Added 24th February 2022
Lolling Around in Chairs and Fondling Balls
I was fascinated by something I came across recently about how we think, and how a simple technique could be used to improve sailing skills.
Added 24th February 2022
Port Tack Start
The port tack start is not for the faint hearted, relying on bravery, brinkmanship, quick and bold decision-making, and excellent timing. Here’s how to do it…
Added 23rd February 2022
Mid-Line Start on a Level Line
Mid-Line starts are possibly the hardest to get right, mostly because it is much harder to be sure of your position relative to the line. Read all about how to execute them perfectly.
Added 22nd February 2022
Port End Start on a Port Biased Line
Port end starts can be tricky, and winning the pin is generally less important than getting a clear lane near the pin buoy.
Added 21st February 2022
Starboard End Start on a Starboard Biased Line
The Committee Boat end is almost always a busy place, so getting a good starboard end start can be a tricky balancing act.
Added 10th February 2022
Holding Position Before the Start
Being able to hold position in the countdown to the start is an important skill as it enables you to select your starting position on the line. It is actually a very tricky skill to develop, but it is well worth the effort. Here’s how to do it…
Added 9th February 2022
The First 100 metres
People often talk about the start being a huge influencer on how a race will go, but in fact it is the start AND the first hundred metres that have the big impact: it’s no good getting off the line well at the right end if you are going to sink back into the fleet straight away.
Read more about how to make sure you make the most of your gains from the start.
Added 8th February 2022
Transits
Learning to get and use good transits is a very easy and simple way to improve your starts. If you don’t already do it (and you’re far from alone if you don’t) it is well worth making it a habit as it can be the difference between a great start and a bad one.
Added 31st January 2022
Sailing Biographies, Autobiographies and True Stories
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned sailor or a landlubber with no sailing experience at all – sailing biographies and true stories tend to be fascinating and enthralling. They produce some incredible insights into the human psyche, cutting close to what makes us all tick as they explore how people respond in the most extreme of circumstances.
Most books avoid getting technical, which helps make them accessible, allowing us instead to explore the sense of wonder, adventure and sometimes trauma that different types of sailing can inspire.
From terrifying brushes with death to inspirational and aspirational life stories; from crazy, unthinkable journeys to hilarious and idiotic mistakes, these books having something for everyone.
Added 7th October 2021
Wind Indicators
All boats need good wind indicators – here’s how to choose the best one for your sailing needs.
