Since my last little blog I have been very busy down here in the South of France. We have been out almost ever day, and have been carrying out various different exercises including coastal races, inshore and speed tests - a great way to improve and look for the consistency that I need. The previous training I had found quite difficult and never really seemed to get into my stride, but I am happy to say that I have been a lot more switched on this time.
I have some elements that I really need to focus on now, the good thing is that I know what they are, and to improve those areas I need to practise - and then practice a lot more!
This week has also involved some sleep training and analysis. We were subjected to several exercises that test the memory and reaction time. After these tests had been completed and logged, we then left for a 36 hour race around the cans in the bay just outside La Grande Motte. It was a very difficult (85 mile per lap) course with lots of mark roundings and manoeuvres. The plan was not to sleep at all and then carry out the same tests again and see just how much the fatigue had affected our decision making processes, as well as reaction times.
We left on Monday morning and by the time of the start it was blowing 25-30 knots! Perfect conditions for a 36-hour sail! Anyway, off we went and after the upwind mark it was a tight reach to the next mark. This meant spinnaker… As I was preparing to hoist the chute, I kept one eye on the instruments as the true wind speed hit 38 knots. This was a little daunting so I waited for a lull of about 32 and then popped the little spi. Bang, I was off and hit just under 20 knots at one point - the boat and me were totally submerged for most of the leg as we hooned along! After a few hours of this, the wind had stayed at 30-35 and as the temperature dropped, so the decision was taken to call it off. I have to say I was quite relieved as we headed back to the port just before dark. The next day the weather had improved and we set out to do the same course once again. The racing was very close and after 30-odd hours we were all close enough that one tiny mistake would cost a position.
I finished the race without a single wink of sleep, just as the rest of the boys did. I probably didn’t eat enough on the race but I was very happy with my hydration levels and how much water I had consumed. We docked the boats and then got straight into the memory and reaction tests - clearly not as sharp as before! Then it was time for a good sleep! I managed to watch approximately 2 minutes of a DVD before I nodded off.
Over the next week the results will be processed and we will find out the extent of how no sleep actually affects us individually. I was certainly surprised at how tired I was. Normally on a race like that I may have had two periods of 10 minute sleeps, when the conditions allowed, and even that tiny amount actually makes such a huge difference.
Overall the last three weeks have been brilliant and, again, I have learned a huge amount. I am thoroughly enjoying sailing down here and sailing the Figaros. Will be back next week after a good break.
That’s all for now, Jonny
You can read all of Jonny’s other blogs in the Team Blog section.
