By Wally Cross, Quantum Detroit

If you’re thinking about getting into sailboat racing – or returning after a hiatus—you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of options based on your experience, available time, and budget. By planning ahead for the time and expense, it is pretty feasible to sail four to six regattas a year. The first decision to make is whether to go handicap or one design. This article looks at one design, a racing option that continues to grow in popularity due to the availability of boats, affordability, access to local fleets, and competition balanced with fun.

 When looking at one design, the first step is to pick the class and then a boat. One design classes vary a great deal, and rather than focus on a particular boat, it’s a good idea to study the different classes and the people involved to see if it’s a good fit.

 

Finding the One Design Class Right for You

Many one design classes and sailors are active on Facebook  and some classes have their own websites. These are good places to start your research to learn more about the interests and backgrounds of the class members and the overall direction of the class. For example, some classes have restrictions on who can steer and the number of pro’s (sailing professionals) allowed. Many one design classes will have a class leader (preferably other than the boat builder) to answer your questions. Contact this person and see if it is possible to rent/charter a boat for one event.

 

Selecting a Boat

Once you have narrowed down your choice to one or two one design classes, it’s time to focus on the boat. This can be a challenge; here are some pointers:

• Make a list of all potential boats.
• Even though you may be in good physical shape overall, be realistic with your choice of boats.  While you may be able to hike comfortably during a test sail, remember that at larger regattas you will be on the boat and hiking much longer. 
• Use the Internet to gather information on each boat.
• Look at the locations where the class races and if there are local fleets.
• Decide on how much time you will be able to set aside to race.
• Compare the cost of each boat and the building process. Note: Look for a strong presence in the class from the builder. This should help with resale values and overall class strength.
• Look at the re-sale of the boats to see if they are holding their value.
• Narrow your search to three boats and identify the class leaders (not boat builders).
• Test sail each boat in a race to see how the competitors act on the water.
• Compare your interests to those of the other class members to see how you fit.
• Make a budget for each boat you are considering. Include the items listed below, including replacement sails. Then factor in regatta expenses. Whatever you think it costs, add about 25%. The worst thing you can do is over step your budget and then not be able to afford to travel to all the bigger regattas. 
• Factor in crew requirements.  If you are getting out of a larger boat, moving to a sportier boat, or into a boat for the first time, consider who you will have sailing with you most of the time.   Be sure to check out the crew weight in the class rules. 
• Decide on a boat. Used or New?

 

Used Versus New Boats

If you don’t have an unlimited budget and it’s your first time in one design, it’s a good idea to consider a good used boat. As a kid, I recall sailing the new 470 and each year, all the good guys had new boats. It became obvious to me that I could not afford to be competitive in that class. In other words, if the class you are looking at requires a new boat to win, it is probably not the right class. Good one design classes have older boats winning. Another rule of thumb: if used boats are competitive, the class will hold its value and local fleets are likely to exist or develop.

Congratulations, You Own a Boat! Now What?

The good news is that your research paid off and you now own a really nice boat. The first decision is to identify the races or regattas that will fit your schedule. The next decision is your crew.  Are you going to sail with your friends or a combination of friends and professional sailors?  Many one design classes have restrictions on the number of professional sailors (Category 3).  Another consideration is to build a long-term team with your friends, yet hire a sailing coach for your first event.  Once you have a crew in place, you can start getting ready for some racing!

Steps of Ownership and Team Building

• Agree with your crew on the events to race and start planning (logistics).
• Purchase covers for boat, mast, deck, rudder (any loose item that could get damaged).
• Add storage boxes to trailer.
• Learn everything about your boat (download tuning guides from your sailmaker).
• Decide on a sailmaker for advice.
• Call all the class leaders for advice.
• Start a log on your computer listing advice received and look for patterns.
• Set up a training program:

1. Physical conditioning.
2. Sail against another good boat 1,2 and maybe 3 days before racing.
3. Hire a coach.
4. Set up a system to capture information.
5. Take many pictures.

 

Have fun picking a class that will challenge your sailing skills while providing enjoyment on shore.  Use the successful sailors in your class to glean information that will get you a jump on the rest of the competition.  Stay organized with all the information and set up your own system to race. Above all, enjoy the ride!

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This entry was posted on Friday, June 8th, 2012 at 9:05 am and is filed under Main Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.