Getting Better

Avoid that one as well, he shouts at you if so much as your sails shadow darkens his view..

Get a copy of Eric Twiname's "Sail, Race and Win". It's all about how to analyse what to learn, how to plan to learn, and how to actually learn.

Edited by Chris 249 - 13 Jul 14 at 9:34am

Originally posted by MerlinMags I second that; read books. Not for their own sake, but to get ideas for training techniques you can perform solo. I can only think of a few exercises (below) but Twiname and other authors will have plenty more. 1. Hover beside a mark, maintaining station 2. Set your watch and practice starts on a very short line 3. Practice stopping and accelerating 4. Do 200 tacks, until they are perfect and you don't have to think 5. Ditto gybes 6. Sail rudderless to learn steering without the tiller

I need to do all that, I'm useless at maintaining station and it's fundamental to a good start on a windsurfing startline as is sailing backwards and forwards without slipping sideways, if there were a way to do that in a dinghy I'd buy it.

Edited by iGRF - 14 Jul 14 at 5:42pm

Originally posted by Chris 249 Get a copy of Eric Twiname's "Sail, Race and Win". It's all about how to analyse what to learn, how to plan to learn, and how to actually learn.

Is the book really that worthwhile?  I don't mean to be a little negative but quite a few of the books i've looked through aren't overly brilliant.  Don't get me wrong I'm happy to try anything just wanted to get a bit more info.

As for all the hints and tips, thanks ladies and gents, i'm now trying to go down early for racing to spend and hour or so doing tacking and gybing practice and trying to sit on station (seen the lasers doing this although never tried it myself). 

While i'm writing anyway, has anyone any experience about racing finns?  Theres a well sailed one i end up racing against from time to time and it seems to perform well for its handicap?  I was under the impression the olympic classes tended to have a lower PY due to the above average quality of sailors in the class?

Actually don't bother. Stay at the back and pootle about. People seem to be so much happier at the back of the fleet, have a chat and a yarn on their way round. Have you ever noticed that it is supposed rubbish people who seem to be smiling more while sailing.

If you get better it only leads to disappointment. And it's far too serious up front. Try and have a chat only to be told to "f*** off, I'm trying to race....." much nicer at the back.

Edited by maxibuddah - 21 Jul 14 at 1:37pm