Every perspective from on board an AC75 is different, and for this America’s Cup headsail trimmer, the view is amazing.
Interested in shorthanded offshore sailing, are you? Go for it, and consider what it takes to get you prepared and,
ultimately, successful.
Much attention of late has been turned to shorthanded offshore racing, partly because of its new status as an Olympic discipline for 2024, and partly because of the reduced COVID-19 exposure with a smaller team. You could say now is a great time to consider shorthanded sailing, even at a more recreational level.
If you’re aspiring to be an offshore sailor and you have access to a seaworthy boat between 20 and 40 feet, you can get started immediately. Maybe you have to sail singlehanded for now, until you find a suitable partner in crime, but don’t let this be a barrier to start: Singlehanded training is an excellent exercise. It will serve you well when you get together with a partner and teammate, hopefully in the near future. So yes, go sailing if you can. I would start with shorter sails in moderate conditions, then graduate to rougher, more challenging conditions, and then try an overnight session. You can create your own course. Keep it safe. You will quickly learn if this discipline is for you. Note that effective singlehanded sailing requires a decent autopilot. There are some simple tiller pilots that can be installed on almost any boat, or you can get a more complex pilot if you have the resources. So, beg, steal or borrow a boat, get yourself a pilot, and get on the water. This is the critical first stage. If you find yourself enjoying it, keep going. If you decide this is not for you, that is OK too.
If you do not have access to a suitable boat, there are still things you can do to further your “campaign.” First, find a teammate. This is obvious, but it also needs to be carefully executed because it is the single-most important factor in your success. Recognize that your first partner might not always be your ultimate partner. Soon enough we will be able to sail together again, so plan for that moment, and in the meantime, there are excellent resources to tap while you progress, alone or doublehanded. Here are some of the steps you can take:
Take the US Sailing’s Safety at Sea course online—or in person when it becomes available. This will be required for many races and is a good idea in any case. Safety must be at the center of your mentality. Make sure you have the right safety equipment on your boat, and learn the skills to sail safely in all conditions.
Read books and use online resources to up your skill set. Most of us need to go back to school to learn (or relearn) the fundamentals of offshore sailing. Now more than ever, there are some great online resources and webinars that focus on offshore tactics, weather routing, boathandling, sail trim, etc. Use this time to develop your skills.
Don’t be afraid if you don’t have all the skills. Everyone has a certain skill set and other things they have not yet learned. Learning new skills is what this venture is about. This is especially true with troubleshooting equipment on the boat and being able to either repair or manage should something fail: cordage, electronics, the engine or the autopilot.
Get the right clothes: a good PFD and harness, a personal EPIRB, sea boots, etc. Personal comfort is essential offshore because it greatly effects your efficiency, your decision-making and your safety. With online shopping so prevalent today, there’s no excuse not to find and attain the gear you need.
Think about how to get better as quickly as possible. Even if you are already an experienced and knowledgeable sailor, you still need to learn sleep management, boathandling and routing-/weather-knowledge aspects. Sailors who continue to add more skills over time will ultimately be more successful. With shorthanded sailing, there is no such thing as a specialist.
Think about your food. Nutrition is critical for a multiday race. If you’re trying freeze-dried meals for the first time, try them at home before you go offshore. Trust me, some are better than others, and proper hydration becomes even more important. You need to learn to take care of your body while at sea.
Seek support and financial backing. To successfully fulfill a plan, you need resources. Be realistic about the costs. You might need to ask others for money to help you fulfill your dream. If you believe in what you are doing and you do it transparently, you can do this with a clear conscience. At the same time, consider the return for those who help and support you.
Keep it fun. This advice might seem contrary to the idea of grinding it out overnight by yourself or with a napping teammate, but a long campaign works better if you keep the process positive. Laugh, sail hard, digest the lessons, get better, keep laughing— especially at yourself. There will be plenty of opportunities for that.
Eventually make concrete plans. Once you have determined that your effort to advance to a higher level is viable, create a plan that charts a path to your ultimate vision. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page. Be specific with your goals and realistic with the events you choose.
Give yourself an occasional reality check. Remember, shorthanded distance racing is not for everyone. Otherwise, we’d all be doing it, right? Imagine trying to be a highly focused sailor after being sleep-deprived for 36 hours. Imagine making good decisions, with your partner, as the weather is changing quickly and the Gold Medal is on the line. Are you tough enough to endure from start to finish? It is not a trivial question. Success at the highest level of this new Olympic offshore racing discipline is going to require badass sailors willing to suffer and sacrifice—for themselves, their supporters and their country. Don’t give up, unless giving up is the right thing to do, and only you alone can make that decision.