NYYC: Performance Guides Aren't Just for the Big Dogs

The competitor briefing and performance document below was provided to crews racing IC37s in the 2021 Rolex NYYC Invitational Cup.

Compiled by Quentin Leo

The document includes everything that first-time and experienced crews should know about the IC37 before stepping onboard to practice and race. Sections include descriptions of deck layout and sails, rig tune, crew positions, sail trim, sail handling at mark roundings, speed prediction tables, even where the engine gauges are located. Crew who ignore this document do so at their own peril.

Is this idea just for the big dogs? Hell no. The document can be the template for a performance guide to your own boat. Your performance guide could provide all crew (new and regulars) with consistent descriptions of how the boat is properly set up and tuned, its sail inventory and trim settings, crew positions, where crew weight is distributed on all points of sail.

The guide to your boat might also include sections on crew protocols for boat handling, safe sailing practices, MOB and first aid procedures, layout of the instrument panel and battery switches, even how to use the head.

How can you start to document your boat? Take pictures of your boat now while it is in the water. Design and refine your performance guide during the winter. Begin next season with a practical knowledge base of everything your crew needs to know to race your boat right.

Individual pages follow. A single PDF of all 16 pages is combined at the bottom for easy download to your own devices.