I have spoken to many sailors lately who are hesitant to give the slalom racing a go. Generally the feeling is that it is quite intimidating, especially at the gybe marks. Here are a couple of tips which should put some of these ideas to rest.

Tip 1. On the day of the race, pack your gear in the car a bit early. Make sure you bring all your gear. The most frustrating thing is when you have left things to the last minute and then rushed the loading. For the sake of a few extra minutes make sure you have everything!

Tip 2. Get to the venue a bit early and rig up! job done. No last minute headaches. then you can relax or get on the water and do some last minute adjusting! ps. But do not burn up all your energy.

Tip 3. Say hello to the bloke next to you! they are all a friendly bunch and I am yet to meet any big heads.

Tip 4. Chances are you will not be in contention for 1st, second or third! guess what it doesnt matter! there are little mini races going on all over the fleet! this is the true fun of slalom racing. "Water finds its own level"

Tip 5. If you are just starting, try and gybe out a bit wider at the marks. The water will be flatter, the air cleaner and you will not get in anyone elses way. If you do blow it, guess what it doesnt matter!! we all blow it.

Tip 6. Have fun! your sailing ability will definately improve. The top guys at the races are only too happy to help you with tips on stance, rigging etc etc.... there is plenty to learn trust me.

Tip 7. Respect the boat crew... any old salts will know that it is common courtesy to wave to the boat crew at the finish of a race day. No boat crew, no race.

Tip 8. If you think it is all about the gear your wrong! Leo won many of the round 2 races using wave gear!!

Look forward to seeing you all on the water this Sunday!!!

That make me want to try slalom racing. Great tips.

Is there anywhere I can park with a trailer (not in the boat carpark)?
Cheers
Marty

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MartinF2 said..

Is there anywhere I can park with a trailer (not in the boat carpark)?
Cheers
Marty

There are always about 1/2 dozen people who bring trailers to each race, they always seem to find a spot right next to the rigging area either by separating their trailer from their car/ute or by finding a long spot to park

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evilC said..

MartinF2 said..

Is there anywhere I can park with a trailer (not in the boat carpark)?
Cheers
Marty

There are always about 1/2 dozen people who bring trailers to each race, they always seem to find a spot right next to the rigging area either by separating their trailer from their car/ute or by finding a long spot to park

Thank you.
Cheers
Marty

All great tips!

I am mid fleet in the B Class and was a little intimidated at first.

I tend to do the following to keep things easy for me:

1. I start by following the quick guys out

2. I jibe wide around the marks to keep out of the way

3. If I am sailing straight towards someone on the course (always happens as I am slower), then I head upwind or downwind early to show them my intent(depending on my speed etc). The fast guys are pretty good at avoiding us slower sailors anyway.

As my confidence builds, I push a bit harder and jibe closer to the mark.

Seems to work for me.