Do you need to get physically fit for sailing

[Snowgoose-1]

I'm thinking mainly layabouts like me that are retired and getting on a bit.

Could a fitness regime cheat the years?

I had little to do on the boat this winter and now feeling it. I do lots of walking and climb stairs where possible but little physical stuff. I dislike gyms.

Anyone done a fitness programme and found it really helps their sailing ? I am a cruiser sailor

 

[Bouba]

I think the first thing you should think is.....have I ever seen a fit yottie ? The answer is easy to ascertain because they are usually naked

 

[dansaskip]

Lots of walking is a fine start as is keeping active. Little and often is a good start.
There is stuff you can do at home to maintain a bit of strength/fitness. "Granny" push ups, that is doing them on your knees. Leg raises sitting on a chair. Squats. Get some dumbbells, they don't have to be particularly heavy say 2 - 4 Kg - plenty of exercises to do with them. Some people like those elastic resistance bands.
When your boat is back in the water row out to her rather than use the outboard.
All that will help and not just your sailing but general well being

 

[WindyWindyWindy]

I go sailing. Seems to work, both my brothers are obese and don't sail.

 

[Davy_S]

Even a little helps, i find that parking away from the kerb when going to the shops gives you a little bit of exercise.

 

[Baggywrinkle]

I dislike gyms.

Rename your toilet is apparently the answer. A lot of Americans dislike gyms, and with advancing years, they seem to be spending an increasingly long time in the John.

Renaming John to Jim allows them to honestly say "I spent my morning in the Jim" ... and let the listener draw their own conclusion.

 

[Poecheng]

I have and I think it helps not just the sailing but life generally. I have changed things over quite a long time as it is not a quick fix nor need it be.
I find it puts a spring in your step and helps me get around the boat, up things, down things and the strength to get out of things.

 

[Wansworth]

In fine weather the most energetic activity could be hoisting the main and or getting the anchour up,both straining the back so definitely some exercise in the back region might help like lifting the tv remote off the floor …..I am in a similar situation and although walking is a good idea action that involves lifting and pulling couldhelp

 

[KevinV]

To help with my terrible back I recently started going to pilates, just one class a week - it's helping a lot, and improving my balance and flexibility. All good things on the boat.

 

[Wansworth]

To help with my terrible back I recently started going to pilates, just one class a week - it's helping a lot, and improving my balance and flexibility. All good things on the boat.

That sounds interesting,thanks

 

[capnsensible]

In fine weather the most energetic activity could be hoisting the main and or getting the anchour up,both straining the back so definitely some exercise in the back region might help like lifting the tv remote off the floor …..I am in a similar situation and although walking is a good idea action that involves lifting and pulling couldhelp

Decathlon have a good range of back supports. I got one for boat activities and another for my other hobby, ballroom dancing. They make a huge difference.

As KV mentions, exercise is vital. Stretching and movement regimes help. Swimming too if you have an opportunity.

 

[The Q]

Depends on what you mean by sailing..

Most definitely..



A little bit helps.


No,




My Dear boy, sailing is about drinking G&T while others do the physical stuff for you.


PS in the winter I sail "a little bit helps", in the summer a boat sailed in the style of " No"

 

[Bouba]

Around my way they often have international championships and when there’s one on you see the teams training on the roads and beaches....and they are fit....the women are especially impressive of build and fitness

 

[Sea Change]

Aerobically fit- no, not really. There isn't very much prolonged physical activity unless you choose to row, or lift the anchor by hand.

Ultimate strength- sometimes useful but if your boat is well set up you might be ok. Electric windlasses, self tailing winches, electric start outboards, there is always a solution.

General movement and flexibility- absolutely. Boats are full of steps, tripping hazards, and tight spaces.

 

[Marsali_1]

Depends on what you mean by sailing..

Most definitely..

View attachment 190977

A little bit helps.
View attachment 190978

No,

View attachment 190979


My Dear boy, sailing is about drinking G&T while others do the physical stuff for you.
View attachment 190980

PS in the winter I sail "a little bit helps", in the summer a boat sailed in the style of " No"

Do the class of boats shown in the third picture come in "one size fits all" or do they build them to custom fit around the individual owner?

 

[Whaup367]

IMHO, agility & balance are more important for most keelboat sailors than strength and endurance.
However, those need to be built on a basic level of fitness, which will minimise the risk of injuries. Even if you can leap about the boat comfortably you don't want to be pulling muscles and picking up strains when you have to haul on a line unexpectedly hard, or fend off someone's wayward dinghy...

 

[flaming]

Do the class of boats shown in the third picture come in "one size fits all" or do they build them to custom fit around the individual owner?

That's an international 2.4m. Standard boat.

The idea that fitness won't benefit you sailing that boat is wrong btw. Sure it's not hiking a laser, but it's also not without physical inputs.

 

[Bouba]

Do the class of boats shown in the third picture come in "one size fits all" or do they build them to custom fit around the individual owner?

That maybe a para Olympics boat

 

[mattonthesea]

I'm thinking mainly layabouts like me that are retired and getting on a bit.

Could a fitness regime cheat the years?

I had little to do on the boat this winter and now feeling it. I do lots of walking and climb stairs where possible but little physical stuff. I dislike gyms.

Anyone done a fitness programme and found it really helps their sailing ? I am a cruiser sailor

If you are serious about getting fit then a bit of a mix of programmes to suit you can be found on web. The most important thing I think is to be realistic and careful.

Flexibility: swimming 20 mins p/W; and yoga - 5 min session daily.

Stamina: walk briskly 10-20 mins daily

Strength: build v slowly.

I say this as a fit 67 yo. I have to stay fit for my mental health. I can't stand gyms so I go climbing (indoors in winter), I cycle as a means of transport, and I swim 30 mins twice a week.

The second important thing is to incorporate whatever you choose into your routines. It's no good trying to take up swimming if the pool is an hour's drive away!

Good luck.

 

[The Q]

Do the class of boats shown in the third picture come in "one size fits all" or do they build them to custom fit around the individual owner?

That particular boat is an international 2.4mR to the Norlin MK3 design as used in the Paralympics as a one design.

However. The international 2.4mR is a design rule, not a one design class.
There are many 2.4mR designs around, including strip wood and even a hard chine design for home building.
There are those who home build their own designs optimised to their own size / shape and sailing waters.

There are also one design classes, such as the illusion, the Deception , the Millimetre

My own boat is not to the 2.4mR rule, but loosely styled like Norfolk broads designs. 16ft by 4 ft.

Note the rear hatch had come off along with my hat, the hat now has a string, and the hatch has its corners rounded.
Oh my fitness...
We have a 6 month old Border Collie, walks are getting longer...