Yachts & Yachting - July 2018

1. PRE-EVENT
   Boat preparation is very important. If things break or
   systems don’t work it’s going to make it dicult to
   complete the race and you may even have to retire.
   Boat work always takes so much longer than you think! Don’t leave it
   until the day before or the morning of the race; it will cause added stress
   and you will arrive at the startline flustered with not all of it completed
   and bodged together. Check your boat thoroughly the week before.

„Look closely for any wear on ropes

„Ensure blocks and cleats work correctly

„Check your systems work correctly and are easily

adjustable with the correct amount of purchase

„Tighten shackles with pliers and tape up split rings

„If you’re sailing a boat with a slot gasket have a good check

to see that it’s not ripped or starting to come of

„Look carefully at your foils and hull for any damage

„Assemble a spare set of sheets as well as spare blocks, cleats,

shackles, split pins and rings, and a good selection of nuts and bolts.

This will save you many panicked trips to the chandlery and back.

DON’T LEAVE

PREPARATIONS UNTIL

THE LAST MINUTE

TOP TIP

PAUL WYETH

If you’re new to racing, it can seem quite daunting

turning up for your first race. Whether it’s a club race,

open meeting or even the national championship,

HELENA LUCAS has these top tips to help you avoid

making some common mistakes

RACING

ESSENTIALS

July 2018 Yachts & Yachting 53

FEATURE START RACING