What's in your toolbox? Or more likely, what's not in your toolbox? Most of us like spending our money on sailing, not on tools to fix our boats. But we also know it's a false economy to think that way. If you're serious about 'no excuses' winning, then a well-kitted tool box is essential. We ask two world championship winning boatbuilders what they think should be in your tool box...
Laser Olympic Champion Paul Goodison answers questions about championship preparation from top Laser coach and champion Radial sailor Jon Emmett. "If it's a major championship such as a Worlds, then a good couple of months of planning goes into it, getting weather data off the internet, chatting to local sailors who've been there before, and just trying to get a feel for the place so you know what to expect when you get there...."
Splicing is so simple, it's hard to believe it actually works! In fact a splice in most situations is a stronger alternative to a knot - which can weaken the break load of a sheet or rope. Below, we've rounded up some of the best video tutorials we've managed to find, focusing on five different splicing techniques that may come in handy on your dinghy, catamaran or keelboat.
There are good ways and bad ways of repairing a damaged centerboard or daggerboard. So here's a tutorial from a bloke who knows what he's doing. This video tutorial shows a tried and tested method for repairing a Laser dinghy daggerboard and rudder foils, although the methods apply equally to any dinghy or small sailboat....
Fitting out a boat can be a very individual process. The way you do it says a lot about you, and the way you like to sail. It's one of those jobs where preparation is as important as the job itself. There are a number of stages to go through even before you make the first drill hole in your new pride and joy. Here are some points to consider before you reach that stage....
Do you really need new sails? Or are the ones you have working perfectly well? A lot depends on your ambitions, but also the type of boat you are sailing. Most dinghies and small catamarans, you'll struggle to notice the performance difference between new and good secondhand. Many of the modern sails made out of hi-tech cloths and well-supported by full-length battens can go on for many years.
In the second part of our interview with a top sailmaker from Australia, Stewart Gray talks about the tell-tale signs of when you need to replace sails with new ones, and why high-tech sails demand that you use high-tech halyards...
SailJuice interviewed top freelance sailmaker from Australia, Stewart Gray, for his advice on buying sails for keelboats. Stewart has worked at all levels of the sport from small keelboats through to the America's Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race. In Part One, Stewart talks about how to select the right sailmaker, the best time to buy sails, and why the climate could determine whether or not your sails are race legal...