First "A" First in Club Racing

GP14 no 13941 returned from the repair yard in style last Saturday (19 March 2016) by winning the first race at the Welsh Harp Sailing Club. 

I hadn't helmed in a "A" race since the unfortunate accident in February, which meant a trip to Ben Dingwall to repair a significant hole in the bow.  As well as damaging the boat, the incident hit my confidence hard.  

When I did feel able to get back in the water, my good friend Lesley Kaye let me crew for her. But 19th was the day to re-rig my own boat and take the helm myself. 

I had been contacted by Sophie Blanchard, who is rapidly gaining a reputation as a winning crew, having taken the front seat in a number of boats who have crossed the finishing line first. So I was honoured when she asked if she could crew for me, although we had not sailed together beforehand. 

The conditions were ideal for me: 11 to 15 knots, so good hyking conditions without being too physical. The wind was Easterly, and I had previously been told by Roger Walton that the advantageous side of the course would be the Southern shore. So that formed the basis of our strategy. I also sailed the boat a lot "looser" than previously (less kicker, out haul or Cunningham). And I knew that the two of us could coordinate some good roll-tacks. 

We had a reasonable start (maybe fifth across the line) and chased after Steve Cooper and others. Mindful of the advice, we stayed on the right side of the course longer than most, and were among the first three at the windward mark. Continuing to apply the same tactics, we were in the lead by the end of the first lap, and were able to grow the gap during the next few legs.  

The challenge for me in these circumstances is a tendency to panic and lose concentration. Sophie was reminding me to "breathe" and help retain focus. 

The third lap saw Andy Wadsworth catch up and overtake us during a poor mark rounding. We fought back, and were just ahead until the final mark, when a decision to tack opened up a window for Andy to beat us to the finish line. 

It was a tense few moments as we inched the boat ahead and just crossed the line first. 

It was the first time I had won an "A" race. I admit responsibility for the high pitched yell that was probably heard throughout the Welsh Harp! 

Sophie took over the helm for her race. Her objective was to gain another "first", so that she could seal the "B" series, which only had a couple more races.  To be honest, I was not fully focused, so we ended up 4th or 5th. Not bad, but a bit disappointing for her as far as the series is concerned. 

Nevertheless, Sophie has reinforced her reputation as the "winning crew". 

And I took the family out to celebrate that evening. 

Very encouraged, and a very big thank you to Sophie as the crew. 

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Boat specs:

Manufacture: SpeedSails GRP

Sails: P&B Mylar 

Tension: 400lbs

Mast rake: 21'9.5"

Psychology for getting back on the water

It has been a frustrating time during the last few weeks, as I was off sick. Then, when I did return,  I was involved in an accident that affected by confidence - not to mention getting significant repairs done to 13941.

It was discouraging, but I need to get back on the water, and start focusing on racing again.

The time off has given me a chance to catch up with conversations I had last year with a very impressive Sports Psychologist called Gary Leboff. Building upon his record with Premiership footballers and top-level golfers, Gary has adapted sports-related strategies to the demands of corporate team building and motivation.

Steeped in the ethos of champions, Gary has worked in football, tennis, rugby union and golf. I must say that his approach to coaching and the training environment is refreshing, accessible and user friendly.

So it was a pleasure to meet with him last year, and gain insight into his psychology for winning dinghy races.

I don't want to give away any secrets, but there was one piece of advice that he gave me which proved successful in the National Championships last year.

His advice was too focus on the PROCESS, not the OUTCOME. Personally, I am always looking ahead, and as a result I think so much about what I am trying to achieve that I forget to concentrate on actually achieving it.

It seemed to work for me: I remember one race in the 2015 Nationals when I deliberately concentrated hard on his advice, and cleared my mind of any thoughts, other than the precise tasks I had in front of me.  It may be coincidence, but that was my best position in the regatta.

Lots of food for thought.

To back that up, I notice that the RYA web site has a very interesting article on  Mental Toughness in Sailing by Skandia Team GBR's psychologist, Dr. Ben Chell

Finally, I was able to go to the Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace, where I took overheard part of a presentation by London 2012 silver medallists Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark, also talking about the psychology of winning. One of the take-aways I had from their presentation, was a Goal Setting grid and scorecard, showing what I want to achieve, and the tasks I will need to perform in order to get there. If it is good enough for Olympic medallists, who are preparing for Rio this year, then it might just be worth my while trying it.

I've started putting together my own view of the goals I want to achieve, complete with the Red / Amber / Green status indicator over time. There's a bit more refinement needed, but I think they are nearly there.

SO, with some clearer ideas of what I am aiming for, and more focused approach, it's time to collect 13941 from the repair shop. AND time to get back on the water....