Yacht Race Training
Race Training:
So you are feeling the bug to learn some more about what yacht racing is really about. Each time you go out on the water you learn new things – which is not a bad thing, but why not do it in a more structured and in-depth manner and be taken through your paces by the professionals.   1st Charters can offer you some very exciting packages that will let you learn whilst training and racing in the Solent, across the Channel to France,  in the Mediterranean and further a field to places such as Sydney Australia.
Opportunities & Packages:
1st Charters can give you the opportunity to participate in different levels of training depending on your current experience. The more in-depth the course gets the more it is expected you have prior knowledge to a certain level. So read through the various options and if you are not sure which level suits you, contact us and we will be able to advice you.   “We believe racing should not only be experienced by the professionals; everyone should get a chance to take part. Hence the training opportunities are wider and more intense.” 1st Charters Ltd   Courses available: Ø        Introduction to Racing This course is for you if you have done some sailing and are considering advancing to the racing level. Ø        Sail Trim This course is designed for the sailors that already can sail and have an awareness of wind, but would like to learn more about sail trim which is so vital when racing in different conditions. Sail trim can be the difference between winning and loosing, especially in light winds. Ø        Performance Sailing Being able to handle the boat, trim the sails and work as a team are critical on a race yacht in order to be competitive. The course is made up of 4 parts – pre-start, start, windward leg and downwind leg. The aim is to look at each area in order to optimise performance and speed to ensure you are competitive. Ø        Advanced Race Training Are you running a boat or part of a race crew but struggling to gain the results that you feel you deserve? If so, the advanced level is perfect for you. The course will concentrate on team work and preparation and the importance of race starts, advanced manoeuvres and decisions that will have you gain the vital edge. Ø        5 day intensive Race Training Programme is currently being finalised. Join the mailing list to be kept informed – see left hand column of page for subscription. Ø        Join a Race Team for the 2005 UK Season If you have a passion to learn more about racing here is your chance to join a race team and learn the importance of all the elements it takes to be competitive. 1st Charters in association with other companies are pulling together this training programme. Hence you will be racing against other like minded people, which will enable each yacht to learn off the others. Included will be training and participation in a selection of races. Click here for more. Ø        Join Team Global 1st Charters are delighted to be able to offer the real adventurers amongst you the chance to join a 1 or 2 year campaign to compete against the top yachtsmen and women in the most exciting regattas and toughest offshore races in the two hemispheres. This campaign is run by Global Yacht Racing, who is a company offering ordinary individuals the opportunity to become real racers. Click here for more.   All the courses are taught by a selection of qualified sailing professionals, with even the Elite Pro teaching certain elements.   Additional Courses: If you are going to do more racing it is advised and in some circumstances essential that you do the following courses: w         RYA First Aid w         RYA Sea Survival w         RYA VHF Radio Course   All of the above courses are taught by our preferred suppliers and 1st Charters can organise for you to take any of them.
Location:
There are several opportunities within the various race training programmes that will take you to different parts of the world – the Solent, Channel Island, France, the Mediterranean and as far as Sydney Australia – what more could you desire.   Please ensure that if you are participating in a race that is not in your home country you have a valid passport and the necessary visas with you.
Key Participants:
Take the opportunity to mix with like minded people and rub shoulders with the professionals at the various events.   The main organisers of the various races put a lot of effort into making sure that people enjoy themselves as much on the water as they will when stepping off the yacht and joining the social land activities. It is definitely something you will enjoy being part of.
Event Extras:
Depending on your reasons for racing 1st Charters can help enhance your experience and those of your guests. See some of the ideas below:   Ø        Private event dinner and other special catering requirements Ø        Use of a Rigid Inflatable Boat or Power boat for the day Ø        Onshore accommodation Ø        Crew Clothing Ø        Use of a photographer   Click Event Extras to further information. If there is something else of interest please do not hesitate to contact 1st Charters and we can discuss it further.
Yachts & Power:
For all of the events the yachts are chosen in relation to the performance desired. There are so many different racing and racer/cruiser models, so speak to 1st Charters about the best one for you. For some of the training programmes it is ensured that each of yachts participating are matched to make the training realistic, whilst also enabling the trainers and you to see how you are performing in comparison to the competition. See our Yachts & Power page for further information on some yachts.   All the yachts we use for racing are insured and coded as required under Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). 1st Charters can assure that the skippers we use are all RYA Yachtmasters with commercial endorsement, and they will give priority to the safety of crew and yacht at all times.
How to Book:
With regards to any of the above programmes please contact 1st Charters to discuss the options further, or you may choose to complete the online Enquiry Form and we will handle your request on receipt.   We believe if you want to learn more about racing there is a programme to suit you.