Sunday, February 7, 2016

How to win races - master of the not so obvious list

As a freshman at Tufts University, Ken Legler had something similar to this is sharpie up on the wall at the boathouse at Mystic Lake.

If I didn't do well at an event, it was usually because I didn't follow these rules....

1. Show up on time, know the course and don't foul anyone.
2. Do not capsize, and have a reliable plan for what to do, and when to do it, should something happen, this applies to several things.
3. Avoid breaking things by checking them occasionally for wear.
4. Sail fast.
5. Sail less distance.
6. Eat and drink the right amounts.
7. Dont do it if it isn't fun, but remember practicing, boat prep, drills, speed testing, fitness, and losing or gaining weight will make you have more fun.
8. Always try to improve or learn, if you make this fun, it is likely you will win more races.
9. When you are at smaller events or practicing, experiment, so that you learn something about your boat, or yourself.
10. Do not obsess about the results, obsess about how well you sailed overall, about your tacks, about your starts, revisit #8, and soon enough the results will come.


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