you sail in a loaded class which breaking halyards are a problem then work out how old yours is and whether it is worth replacing.

Sails – Make sure you have tried them at least once and get them measured before going to the event if possible. This is all about being as relaxed as possible, measurement can take an hour or a day depending on how you approach it.

Ropes and Hardware – All blocks running smoothly, no sign of chafe or wear on any sheets or control lines.

Trolley and Trailer – All in good working order and will get your boat to the event without fail.

Sailing Kit – Have you got everything you need? Is any of it on its last legs and not going to get through the week? Do you have everything you will need for the variety of conditions you will get at your championship venue?

Spares – Hopefully your event will be supported or have a local chandlery but it is worth being prepared especially if overseas. Spare sheets to the same spec as you are currently using, spare halyards, a variety of spare blocks, screws, rivets, shackles to cover many of the possible problems you could have with your boat.

Tools – Can you fix it if you have to? A basic tool kit along with a battery drill and rivet gun can solve most problems in the boat park.

P&B South is UK’s leading South Coast Chandlery and Repair Centre. Located centrally to the main Solent championship venues we have fantastic stock of products and are on hand with advice should you find yourself in need of assistance during your championship. Not only this but with our team of boat repair and preparation experts we can help you get your boat in optimum working condition. Contact us for more information; 01489 577748, email

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