Pre-race Check List

by Dave Acree

One of the worst things that can go wrong on race day is equipment failure and forgetfulness. These two items can really turn a good day into a miserable one (I know, been there, done that). So what are these elements of doom and how can we avoid them?

The first is weak or dead batteries - check your batteries a day or two before hand. Next is having something fail or break on your boat - check your boat and rigging the day before the race (check a week before is even better).

This is one of the worst, driving to the pond and then realizing you left something important at home (like the boat or radio). Solution, lay out everything the night before and use a check list.

Now I am speaking from personal experience on this matter. Nothing is worst than to have any of these above problems when they all can be avoided. So sit down, go over your boats and gear and get ready before the race and not after! Most painfull and frustrating. Well, see you at the pond ready to sail without any of the easy fixable problems bothering you.