Segmento

With only a month to go until the Europeans its train train train and yesterday Mike Lennon and I rigged up our Mach 2's for another evening session. Now I would vote for any government who abolished daylight saving, it fucks up animals, kids and heavy drinkers but last night I had to concede that the ability to sail until eight o'clock is a good thing.

Anyway it was a nice sail, my boat felt awesome and I could have gone down wind in the bouncy waves off East Head all day. The ride height was rock solid and although my trusty KA MSL10B sail is getting a little worn out, having twice been run over by the life boat, I reckon I was going pretty fast.

So last night I was thinking about different types of sailors. I thought this time, rather than considering individuals at the event, I'd look at categories of sailors instead. Here are mine, I'm sure there are more...

- "The Contenders". People who are as good as you, if not better, and can beat you. Deal with them by training harder, going faster, sailing better. Recognise that they will beat you sometimes, but you just need to beat them more than they beat you. Respect and learn from them. Buy all local stocks of Ibuprofen so they can't.

- "The Emerging". Up there in a few races, often inconsistent, but possible stars of the future. See if you can coach them, and possibly charge for it.

- "The Completely Insane". Wild eyed and look like they've just been fired out of a cannon, with a boat that looks like something off "The Gadget Show". All their ideas fail, but one, which ensures the survival of the Moth class for the next few decades. Good in the light, see if you can figure out why for an albeit brief period, they went twice your speed. Don't make any sudden moves..

- "The Mobile Chicanes". Give a wide berth, you don't know where they are going, and nor do they. Often the best people to socialise with after the racing.

- "The Troopers". Solid, tough and quiet with a tip top conditon but now outdated boat. Always finish and good sailors. Trust worthy and fair on the race track. Always have tools you can borrow.

-"The Ow! brigade". Often seen walking aimlessly round the dinghy park after the race holding either a piece of broken boat, or limping/bleeding by way of silent explanation of their performance. Encourage, help 'em with their boat and lend them a plaster.

-"The Delusional". Dangerous this lot. Talk the talk and feel qualified to comment on your boat and criticise you, do everything apart from get results. Rise above and ignore.

-"The DNF's". Not a competitive bone in their body, retire when they feel like it, enjoy every aspect of being at the event, not just the racing. First of three to board the lay day coach. Well rounded complete people. Envy them..