Failing to plan is planning to fail. My key regatta this year is the Radial World Championships in La Rochelle from July 16th to 23rd . I have just returned from the French Europa cup also held in La Rochelle , and hence a perfect warm up. It has been over ten years since I raced at La Rochelle (the Worlds were last there in 1999). So I am pretty much starting from scratch. It was actually a very easy trip, just catching the ferry from Weymouth (where I live) to St Malo, then less than a four hour drive to La Rochelle, far quicker than when the World Championships were in the UK last year (in Scotland).

Doing this regatta allowed me to get to know the local venue (getting lost can be a bit stressful so it’s nice to know your way around); choose good accommodation: I had booked the closest apartment to the boat park but on inspection, it is right by a road and the local pubs and nightclub. So may not be too quiet in the summer. Hence I have opted to stay in the same place as I did this week (better the devil you know). Still just a short walk from the boat park but in a much quieter area, and as an added bonus it was cheaper!

I have also had the chance to test out all the gear I shall be using. The Neil Pryde kit has been great. Over the winter I got used to wearing ½ length hikers over a full winter wetsuit and I really enjoyed the extra comfort whilst hiking, having both a wetsuit and hikers provided. So now the weather has warmed up I am using a summer wetsuit. This means I still get the added protection on the thigh but without dying of heat exhaustion, and as an added bonus there are no silly tan lines (which you get on your legs when you wear ¾ hikers).

I am also now very used to my current rope set up and the Maffoli’s nice and soft on the hands as well as being low stretch. The only thing which will be different is I shall have a new boat for the World Championships.

Rest and recuperation is also a key part of training. I am now off for a week’s windsurfing holiday with Pompey Students Windsurfing Club before heading back to Weymouth. This gives me a well earned break from sailing whilst still testing my wind awareness, balance and fitness. Once back in Weymouth it will be a return to my usual routine, concentrating on my weak areas: core strength and flexibility using Pilates and Taekwondo as well as correcting any muscular imbalances in the Gym (particularly working on the shoulders and upper back which can become rounded with all the static holding you do whilst sailing). Lastly I will go and see my Physio and see what sort of shape I am in after being away for a month.

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Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here