TAKE SPARE THERMALS

If you get wet when you’re inshore racing, you’re only wet for a few hours before you get back ashore and can warm up in a hot shower. That’s a luxury you can’t afford offshore, which is why I have spent a lot of time working out a good clothing system, making sure my gaiters fit my boots and that all the neck and wrists seals are the right size.

Take a second set of thermals and practise getting dressed quickly so that if conditions suddenly change for the worst, you’re ready.