MOST of the time we talk about how we are trying to learn to make the boat go faster, but actually one of the hardest things is trying to get it to stay in one place.

It is a trick we haven’t quite mastered yet and it is one of the most important skills required to get a good start in a race. You can really see the difference between the top teams and the rest of the pack when everyone is lining up for the start of a race.

The best guys are able to control their boats really well and keep it in one place to secure the best spot. While it might sound easy just to sit there and not move, the effect of the wind, waves, currents and other boats, makes it incredibly difficult.

It is something that only really comes with practice and lots of it. The best way to do this is to have other boats around you.

It makes it much more realistic, which is why we are trying hard to get other teams to join us for training sessions in Weymouth. A few other teams seem keen, so we are on the case with organising it.

Outside of the boat, we have been trying to mix up the physical training to keep it interesting.

I have been doing some Crossfit sessions up in Dorchester, which is dragging me out of bed but at least it gets me up and about.

I also competed in a 10k assault course race in London with some friends. It was good fun to do something as part of a team and I think the training has been paying off as I didn’t feel too bad by the end.

Hopefully, we can keep working on our fitness over the winter and make further gains with our sailing.