So Long Summer: Transitioning Back Into High School and College Sailing

By Airwaves Writer Rachel Bennung
Hard to believe it, but summer is long gone. Once Labor day is over it’s a true reality we are all getting back into school mode, and a set routine. However, that doesn’t mean the sailing is over just yet! Time to welcome the high school and college sailing season.
Everyone is sad to see summer leave, but it’s exciting for the new high school and college sailing season to start. However, transitioning back into these can be difficult after the summer. Some sailors don’t get to sail as much with work, and others are sailing different boats throughout the summer. Here are some tips to getting back into the fall season of high school and college sailing.
Tip #1 Get to Practice Early
Getting back into a routine after summer can be difficult for some of us. Start by making sure you are getting to practice early. This will help you transition back into your routine, and show your coach your commitment. Rig up and get out sailing if possible. The more time on the water the faster all your skills will come back, and improve. By getting to practice early you will step back into your routine more quickly, improve your skills faster, and show your coach your commitment for the season.

Tip #2 Practice How You Race
Every practice you attend you want to treat it like a major regatta. Practicing how you race is one of the most important components of practicing. You will only get better results at regattas if you are putting 110% effort into every practice. If you foul or someone fouls you, make sure you are taking accountability and enforcing the rules. In a race you wouldn’t ignore it, so the same goes for practice. By giving every practice your all you will see improvements in your sailing, and step right back into the competitiveness of high school and college sailing.
Tip #3 Ask Questions
The first couple weeks of practice and regattas you may feel like you are still brushing off the cobwebs. So the key to success early on is to ask questions. Any troubles you seem to be having or issues on the water the best thing you can start with doing is asking your coach for help. You coach is there to guide you and help improve your skills. During a practice say your really having trouble working with your crew on your roll tacks, go over and ask your coach to watch a couple of your tacks. The best way to get back into the season is to ask the questions that will help improve your skills, and get you sailing faster.
 
Tip #4 Be A Team Player
Unlike the summer season of sailing now you have a lot more teammates. With all these teammates you are going to be sharing the sailing. If you are an alternate at a regatta make sure you are supporting your team. Pay attention to the racing and show your support by helping the boats during rotation. In high school and college sailing you have to learn to work with your team, and even when your not sailing support them. This can be hard at times, but by showing your commitment to the team you will show your coach your dedication. Being on a team is a great experience, and you will make life long friends!
Seeing the summer months go is always a little hard for everyone. We all love that beautiful weather! However, getting back into high school and college sailing for most of us is what makes fall so fun. The transition isn’t always easy after the summer break, but by getting to practice early, practicing how you race, asking questions, and being a team player you can make it a smoother transition. Good luck to all the high school and college teams this fall season, and lets get sailing!