Raceing for novices/advice sought.

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steveeasy

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Hi,
have been reading old threads on racing. Im a fairly new boat owner with a Dehler 22 looking for ways to gain further experience and of course some fun. In principle this sounds great fun and a good way to improve sailing ability. However I don't understand or have any knowledge of racing at all. Can anyone explain if classes exist for such a boat and does a calendar exist for such racing.

Any additional information of the practicalities of racing such as equipment, entry fees and general advice much appreciated.

Thanks
Steveeasy
 
Where are you based? Most areas have a racing series thats managed by one or more clubs in the region so it should just be a matter of contacting your local club and asking what's what.

Then you'd be best off reading up on the ISAF racing rules and a book on basic tactics, then all you can really do is go out and do it.
 
Twister_Ken said:
Or race on somebody else's boat for a season or two to learn what's what. Keen crew are usually snapped up and for an apprentice the learning curve is steep and worthwhile. Also a good way to make friends and find drinking buddies.
Click to expand...

+1, or get a dinghy to learn the basics.
 
With a boat like that and little experience you'll just be looking at local club racing. Don't know if they'll make you join or just accept you as a competitor - depends upon the club. There'll be an entry fee for each race or series, but often not much. Maybe start another thread to ask about racing in teh particular location(s) that suit you.

Don't assume that because other owners have been racing for years at that level that they know the rules because often they don't. Some people will try to take advantage of your inexperience on the race course so put some time into learning the racing rules. I'd recommend the Bryan Willis book as an easy to understand explanation. The basic rules cover the vast majority of circumstances. Above that you'll need knowledge of the rules for starts, mark roundings and when boats can luff others for basic racing.

Warning: it's great fun and you could get addicted.
 
Hi,
Sounds great fun and I bet its addictive. I am in Lincolnshire but would be happy to travel anywhere. Think my best bet is to do some reading and go watch some club racing. Never been put off by being a novice and hope to find some raceing classes that suites both boat and its owner.

Steveeasy
 
steveeasy said:
Hi,
have been reading old threads on racing. Im a fairly new boat owner with a Dehler 22 looking for ways to gain further experience and of course some fun. In principle this sounds great fun and a good way to improve sailing ability. However I don't understand or have any knowledge of racing at all. Can anyone explain if classes exist for such a boat and does a calendar exist for such racing.

Any additional information of the practicalities of racing such as equipment, entry fees and general advice much appreciated.

Thanks
Steveeasy
Click to expand...

Where are you? or perhaps more usefully, where do you base you boat?
Many clubs offer racing, you don't have to be a member in many cases.
A look around local club websites would be a start.
 
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