Laser radial

Ok, I went out this weekend for the first time in my laser radial, it was prety awful wind (light and shifty). I dident do two bad (for a first time) and got two 3rd's in club racing. I was just wandering if any one on hear had any tips that they could give me to hopefully get to simalar standard I was in my topper.

Get out and practise is the best advice.

If you need to go to a few class training events/open meetings meet a few people and ask them for advice when you are in for lunch/tea

An easy thing that will prevent losing places in the windier stuff, is learn to gybe without getting the sheet caught on the back corner.  It's not difficult, just a little practice required.

If you are looking to take things seriously then fitness is worth serious consideration.  I never weighted more than about 62KG when I had mine, and upwind in anything over F3 was really hard work.  Doesn't matter how fast you are downwind if everyone else is on the horizon when you reach the windward mark.

I'm probably not the best to advise on a fitness regime as I was always a bit too lazy to do a lot of training.  It probably prevented me getting the best out of the radial.  I'd imagine that the cycling is good and probably some work on the core muscles.  Sit-ups should be a good bet.  Endurance rather then strength.

thanks :)