I believe pre-regatta preparation is a major component for such success.
There are several parts to pre-regatta preparation. Some parts start
well in advance of the event. The whole goal I have in getting ready
for a big event is to wake up on the 1st day of racing and be in a position
to walk from the skipper’s meeting straight to my boat and go sailing.
Pre-race prep gives you a much better chance at having total focus on
sailing once the skipper’s meeting is over.
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Memorize the NOR (notice of race)
early on. Understanding the race schedule, the social schedule,
the final race cut-off times. Allow plenty of time during your trip
to be on time for the skipper's meeting and also for leaving. Do
not rush things on your last day of race or you will lose your focus
on what can be the most important day of the regatta. Allow time
for every move you make.
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Have you pre-registered. This
is very important and relieves some last minute rushing around to
register.
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Housing. Make sure you have
this base covered early. Most regatta web sites offer links about
housing availability, motels including maps, etc. Having your housing
in order is another area that will allow you to focus on sailing
and also just to be comfortable without worries.
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Crew. It is important for everyone
to have crews at the major events when you have a long series of
races scheduled over a three day period. Two day events you can
take a chance but usually during a three day event you are bound
to see a blow.
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Your Boat. Is your boat ready?
Do not show up the day before and plan on rebuilding your boat.
It should be ready before you leave. You should be sailing the day
before the start as most of the top teams will be doing just that.
Most common problems that show up at MC Scow regattas ( I know
first hand, believe me):
Broken spreader brackets. The spreader brackets are fragile . Never
set the mast down on the deck or ground where the mast is resting
on the spreaders (always flip so spreaders are up). Missing Stamasters,
missing forestay shackles, missing o-rings for the rudder. Goosenecks
seem to disappear when they are not taped up properly. Having a
small mast bag on the butt end of your mast is a good idea when
taking a long road trip. Have a small flat file in your tool box
in case there are new dings on your boards or rudder that show up.
Tie your boards up when taking a road trip. Are your batten pockets
on the sail in good shape. This is usually an area of concern after
a sail has some hours on it. Is your luff rope okay? After a sail
has been exposed to the elements the luff rope can shrink and make
for problems that include broken main halyards. Have the boat clean
before you stick her in your road covers so you have minimal time
spent at the regatta site cleaning her up.
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Time To Sail. If you do not
get to sail on the day before the event you need to make sure that
you are walking from the skipper’s meeting straight to your
boat for pre race 1 sailing time.
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The Rules and Race Committee.
Knowing the rules of the event is important. Read your Sis (sailing
instructions). If you do not understand something, ask. A major
strength of our group is sharing knowledge.
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BE READY FOR RACING!!!!!!!!!
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Last But Not Least. If you
know of someone coming and they are not registered please get them
to pre-register. It really helps the event organizers to put on
the good show they want to put on.
