Guide to travelling

This is a guide for getting to events. I’ve tried to make it as comprehensive as possible but because I’m not god I may have missed something.

Transport – how are you getting there?

· Can I share a lift

o Cost saving

o Company on the journey

· Do I need ferries?

· Do I need a second driver because of the length of journey?

· Do I need to stop over night?

· Car

o Do I have tow bar?

o Gross towing weight?

o If no then can someone give me a lift

· Trailer

o Do I have one?

o Bearings/tyre pressure/lighting board/spare wheel/jockey wheel (all of these should work and be checked before doing long journeys)

o Make sure you tie the boat to the trailer!

§ Tie the keel forward and back.

§ Tie over the top at the back supports.

§ If unsure ask and get a lesson. It’s a bit hard to explain. I will try and add photos later.

o Trail with a top cover on but if you’re not then make sure you tape the back hatch on

o Make sure you tie all your shrouds etc on and tape them on. Make sure you put a knot in the halyards. Make sure all your fittings will not fall off.

· Boat

o Factor in time before the event to check that everything works and do repairs if necessary.

o Am I happy that once I’ve de-rigged the boat I know how it goes back together – A tip I learnt from Allan Smith is that even if you can’t rig the boat yourself you should have an idea of where everything goes. – If it is your first time doing it try to be there when the boat gets de-rigged but also don’t worry as we can help you figure it out if you forget.

o Spares/tools – good idea to have a basic selection

o Sails

§ Is it a regatta that you want to bring your best set to?

§ You can sail with 2 mainsails and 3 jibs at an event if you want.

· Venue

o Do you know where you are going?

o Where you are to leave the boat when you get there?

o If you need hoisting into the boat does the venue have one?

§ Do you need your own sling

§ If the venue doesn’t have a hoist can you make other arrangements

· Notice of race

o Do you need to enter before hand? – Is there a closing date?

o What is the start time of the first race/registration?

o From that work out what time you need to turn up.

o Are there any special requirements in the Notice of race

§ Float test?

§ Classification?

§ Section K?

· Paper work – Always must bring

o Measurement certificate

o Insurance documents

· Clothing

o Don’t forget your sailing gear (it may sound silly but I know people who have)

· Do you need help rigging?

o If so can you bring someone?

o Or can you arrange with another sailor that they will help you rig?

o Most people don’t mind as long as they have prior warning

· Accommodation

o Where are you going to stay?

o Ask the locals where’s best.

o It is advisable to not be more than ½ an hour away from the venue.

·

Finally have FUN.

o If in doubt ask. If you’re unsure ask someone, we all want more people on the circuit so are happy to answer any questions however stupid.

o Travelling to other places is a lot of fun and don’t be worried about being at the back of the fleet because whichever end you are at there’s always competition.