Knowing Your Team's Limits

We've had a windy spring in Newport, RI. For the first few weeks, we may have spent as much time in the classroom as on the water. While the urge to just get on the water is huge, it's not always the best idea.

The question then becomes: how do you know when to say when? As coaches, it's our job to make the judgment call. We not only need to determine what is best for the safety of our team, but also our competitors. Here are a few questions to ask yourself that may help you to know your team's limits.

1. Can your team safely get on and off the water? For us, it is extremely difficult for even our top boats to get off the dock in a strong northerly. We had to cancel a meet earlier this week not necessarily because of the gusts, but because of the fact that we didn't think everyone could get sailing without risking damage.
2. Can your weakest boat stay upright? Sometimes, we are confident that our top boats, with heavy air crews, can sail the conditions. However, are we creating safety risks by letting our JV boats out? If you have enough support, don't hesitate to tell some kids that they should just watch for a day while you sail the top boats. It's better for them to learn something rather than just go swimming.
3. Would you want to sail the conditions? Honestly, do you think that you would enjoy the practice? If you are looking at the breeze and thinking, glad I'm not out there, then the kids probably are too.
4. Is it your equipment? A few weeks ago, we had a varsity meet against another school while using a third school's boats. It was gusting to 25, and blowing onto a lee shore. After the first race, we all agreed to call it a day before something got broken. If you are using some one else's boats, they will appreciate your judgment call.
5. Are you going to gain anything from sailing the conditions? Not all conditions are conducive to a good practice. If the goal is to speed-test with heavy-air crews, then 20+ is ok. However, if your team is still learning to boat handle, then a day of chalk-talks may be a better use of you and your team's time.

Finally, know that opposing coaches will always appreciate your good judgment. With both fleet racing and team racing events, it is often up to the coach to determine whether or not their sailors can compete in the given conditions. A hosting coach would rather have you pull out of a race before some one, or something, is put in harm's way.