Everyone knows the 5P's when it comes to competitive sport so here are the 3 P word lessons that I think had the biggest affect on the Weymouth & back race.
I think much of this can be transferred to starting a business and searching for sponsorship so very valuable learning experience! What are your 3 P's, or other letters?
1. Prior preparation prevents p*** poor performance
I completely broke all of my rules and training in the days and hours before and during the recent offshore race. I had started the race only knowing the start time and rough course even arriving to the line about 10minutes from the gun! Usually I would have mapped out the route, knowledge of tides and winds therefore sail changes and opportunities for food/sleep. Therefore I've created a little recipe that I can check so there is no worry about forgetting something!
What do you do to prepare before a big event?
2. Persistence
This little P word I think was the thing that won me a prize (certainly not position). At 00:00 on Friday night (and again at 12:00 on Saturday) there was litterally no wind. Seeing the other sailors going around in circles along side me was small comfort till they (as I got told later) put their engines on and motored to the finish. It meant that I did FAR better than I thought as I suppose the adage of, to win first you have to finish...
Persistence or skill, what is more important to you?
3. Privilege
Lastly, and I think we usualy forget this one as we have a tendency to look at what we don't have, is remembering how bloody lucky I am for being there! Having a super supportive boat owner, family, friends and opportunities is certainly something not everyone has and shouldn't take for granted!
Here is the link to the original article: Here