Tactics and Mindset
Tactics and Mindset
Acclimatise – Never underestimate the importance of local knowledge, if you are racing at home remember you have the insider information. For races farther afield, aim to get there three to four days before if it’s abroad, a long distance or very unfamiliar conditions, if the location is closer take a trip a couple of weekends earlier. Use the time to get used to the conditions, this can include the humidity, food, temperature and water temperature, through to currents, water state and wind effects. KJ
Relax – It is really important to get a good night’s sleep before competition, this means you are relaxed then ready to go full speed! BD
Focus – Mental skill turns a talent into a champion. Many people are fast, everybody has great equipment, all professional sailors train a lot, but it is always the same people winning. To figure out the mind set of a champion is hard, to copy this almost impossible, but I do know those that win are always focussed on their race and their equipment, not anybody else. KJ
My mental preparation is possibly even more important than my equipment, especially for racing – how you react to pressure situations is what decides the champion. VA
Overtaking – I try to put pressure on the guy in front with my speed and get as close as possible to him around the gybes, really breath down his neck. This means he is more likely to make a mistake, and then I will be right there to overtake him. This is normally secret!!! AA
Leading – When you are in front it is easier, just do not look back too much, keep an eye out for who is in second but do not focus on them. BD
No mistakes – The biggest mistake you can make is to go over early at the start. Then your whole race is finished before it starts. Or another is to crash, you must avoid collisions at all costs! AA
Finish – The race is only over when you cross the finish line, even if something goes wrong finish the race. True champions never give up, even if they finish in last position. KJ
Next race – If I have had a bad race I just try to think positive, learn from what happened, then move on and concentrate on the next heat. BD
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