Navigating through the slump

Sailing in calm conditions is extremely challenging. You have to be particularly attentive, observe everything, remain calm, and move carefully: clearly, controlled, and economically. Any rush is detrimental.

Repair all damage caused by the previous storm, secure loose items, and tie everything down. Do everything important and quick first, then do things that take longer provisionally so that they are not damaged further, and fix them properly later.

That's the most important thing in everything: keep moving! Even if you're only moving forward a few centimeters, do everything you can to keep going! And don't lose momentum!

• No rushing around on the boat, no quick and careless movements, no unnecessary movements.
• Sails correctly adjusted: not too loose, not too tight.
• Always check the halyard points and adjust them slightly if necessary: every detail counts.
• Get the crew organized, everyone has to pitch in.

Observe all settings and movements of your ship, the waves, the wind. How are the threads moving? What do your instruments say, where can things be optimized and adjusted? If you see something: improve slowly, carefully, but clearly and in a controlled manner. Be cautious, not hesitant.

Now it's up to each and every one of us. Hectic activity on board is harmful. Careless movements will cause you to lose speed. Everyone needs to be patient now; it's important to stay calm. You may want to drink, eat, or take a break... But personal needs, unless they are essential for survival, must take a back seat right now.

Very important: keep an eye on the horizon. Is there a breeze? Where are your competitors moving, is anyone picking up speed? Are there any clouds or small waves that indicate new wind? Or is the best wind on the whole pond right where you are? You have to do this constantly, because every little movement is important. At least one crew member must report everything, you discuss, decide, and act. Is the wind field close enough? Change course and head there. If it's too far away, stay on course.

Are they dozing in the sun? Or are they slowly pulling away? Because they saw wind that you don't see, their ship is better aligned, their sails are better adjusted, their crew is working better? Calm seas are deceptive; the weather can change at any time. You must never let your guard down. Since it's a competition, you don't want to come in last. Therefore: keep a constant eye on the others!

Now is when being a well-coordinated team pays off. Every maneuver must be executed very clearly and simply, at exactly the right speed. If you go too fast, the maneuver becomes hectic, there are counter-movements, and you lose speed. Too slow: you don't turn properly and lose speed even more. In calm conditions, this can quickly end very badly. The best approach is to work together harmoniously, with everyone making exactly the right move at the right time, and you'll continue as if nothing had happened, only on a different, better course.

Don't get cocky! Even if you came out of the last storm reasonably well or even very well. Don't think it happened because you were so great. Your crew worked hard, your equipment and your ship were perhaps better, or you were just lucky to have had slightly better wind and easier waves than others who were completely torn apart.

If you didn't come out of it well, and that's the case for most people, don't beat yourself up. You can't influence the wind and waves. It depends on how you and your crew deal with them. Now is the time to reflect on that. How can you prepare for the next storm? Because it's definitely coming.

Attention: the next storm is definitely coming. You need to prepare for it.

• No unnecessary weight on board. If the weight is well distributed, you will remain flexible and make the best progress.
• If anyone has nothing to do, repair, secure, knot, moor... Work on securing and improving your ship and your organization.
• Gather strength, train, learn, educate yourself in everything that can help you. Use your time wisely!

... no less demanding than sailing through a storm. Sailing is easy when the weather is nice and conditions are optimal. Now you can show what you've learned, grow, and develop. Pay attention to your crew, your clients, your company, and the right partners. We are here and ready for you! pole-position@drive.eu

(P.S.: The young Scottish woman in the front of the cockpit is the helmsman's sister.)