Question?

*

Edited by Helz

toppers tend to go slower in really heavy winds such as a force 7 upwards because they become uncontrolable you can't even tack them very well  a good force 4-6 is a good wind for a topper (written by smight at bbsc)

Face to name topic

Helz

I had a similar problem at your age. My school sailed N12s and I was in Scorpions at the time so didn't fancy the switch. Instead I did rowing as my spring and summer sport at school. I was a gangly 6 footer age 14 but couldn't put on the muscle to get me into the eights I wanted. I would train 6 days a week and get my mother to liquidize all sorts of high protein assortments. Result - nothing. I was probably the most toned youngster around  (and yes I was doing the right sort of high weight/low reps training) but I couldn't bulk up. In the end I quit rowing and took up track running and within a year I was South West District Champ at my event.

My point isn't to put you off sailing but to emphasise as, others have done, that there is a limit to what you can do to change your body shape, which, judging from your photo (and not wanting to sound like a dirty old man), looks alright to me.

IMHO you should spend less time worrying about your size and keep practising in the boat. At my club we have Ireland's top Laser fleet and, when he finds the time it includes one who represented Ireland at the '82 Olympics. I think it is fair to say that he is not the same weight and fitness that he was 25 years ago. However, he still mixes it at the front - not because he is the ideal weight but because he is a GOOD SAILOR. We also have three sailors hoping to go to Qingdao and they can jump into ANY boat and be fast.

Sailing has its physical side for sure but the artistry comes from reading the wind and waves. Master these, young Grasshopper, and you'll be right on the pace. And the weight will catch up with you eventually!

lol soz Pierre, thx 4 that