Many people are entering the RS Aero class after years either out of dinghies or after sailing in crewed boats, so there are some things worth remembering when you’re sailing alone.

 

Think about the most successful sailing you have done – the Comms have been great, right? Succinct, encouraging, informative and so on. Just because you are on your own doesn’t mean you don’t respond in the same way. “Talking through” ideas and plans helps to crystallise your thinking. I talk out loud, as I know some of you know! That may not work for you, but definitely have the same conversations internally you would have on a crewed boat; Pre-start, options off the line, top mark approach, boat handling and so on… Include congratulating yourself on good moves, and giving yourself and productive chiding for cock-ups!

 

COACHING - Get some, no matter how informal. If you have the ability to get a professional coach to look at what you’re doing from outside then do so, improvements can be vertical especially early on. Even if you cannot get a pro, then listening to the advice of other sailors whose opinions you value is also great! Try and get out early, line up with them and ask their opinion (in the ever-friendly RS Aero fleet, everyone is happy to help!) It could be a simple or small improvement that changes everything! (reading these articles and the other’s put up by the Class is a great start).

 

OBSERVATION - Watch what the people in front of you are doing and learn from it. At the recent RS Aero Worlds in Melbourne I learned so much from observing fast guys like Liam and his Dad Keith Willis and Derek Bottles; techniques, boat handling, tactics – by observing, learning, emulating & mastering where you can you’ll steadily improve.

 

FITNESS - You need to work hard! We love our lightweight RS Aero’s but let me tell you for sure and certain, they reward hard work as they are so responsive. Be it hiking that little bit harder or longer, working the boat kinetically over waves upwind and continually adjusting trim or your downwind technique – the harder you can work, the better you’ll go and there is no short cut around that one. The motivation to improve your fitness can be an enjoyable part of your RS Aero journey!

 

Good luck to you all in hibernation. We are lucky where I live right now to still be able to sail single handedly (no racing, no groups but at least we can get out on the water). I have spoken to many friends and family in Spain, Italy and the UK as well as the USA where it is so much tougher. Wishing you all the very best and really looking forward to sailing with you again soon.

 

Simon, AUS '