I have a sailing regatta in a few days and im absolutely terrified, what can i do?
March 27th, 2008
liv asked:
started sailing 10 weeks ago with a group of friends, and the regatta is in a few days and im absolutley terrified! i know im kind of ready, but whenever i get on the boat (im crew) i just freak out and go all nervous and jumpy, even when the boat tips a tiny bit i panic. what can i do to stop this? i cant back out, and i have been worrying about this for days.
Christian
started sailing 10 weeks ago with a group of friends, and the regatta is in a few days and im absolutley terrified! i know im kind of ready, but whenever i get on the boat (im crew) i just freak out and go all nervous and jumpy, even when the boat tips a tiny bit i panic. what can i do to stop this? i cant back out, and i have been worrying about this for days.
Christian
What’s the worst that could happen? You fall in the water? Just make sure you’re wearing your life vest.
First of all let me welcome you to the wonderful and great world of sailing.
Sailing is fun and demanding at the same time. You did not say what kind of boat it is, but if it is a group of friends, then you are on a boat of some size. Maybe something like a 30 foot or so long boat.
A sailboat actually sails faster with a little healing of about 10 – 20 degrees. It reduces the wetted surface (friction), but does not shorten the waterline length (fast). Sailboats were made to heal, so don’t worry. If the angle gets near 90, then you can start to worry. If you are 30 – 45, then hang on, but don’t worry. At that much heal, the main should be reefed and a storm jib should be put flown.
Stay on the high side and remember the old rule: keep one hand on the boat. Dress warm and wear layers (do not wear jeans, they get heavy if wet). Go potty before getting on boat. Have fun and may you win your class.