FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Jake Fish
US SAILING Communications Manager
jakefish@ussailing.org
(401) 683-0800
Bill Gladstone of North U. has provided US SAILING members with another racing tip this week... Distance racing offers a set of challenges that differ from round-the-buoys day racing. Here are three more tips from North U. Director Bill Gladstone on how to navigate better in distance racing:
1. Sail Hard
Sail hard all day. Sail harder at night to maintain performance in more challenging conditions. Eat well, rest when you can, dress properly and sail fast. Rest more crew during the day, and keep fresh (rested) crew available for the overnight watches.
2. Practice at Night
In preparation for distance racing practice night sailing and practice short handed boat handling. Your night sailing practice will let you test that you are set up properly with lights as needed (and no lights for most sailing once your eyes adjust). Short handed boat handling work will allow you to develop methods to do most maneuvers with a short crew and also know which evolutions require that you call some or all of the off watch.
3. Sail Fast
Did I mention, sail fast? You can always go faster. Sailing just a little faster over the long haul provides the margin of victory. Increasing average speed just 2% (from 5.0 to 5.1) would allow you to finish a 24 hour race nearly half-an-hour earlier.
* These tips are derived from the North U. Tactics CD and North U Tactics book. These resources offer more complete coverage of distance racing, including polars.
North U. has partnered with US SAILING to provide our members with a couple great discounts:
- US SAILING members save $30 on North U. 2010 Race Trim Seminars.
- Purchase Learn the Racing Rules (2-DVD set) with Dave Dellenbaugh.
$60.00 Retail
$49.95 Members
About US SAILING
The United States Sailing Association (US SAILING), the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership for the sport in the United States. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, US SAILING is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US SAILING offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports a wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team AlphaGraphics. For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org.