When most people think of sailing, they imagine a leisurely jaunt through crystal-clear waters near some tropical paradise. They don’t generally picture rough, choppy waters, brisk winds snapping the sails (and lines), and hard-core racing that could end in injury or even death for the sailor that isn’t prepared. Not all sailboat racing is particularly dangerous, especially if it’s done in relatively calm waters, but you might be surprised to discover that it does require some physical conditioning (in addition to extensive knowledge of safe boating practices). If your body isn’t prepared to handle the rigors of a race, whether it lasts only an hour or stretched over several days, you risk harming yourself and others in the process. So here are a few tips to help you shape up and ship out for your upcoming sailboat race.
For one thing, you need to adopt a basic exercise routine that emphasizes overall fitness. A novice might think that all you need to be a sailor is a nautically-themed cap, a polo shirt, deck shoes, and one hand at the helm. But people who have been doing it for a while should know better. If you’re at all acquainted with a sailboat, you know that there’s more to steering this tricky water-craft than a spin of the wheel and a tug on a line or two. It is a complex process that requires both mental and physical agility. Since you might be running all over the boat to make adjustments (especially if you’re sailing with a small crew or by yourself), you need to be able to move quickly. So watching your weight and incorporating cardio into your routine is a good first step.
In addition, you’re probably going to need a little muscle. Imagine, if you will, trying to haul a sail line in 50 mph winds. It’s like playing tug-of-war with Hercules; if you don’t have the strength required, you’re going to lose. Your sail lines could snap, your boat could veer sharply off course, or you might even end up in the drink with your boat heading down to Davey Jones’ locker. Admittedly, not too many people are going to risk venturing out into a gale, but you never know when weather could strike you on the open water, so it’s best to be prepared. At the very least, you should include some core training in your workout regimen, along with a modicum of weights.
One good way to determine if your efforts are sufficient is to try out your sailing routine. Go through the tasks that you would generally undertake during a race (and don’t forget to include duration in your calculations). Try them first in a fairly gentle setting, then increase the difficulty level to see what you can handle. If you get winded running your ship through the paces in a gentle breeze, you might be in trouble when it comes time to race. So work on increasing your stamina and endurance and make sure to marshal your energy for short bursts of speed or strength when necessary. Knowing the physical requirements for sailing and working to exceed them is a good way to ensure both safety and a shot at the podium when you enter a sailboat race.
Chris Larue writes for Fatty Weight Loss where you can find articles on health and nutrition in addition to information on behavioral weight loss and diet tips.
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