Pre-Regatta Routine

What do you do to get in the zone before an event?  

This weekend I'm in Miami, sailing with my Melges 20 team, team Bacio.  our pre-race routine goes like this:

• Practice boat handling, and racing situations
• Organize all equipment on the boat so that it is ready for the first day of racing
• Get pedis...

That's right, pedis - pedicures (basically a glorified foot massage for all you dudes reading).  As a team, we go to the nearest nail salon, and get our toenails clipped, our feet massaged, and our manly calluses scrubbed.  The net result: a light-footed, well bonded team, who has had a relaxing pre-brief, and is ready to go do battle on the water. 

Whether your pre-regatta routine includes an hour of foot massage, or two hours of wet sanding and polishing, it's important to establish a set routine to help you focus, and prepare for the challenges ahead.

After this afternoon's pedi, I'm ready to go to battle tomorrow!