Looking for tips for sailing long-distance race

I was wondering if anyone could share tips, hints do's & don't they know about when sailing a long distance race. I am about to sail a 50nm race (does that qualify as long distance?).

Thanks,

Martijn

double check your rudder gudgeons.

:bustedface:

Hi Martijn,
What race are you sailing?, and you sailing solo?
I carry a dry-sack in which I carry food, water, mobile phone, tools, and some money.
If you wear a drysuit try not to drink so much or you will end up with a "wet" suit. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
Also studying the route and carrying a GPS for navigation is a good idea.

And drink plenty of water right? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

if you drink a lot of water, make sure you're catheterized.

cell phone or sat phone
EPIRB
VHF.
Wawa
food (Carbs and protein)
flares
maps
whistle
signal mirror
GPS (backup also)
flashlight and strobe
throwable or some kind of rescue device
extra line, shackles and the like.
The shore is your friend.
Remember VMG
Make sure your mom knows your going offshore and tell her you love her before you leave.

Actually beat Jake to this one?!?!

three rules of distance racing according to people that know more than I do.

1) Stick to shore
2) Stick to shore
3) Stick to shore

*NOTE That rules 1 thru 3 are subject to change when in fact, you're forces to go play tag with bouys three miles off the coast of some place that likes to fire rockets in the air.

Study the course and look for places where you can bail out if the wind dies or if something goes wrong.

Tony,

I do sail solo, I sail an Inter17. Being a purely recreational sailer I will take someone along (but only if there is enough wind).

I am sailing the "Rondje Pampus" om sat 9th sept.

Your list makes sense (thanks for that!), except for the Wawa(?). Wawa?

WaWa= Southern American(redneck) for H20, agua, water, you know that liquid stuff that seems to quench thirsts

Dave got it right, he's southern folk too. Good luck, have fun and be safe. Oh, and try to win.

cu in a few weeks Mosley.

Thanks all for your insight and tips!

Martijn,

The stuff listed is good but what is most important is to have the ability to contact help and report your position AT ALL TIMES, including if you get separated from the boat and be able to survive the wait for help. That requires that you are wearing what you need to do that and/or have it ON YOU and that it is in operating condition after being submerged and/or "fire-hosed" for hours. That will take care of the worst case scenario where you are still alive and concious. After that it is just a matter of having what you need to be more comfortable and race better.

Again, you must have the necessary equipment on your person because there will be times when having it inside the boat or even on the tramp is not good enough. BTW, this applies to large multihulls too, not just beach cats.

Prepare well and have fun!

Replace all the stuff that you have been meaning to replace, before you leave the shore. look for anything that has ever broken on anyones boat like yours and replace it with a new one. if it does not break on the course then you should have no problem sailing as far as you want in enough time.