HOW TO GET A TOP 5 FINISH
most of the time

Tactics for short course, One-design racing, and, a taste of the "zen" of sailboat racing.

1. Don't adjust your sail controls too often (unless the weather changes drastically)

   On a short course boat speeds are relatively the same

   You usually gain more from good tactics than from good speed

2. Get a good start (there is usually more than one "great " spot)

   On time (practice)

   On the line (practice)

   Clean air

   Near the competition

3. Stay with the leaders (don't take flyers)

   Remember that you are racing the other boats, not the clock

   Use other boats to keep your speed up (hitchhike, don't go off by yourself)

4. Keep your head out of the boat (but under the boom)

   Don't think about any other race, race the one you are in!

   Don't think about your last mistake, instead look for more wind, or shifts, or...

   Pretend you were dropped onto the course and are going to pass as many boats as you can before the finish

5. Slow down and win

   STOP, BREATHE, THINK then ACT!!!

6. Have fun!!!

   The whole reason for your participation should be to have a good time

   You are trying to better yourself physically and mentally and you have the ability to get immediate feedback from your competitors (friends). The only losers are the ones that don't realize this and are racing for other reasons

7. Practice

   Every time you are near the water or on a boat, practice looking for puffs, windshifts and current (remember to keep it fun)

   Set your boat up using the KISS principal

   Boathandling skills

   Visualize the entire race

We have all the answers inside of us, somtimes we just need to be reminded!

GOOD LUCK!! (we can all use it)

© 1996 John Holmberg

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