What the start of the spring season is all about

Hello everyone!

It’s been a while since I last posted… although I did give a presentation at the Association recently, where I hope I shared some useful insights that you might also find beneficial.

Today’s topic will focus on the start of the season. No doubt, during these beautiful spring weekends, there have been plenty of setups, equipment checks, and even some initial domestic training sessions. Naturally, many have been sailing over winter, and we’ve already seen two qualifying events. There were 23 Hungarian participants in Palamós and 47 in Koper!

However, there are certainly many more Optimist sailors who are only now beginning their season. Early-year training almost always starts with equipment checks, replacements, or a bit of maintenance.

Here are a few tips on things to watch out for, not just at the start of the season but throughout the year:

• Airbag valve sealing: Quick fixes sometimes last… especially if they work, but it’s worth properly addressing this safety issue. Most adhesives work for reattaching the valve, and you can even wrap it with tape afterward.
• Mast clamp rubber: I often see the rubber slipping onto the hinge, making it difficult to clamp and potentially bending it. It’s worth checking the rubber’s position.
• Bungee cords on the bailer: Bailers are often placed at the bow for transport, which is generally a good idea. The problem is that these cords are typically 3-4 mm and, when kept stretched for too long, they wear out and twist. If you throw the bailer while hiking out in moderate wind, it may not retract properly. Consider how long you keep them stretched.
• White spots on the centerboard and rudder: A classic issue caused by limescale on the surface, removable by polishing. Ideally, it shouldn't reach this stage—simply avoid storing these parts completely wet, or if they are wet, keep them out of direct sunlight, even if they’re covered or in a rudder/centerboard bag.

Beyond shore maintenance, early-season water sessions are generally about reviewing movements and refreshing muscle memory. Of course, it’s not always as easy as a few tacks to get everything back to how it was last season. At this Optimist age, you’re all in constant physical (and mental) development. If you didn’t sail during the winter, you’ll notice the changes primarily during your first spring sail. As you grow, the length of your arms and legs may change, and even your body weight might shift. Plus, if you did any winter training (like swimming, running, or other sports), you’ll notice its beneficial effects on your conditioning. So, beyond your usual seated position, all movements in the boat need to be recalibrated. This may not take very long, but it will take a few training sessions.

If you’re trying out new equipment—especially a new mast (softer or stiffer) or sail (fuller or flatter)—you’ll also need several sessions to find your speed and sharpness again.

And that’s essentially what early-season preparation is all about: regaining speed; accelerating again to national/international standards, then continuously testing and refining that speed until the season’s peak event (whatever goal that may be).

Beyond the physical movements, spring is also a great time to build theoretical knowledge. It’s a perfect season for a comprehensive review, whether that’s rules, strategic elements, or sail trimming and boat handling.

Summary:
Spring is a time to approach training with renewed energy (especially if the sunshine is accompanied by wind) and to revive and refresh previously learned movements while getting familiar with any new equipment.

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