Performance Coaching
Faster boats Better decisions
More confident crews
Winning offshore races is rarely about finding one magic trick. It is about hundreds of small improvements that add up over a season.
Whether you race fully crewed, double-handed or shorthanded, FirstShift coaching is designed to help you sail your boat faster, make better tactical decisions and build a crew that performs consistently under pressure.
I don't coach from a textbook. I coach from experience gained over four decades of offshore racing, from the America's Cup and Admiral's Cup to fourteen Fastnets, RORC Championships and modern double-handed racing.
Every session is tailored to your boat, your crew and your objectives.
Coaching that makes a difference
Many teams spend thousands of pounds on sails, electronics and optimisation while overlooking the single biggest performance gain available—the people sailing the boat.
Good coaching doesn't simply improve boat speed.
It improves communication.
Decision making.
Boat handling.
Preparation.
Confidence.
And when conditions become difficult, those improvements are often worth far more than another expensive sail.
Areas we can work on
Boat Speed
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Sail trim
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Helming technique
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Weight placement
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Target speeds
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Polar performance
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VMG sailing
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Performance benchmarking
Boat Handling
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Hoists, drops and peels
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Reefing systems
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Heavy weather techniques
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Starts
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Tacking and gybing efficiency
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Spinnaker handling
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Double-handed procedures
Navigation & Tactics
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Weather interpretation
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Tidal strategy
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Routing
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Race planning
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Navigation under pressure
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Risk management
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Decision making
Offshore Preparation
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Watch systems
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Crew organisation
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Safety procedures
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Provisioning
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Fatigue management
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Communications
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Equipment preparation
Coaching formats
On-the-Water Coaching
The most effective way to improve.
I join your boat for training sessions, race preparation or selected events, working with the whole crew in real conditions.
Race Coaching
Support before and during major races, including:
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race preparation
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weather analysis
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routing discussion
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tactical planning
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post-race debrief
Double-Handed Coaching
One of the fastest-growing areas of the sport.
Learn how to optimise workload, autopilot use, watch systems, sail handling and decision making for two-person offshore racing.
One-to-One Coaching
Perfect for owners, skippers and navigators wanting focused development.
Who it's for
FirstShift coaching is suitable for:
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IRC campaigns
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RORC racing
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Royal Ocean Racing Club newcomers
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Double-handed teams
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Offshore race preparation
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Cowes Week programmes
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Owner-driver campaigns
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Performance cruising sailors wanting to improve
Whether your aim is to finish your first offshore race or win your class, coaching is built around your goals.
Why FirstShift?
I have spent over forty years racing at every level of the sport.
Highlights include:
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Former Rear Commodore of the Royal Ocean Racing Club
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More than 200 RORC races
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Fourteen Rolex Fastnet Races
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America's Cup 12-Metre campaign
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Admiral's Cup campaigns
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Multiple RORC Championship victories
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Offshore Yacht of the Year winner
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Successful fully crewed and modern double-handed campaigns
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Professional coach, navigator and tactician
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RYA Commercially endorsed yachtmaster worldwide
Most importantly, I understand Corinthian sailing.
I know what it is like trying to make ordinary crews perform extraordinarily well.
That is where the biggest gains are made.
Every boat is different
There is no standard coaching package.
Before every programme we discuss:
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your boat
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your experience
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your crew
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your objectives
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your racing programme
From there we build a coaching plan that delivers the greatest return on your time and budget.
Ready to Shift Up a Gear?
If you would like to discuss coaching for your team, whether for a single race, a training weekend or a full season campaign, I'd be delighted to help.
Get in touch using the 'get quote' or email or call me on 07788 662697 to arrange an informal conversation about your plans.