Goal posts

It's important to have goals!  

Some non-mutually-exclusive examples of goals for Volant's sailing and racing are listed below.  Which of these to focus on will help us as a crew make decisions about which races to join or cruises to take this 2026 season and how we continue to improve as a (high-functioning!) team.

1. Do more rotational cross-training to master other positions on the boat and appreciate the interactions among positions.
2. Accomplish more regular on-the-water race training as a crew to practice skills like race starts, sail changes, and transitions maneuvers like tacks, gybes, sets, douses. 
3. Get more involved in pre-race planning and post-race debriefing.
4. Learn more about racing rules of sailing, race strategy, and tactics on the race course.
5. Learn more about steering and gain experience helming the boat.
6. Participate in more long-distance day and/or overnight racing events.  
7. Join more high-profile regatta events that offer great competition, like Helly Hansen, Verve Cup, Columbia Cup, Ugotta Regatta, and MMYC 100-miler.
8. Give priority to local SJRYC racing instead of out-of-town racing (kind of what we did last season).
9. Join in as an ambassador (missionary?!) to help novice sailors learn more about sailing a boat like Volant and build appreciation for the water and sailing skills.
10. Take opportunities for helping deliver Volant to and from racing event venues around Lake Michigan.
11. Join in recreationally cruising the boat, for example, long weekend outings to destinations in southwestern Lake Michigan.
12. Do more casual, social, non-racing day sailing with friends and family.

Another example of goal posts!