The Power of Pre-Race Routines - Why Good Sailors Don’t Just Wing It

Having a pre-race routine isn’t about superstition or going through the motions. It’s a system to help you:

• Make better decisions

• Spot patterns early

• Feel more confident on the start line

What should be in your pre-race routine?

Here’s a solid structure to build your own, and why each part matters:

60–90 mins before launch: Personal Prep

• Check gear: Rudder bolts, hiking straps, bung plugs—all sorted.

• Visualise: What do you want to focus on today? (E.g. “make good decisions on the first beat. Think about that route early on.”)

• Fuel and hydrate: Think long term—race 3 is where tired minds make slow decisions.

30–45 mins before the first warning signal: Environment Scan

• Wind tracking: Build a mental picture—what’s the trend? Oscillating or persistent shifts?

• Current clues: Watch anchored boats, tide lines, and mark drift lines.

• Talk to yourself: What’s your gameplan if you’re in the lead? What if you’re behind?

15–20 mins before the start: Line Work

• Find the bias and transits for the line.

• Run a couple of time-on-distance checks.

• Test your acceleration—can you punch off the line cleanly? Test that trigger pull!

Coach’s Tip:

Consistency starts before the gun. Routines give your brain space to process what matters, not panic over what you’ve missed.

The best sailors in the world don’t just react—they prepare deliberately. You don’t need perfect conditions to sail well, just a consistent approach to reading and responding to them.

🧠 Create a routine. Refine it over time. And stick to it—even when it feels boring