Hello All,

I like the tip from Ric and Mary's book,

'Break the race up into a bunch of smaller, obtainable, pieces.'

For example, I break my race up into these parts,

#1 Prestart - start

#2 Start to 1st tack

#3 1st tack to 1st crossing ( if any)

#4 1st mark rounding.

This way, you have identifiable and obtainable goals....and rewards.

If I win the start, I give myself a 'pat on the back',.....if I win the 1st crossing,...or 1st mark rounding,....on and on.

Also,, it gives a racer a measure to improve on certian aspects....for example, you may set a pre regatta goal,' by the end of the series, I will win every start.'......and you focus on that ( amoung other things)

Pretty soon, you are piecing the whole race together as a collection of identifiable 'parts',.....alas, all the parts make the whole!

Yes, as Scooby says, talking out loud helps,..we solo sailors have alot of open ended conversations on the water,..so do not be alarmed,....it is what we do to get our 'heads together'.......most of the time, once I am dailed in, I start singing out loud,...it seems to help me and I do not really know why..


regards,
Bruce
St. Croix
I-17 normal