Making the Most of Winter for Training

Winter may not be the typical sailing season, but it offers a unique opportunity for sailors to improve upon their skills, focus on fitness, and ensure their boat is in peak condition for the next season. Whether you're part of a squad, needing to do some boat maintenance, or looking to stay fit, here’s how to make the most of your off-season.

Squad Training

Even in the colder months, there are plenty of ways to keep your sailing team engaged and prepared for the next season. Winter might slow down the pace, but it shouldn’t stop your progress.

Whether this squad training is organised by a class or coaches, why not organise your own training with your local mates and go out and sail together. I am sure you will still learn a lot from other sailors.

Winter Regattas

For those looking to stay competitive, winter regattas offer a fantastic way to stay sharp. Many regions host cold-weather races, and while the conditions might be more challenging, they can provide invaluable experience. Club racing is a great example of winter racing! Another, which is an excellent opportunity with many entrants is the SailJuice Series which hosts events all over the country throughout the winter season.

Winter Boat Maintenance Checklist

Boat maintenance during the off-season is vital so that everything is working well and ready to go when the sailing season starts.

• Sail Care: Inspect your sails for wear and tear, and get any repairs done. Clean and store them properly to ensure they’re in top condition when the season begins.

• Rigging Checks: Check all your rigging, from your masts to your shrouds and even to your foils make sure everything is structurally sound. Replace any frayed lines or worn fittings.

• Hull Refinements: Give your hull some attention by checking for dings, scratches, or any wear. Sanding or polishing the hull can reduce drag and improve your boat’s performance.

Sailor-Specific Fitness Routines

To maintain fitness over the winter, focus on exercises that build flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance—the key components of a sailor’s physical demands.

• Core Stability: Exercises like planks, Russian twists, and leg raises can help improve core stability, which is crucial for many movements within the boat.

• Lower-Body Strength: Work on your hiking muscles with exercises like squats, lunges, and leg presses. Strong legs will help you hike more effectively and handle the physical demands of racing. Even endurance sports such as running and cycling will eventually improve your endurance for hiking.

• Grip and Upper-Body Strength: Use rowing machines or weights to build arm and shoulder strength for pulling in sheets or handling gusts.

• Flexibility Training: Incorporate stretching and yoga to increase flexibility, allowing for smoother movements and better injury prevention.