Racing offshore in a Double Handed event brings about its own challenges that can be very different to a fully crewed boat. Rob Gough talks about what it takes to be prepared.

We asked Rob Gough to speak about their preparation and approach to safety and readiness when competing in a Double Handed offshore event.

• Experience in offshore sailing
  It’s all a process of building confidence and experience in the boat and the team. John Saul and I were lucky that we had over 10000 miles 2 handed cruising experience before we embarked on 2h racing. And a little known benefit of living in Tassie, is that you need to cross Bass Strait on the way to start of each major race!
• Fitness level
  Very important, as well as sleep fitness - we prioritised sleep in weeks leading up to a major race, and then go into a routine before race where we get up in the night a few times, just to get the body use to night shift.
• Preparation and pre-voyage team agreements (roles and communication)
  We don’t have team agreements and we adapt depending on what the other person needs at the time, maybe its rest, or food, or warmth, or just time off deck.
• Wearing of suitable offshore clothing
  We always have bumbag on from prestart. This has personal EPIRB, personal AIS, knife, roll of tape, a soft shackle and a metre of 2mm Dyneema - which can fix a lot. And a few energy gels. We will add an electronic flare. Then we put on our harness and tether.
  The companionway is a very important place for us.  Each tether is located there, a handheld sat phone is at base of stairs. And a bean bag where we spend most of the little rest time we get. If it’s at all rough, we keep in full gear including harness, so we can be on deck in less than a minute if the ‘call’ is forceful enough.
  Clothing is crucial and we try to layer up before the weather arrives. The last Hobart we were in full offshore kit 12 hours before the real weather hit off Tasman. That was base layer / mid layer/ and wet weather gear and harness/ bum bag etc. Ideal to have a wetsuit hood close to hand and gloves. This can be a quick way to add a bit more warmth.
• Use of sea survival techniques as taught in accredited courses
  This is a fantastic course and the water based activities are great. Perhaps a MOB drill where you have to get a fully clothed sailor ‘back on board’ would be useful also. 

We hope this information will help you think about preparation for Double Handed racing and readiness for the challenges expected when offshore.

By Melanie Peasey