01/06/2026
Every sailing coach wants to run briefings that actually stick when the fleet hits the water. ⛵
But let’s be honest: telling your sailors to just "visualise winning" during a wind delay rarely translates to boat speed. Generic mental training leaves athletes drifting and frustrated, and you end up wasting valuable shore time trying to keep a distracted team engaged.
If you want to cut through the noise, you need a precise tactical compass.
Enter the PETTLEP framework (Holmes & Collins, 2001). This isn't vague daydreaming—it’s a proven, 7-element checklist designed to help sports science do the heavy lifting for your programme. It bridges the gap between dry land and the racecourse by simulating the exact physical sensations, timing, and environments your sailors face under pressure.
Here is your 3-step action plan for the next wind delay:
1️⃣ Read the 7 elements broken down in our graphic below.
2️⃣ Build one PETTLEP script for a specific maneuver (like a tight leeward mark rounding).
3️⃣ Run the exercise and watch your sailors execute it seamlessly on the water.
👉 Hit SHARE to save this to your coaching group.
Don’t let your shore sessions turn into dead air where athletes check out and lose their edge. Turn every postponement into a mental advantage, keep your team sharp, and step into the season as a highly effective, structured coach. 🏆
