Many boat owners become sailors. Their boating desires are wind –focused. If you are into sailing, you may have considered sailing in a regatta. A regatta is a series of boat races. The term typically describes racing events of rowed or sailed water craft, although some powerboat race series are also called regattas. A regatta often includes social and promotional activities which surround the racing event, and except in the case of boat type (or “class”) championships, is usually named for the town or venue where the event takes place.
The few days prior to your first regatta can be more important than the big day itself. The first step is determining how you and your boat are getting to the regatta. Sailing is a unique game in many aspects, especially in that the playing field is never the same one day as it is the other. Everything depends on the weather conditions. Therefore, the second step is to thoroughly study the projected weather forecasts for the day of the event. Fortunately, there are great websites that will do all the work for you. A popular sailing-friendly sites is Sail- Flow (sailflow.com). This site will give an hourly prediction of the days to follow pertaining to wind, precipitation, and humidity. You should be prepared for everything from a cold, wet and windy “hold on for your life” day to a hot and humid drift race.
Attire is crucial. Regular beach attire is highly recommended. Polarized sunglasses to cut the glare from the water should always be a part of sailing gear. With today’s technology, there are several types of U.V. protective tops, such as rash guards and sun shirts that are great for being out in the sun for hours, and you can wear board shorts or a bathing suit on the bottom. Apply plenty of sunscreen all around, and remember to drink plenty of water. The most important thing to remember when sailing on a sunny day is not to become dehydrated. To keep warm and somewhat dry on wet and windy days, you will need foul weather gear. Garments recommended for dinghy sailing are simply a spray top and spray pants over what you would wear on a warm day of sailing. Again, you must drink plenty of water, especially when sailing in salt water. It’s very common to be drenched in salt water when it blows stink, and that will inevitably dehydrate you.
It is important to become familiar with the facilities at the hosting yacht club. Will your boat require a dolly or a lifting harness? After launching, where do you tie up? Will you have to sail to the race course? Practice time is a must.
Once the races start, there’s nothing else to do other than have a good time. The most efficient way to improve in sailing is to get out on the water and compete against your friends and peers. Sailing is a great game that requires values and responsibility. Hit the water sailing and have fun!
Source: “Racing.” Sailing World. Web. 17 June 2013
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