Valid Handicap: Confirm you have a valid PHRF handicap from your local governing body.
Confirm Crew: Recruit and confirm crew and alternates for boat tuning, delivery and regatta.
Crew Uniform: Consider ordering team shirts, hats or other identifying uniform
Crew Comms: Set up a crew group text to stay coordinated and on time all the time.
Inspect Sails: Have North Sails in Halifax or Lunenburg inspect/repair your sails.
Wash Spinnakers: Fresh water wash and dry all spinnakers.
Inspect Halyards: Inspect all halyards and, if necessary, make repairs.
Safety Tune the Rig: Record all turnbuckle settings with calliper measurements.
Know the Rig’s Performance Tunings: Most modern rigs have specific settings for optimal performance at each wind speed, so learn yours and record the caliper settings for quick and accurate pre-race turnbuckle adjustments as conditions change.
Two to Three Weeks Out
Launch & Haul: Organize launch and haul if you are trailering to Chester (check out the deep discount offered at Shore South Marine).
Update Charts: Update your chart plotter software and/or paper charts.
Locate Marks: Physically locate all relevant navigational marks and enter marks in your chart plotter.
Repair Kit: Stock emergency repair supplies appropriate to your boat and its condition.
Practice: Practice boat handling a few evenings before you leave for Chester.
Safety Equipment: Make sure your boat and crew are equipped and ready to comply with relevant federal or class safety equipment requirements and get it all onboard.
One Week Out
Lose Weight: Remove all unnecessary stuff to lighten the boat – be ruthless but safe.
Warm Up Locally: Warm up with the race that’s right for you (detail on CYC calendar).
Practice Locally: Practice boat handling and boat speed work off Chester.
Shuttle Driver: Identify a dedicated driver if commuting from Halifax.
Clean Your Bottom: Clean the bottom of your boat to go faster.
Follow a Daily Regimen: Pre-race crew meeting, post-race debrief, crews attend 9 AM, and “The Morning After” coaching sessions.
Mid-regatta Bottom Wash: Bring your diving/bottom wash gear for at least one mid-regatta hull wash to stay as fast as possible.
Build Playlists: Refresh your music selection for the boat’s music system.
Learn From Andreas and Others: Come to Andreas Josenhans’ famous “The Morning After” coaching seminars.
