How do I enjoy being part of a Regatta for the first time?

Question

I will be on a boat for a few days being part of my very first regatta experience. How can i psyche myself up if I dont know what a regatta is all about? Is there a 101 website about it? How do I enjoy it? What is the fun in being in a Regatta? I'm also scared of getting seas sick. Any advice is welcome. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

A sailing regatta can certainly be a confusing affair the first time around (maybe even the second and third time around!). Sailboats are milling around at the start, the gun (or guns) fire and boats race for the start line and then either stick together or go off in different directions - all very confusing and even more so when you reach the first "mark", go around it and start all over again looking for the next one. By this time, you are probably quite disoriented. Don't be too concerned - with any luck, someone on your boat knows where they are going! Ask them (in a quiet moment) to tell you what's going on.

You need to ask your skipper to outline your duties and try to have a shakedown sail. Don't leave this until the start of the race! Have the skipper explain the event rules, show you the expected course to be sailed (is it a long-distance race or a series of 'round-the-buoys' event?) The race committee will issue a set of regatta rules (that are in addition to the national or international rules that govern most regattas). Try to get a look at this and have someone explain it all to you.

Find out what equipment you are expected to bring; some skippers provide everything; some insist you provide your own foul weather gear and life preserver. If you are to be a line handler, then a good investment is a pair of sailing gloves, unless you don't mind losing some skin. Wear layered clothing and have proper sailing shoes.

What about food? Will you be expected to help with the cooking - if so, get some indication of what provisions are being provided.

Are you prone to seasickness? If so, consider one or other of the several preventive applications. Take a look at http://www.seasickness.co.uk/ and at my own site http://www.searoom.com