UK Qualifiers Newbie - What to eat/Drink?

Hi all,

I'm going to the UK qualifiers at Pwllhelli in a weeks time - it's the first hardcore Laser event I'm going to, obviously done other opens etc but so far nothing like 3 back to back races out at sea

So, hopefully some of you racing snakes can tell me - what should I take to eat? How should I attach it to the boat? What and how much should I take to drink? I normally go out racing with a sports bottle attached with elastic, but I'm going to be out a lot longer than normal!

Any other handy hints to help me get prepared?

Cheers,
LazerBen

2 food bars in your life jacket, and learn to ration your energy drink of choice

or

if you have a coach boat, have them carry everything

No coach boat for me - I'm going solo!

By food bar I guess you mean some high carb type chunky bar things?

yup, powerbar, cliff bar, that kinda thing, granola bar, I just throw 2 or em in my liejacket pocket

and I just bungee my drink to the hiking strap adjustment point in the cockpit

Powerbars it is then Cheers ross!

You should aim to take in about 500ml per hour of exertion and try to make your drinks hign in carbs as well. You can make your own by mixing orange juice half and half with water and adding a pinch of salt. Try to get the 750ml bottles - your local bike shop will have them (also a good source of power bars and gel type carb snacks, usually a lot cheaper than a sailing shop). While you're there, buy a cheap bottle cage and tape it to your mast. Stick one bottle in there and then tie a loop in a small length of bungee and tie that to the back of your toestrap and stick the other bottle in there.

As you don't have a support boat you have to put up with the extra weight and clutter - remember 20% dehydration equates to about 80% drop in performance. Remember to drink little and often (DON'T wait until you're thirsty) and, as you're competing the next day as well, have a high carb snack ready to eat as soon as you get off the water. This is the optimum time to replenish the energy you have used. Eat a high carb meal as soon as you can after getting de-rigged and changed.

Good luck and let us now how you get on!

good info uncle, cheers!

I always have atleast 2 Bars in my LG. (I love Pria bars by powerbar. Taste good, give you energy, etc) And I always have 2 Nalgene bottles in the back of my boat. Or if I have a coach, give them to him.