Prepare Now for the Nationals – here are some HINTS with links!

Before you get to the Nationals CHECK YOUR BOAT to ensure everything is working as it should and check equipment for possible breakages during the event.

• Look at your airbags and check if the outer cover is split and the inner lining is protruding. This often can be seen where the outer bag is frayed especially in the corners. This is caused by over inflation caused when the sun heats the air inside and the airbags causing them to expand.  Hint – have a spare airbag to take to the Nationals and do not over inflate your buoyancy bags.
• Look at your mast deck collar and sleeve. When worn, the mast can move sideways and the sail is loosing power. If it has not been changed recently the forward and aft movement may be excessive and out of class. Hint – Replace the deck collar and mast sleeve before you get to the Nationals.
• Also check the bolts that hold the deck collar are secured and the fitting is not moving. If the holes become worn and the fitting moves, it can lead to damage to the thwart. Hint – check the securing bolts for your mast collar.
• The centerboard elastic must be strong enough to hold it in place when the boat is being launched or lifted off the trolley and launched in waves. If not and the board drops it can become damaged. Hint – Replace your Centerboard elastic if old and it has lost its elasticity.
• Check your tiller extension universal joint. If cracked or looks slightly perished, replace it!  Hint – Take a spare tiller extension with you to the Nationals and store it in the club rib on the water.
• If your rudder retaining clip is bent, replace it. The bigger the waves the more risk of damaging a retaining clip as the rudder can hit the ground when launching or retrieving the boat.
• Take spare sail ties. You can tie some spare ones to the centreboard elastic, so you always have them available with your Optimist.
• Check your trolley – if the wheel retaining springs are old or broken, you can lose a wheel when transporting boats on the trailer to the venue.
• If you are travelling as a team, make sure you have a spare mast cup amongst the team, as the OptiParts cups can fail on the spot welding.
• Think about having a spare starting watch available for the event. Make sure you know how to swap modes or have instructions handy if required. WetnWindy will be stocking the Windie watches soon.
• Check your tow rope is 8m. If not you will be searching for one in New Plymouth.
• Check your centreboard packing tape and centreboard rubbers. You do not want to damage your foils, as they are expensive!
• Things people forget – a whistle must be attached to the life jacket.
• If your bailers are damaged trim the edges or buy new bailers as sharp edges can damage the boat.

• Fix any damaged gelcoat. We have the Winner gel coat in stock. To help you we produced a video.
• Check your cleats work on your spars. Replace them if required.
• Look at your mainsheet system and check all the ball bearings blocks are working well and the sheet is running freely. Check the ratchet is still gripping the sheet or replace it. Phone Neil 021 724577 for the best replacement option

Look after your boat and gear.

• Get into routines. When launching, last thing to go in the boat are your foils. Store out of the sun in the foil bag until they are needed. When you come ashore, always put the foils back in the foil bag then sign off!
• Do not leave your sail flapping on the beach as it shortens the life of the sail.
• Wash your spars frequently to stop corrosion.

New Plymouth is known to have large waves. If your sailor has not sailed in waves and might be sea-sick, ginger biscuits are a good non drowsy remedy to try first. Hint – have a packet or two on the support boat. Hint 2 – if you are going to be sick … aim over the gunnel!

Seriously New Plymouth is a great venue for the Optimist Nationals.  Keep it fun, enjoy the event and learn from the experience!