New boats mean new challenges!

by Ben McGrane, P&B 6 Apr 2014 19:26 BST 6 April 2014

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH A NEW BOAT!

I have now sailed X22 on two occasions and made a complete hash of leaving the pontoon both times, as a dinghy sailor it would appear I have a fair amount to learn about some aspects of keelboat sailing! Luckily when you get out on the water a lot of the same principles still apply as it is all sailing and quite quickly you find you use a lot of the same techniques, processes and theory as you would in any other boat.

I have always found it interesting how transferable skills are from one boat to another and I think experimenting in different classes is an excellent way of adding additional skills and opens the door to realising there are perhaps other techniques you hadn’t previously considered. This is my favourite part of sailing, learning a new boat, sailing with different people and just generally increasing my understanding of our sport and how to be better at it. A few ideas though of how to make it easier;

Look at the kit being used by the top 10 boats in your class - While you learn to sail a different boat it is easier to do so with just the challenge of the boat itself without the challenge of understanding untested or unproven equipment. Using the most common gear at the front of a class with tuning guides available guarantees good boat speed.

Talk to other sailors in the fleet – In most fleets there are those who are willing to help and share information to get you going in the right direction, certainly if there is a P&B representative in your fleet they will be more than happy to help you get the most out of your boat through information on tuning and sailing techniques.

Sail with more experienced teams – Whether it is racing against them or the opportunity to sail with them, this is a quick way to get a big jump in performance through information that might have otherwise escaped you. Last year when possible I sailed on other XOD’s to gain insight into set up and sailing techniques which has no doubt helped give us a basis on which to build this season.

Calibrate and record – Make sure all your systems and settings are calibrated and carry a wet notes and chinagraph pencil so you can write down settings you find work and go back to them in the same conditions next time.

Simple ideas to make learning your class easier and quicker, not only a new boat but also effective if applied to your current boat of choice.

P&B are offering 15% off XOD sails ordered before 22^nd April, to find out more about our XOD sails, covers and spinnaker bags contact Ben McGrane (01489 577748, email).

NEW BOATS = NEW SAILING KIT!

With a plan this year to do a lot more keelboat sailing than previously I have added to my sailing wardrobe. Last summer I purchased a Zhik Aroshell smock and high fits which I have been really impressed with in terms of durability and warmth, the Aroshell range is really competitively priced for keelboat sailing. I’ve also been wearing Dubarry boots which offer great comfort and warmth with excellent grip.

P&B South stock an excellent range of keelboat clothing, visit us in store or call 01489 577748 for more information.

MORE IN-STORE OFFER...

Pneumatic Trolley Wheels - £12 Each!
Winter Wetsuits and Drysuits – 20% Off!
Crewsaver Boots – 20% While Stocks Last!

For more information visit us in store or call 01489 577748.

EVOTHERM RASH VEST

£34.95
Normal Price: £37.50
You Save: £2.55 (7%)

The Gul Evotherm Rash Vest offers superb UV protection whilst the fleece lined fabric makes this top smooth to the skin, protecting the skin from rubs and rashes.

OS2 JACKET

£199.00
Normal Price: £240.00
You Save: £41.00 (17%)

Re-designed for 2013 the Gill OS2 Jacket remains to be one of P&B's bestsellers. Made from 3 Dot™ fabric this suit is great for all offshore / coastal conditions.

Package deals also available!

EPOXY REPAIR KIT

ONLY £37.55

The Epoxy Repair Kit is a handy self-contained kit which contains all materials to carry out quick structural and sealing repairs on GRP, wood and steel boats.