How often have we, members of the sailing community been given the square eye from a non-sailor when talking about our sport as an athletic activity?

With help from the internet. word is getting around: sailing is very athletic, exciting and challenging.  A casual chat with sailors from different classes all carry a common theme of  “how-tos” for sailing faster and and staying in shape for the next event. 

The recreational sailor who maintains an active lifestyle will naturally stay primed for water play.  Those of who take sailing to a higher level (racing); cardio training will help us stay on top of our game when man, boat and Mother Nature all come to head.

After a long day of racing and the breeze fills in more than expected, spin halyard blows or staying in the lead involved a tacking duel to the windward mark: your cardiovascular conditioning will make a difference in how the above scenarios play out.

Training the circulatory system conditions the heart to pump a greater volume of blood per beat.  In time, this leads to a lower resting heart rate which in turn allows an individual to endure physical activity at longer intervals.  The more efficient the body circulates blood and delivers it to the muscles at rest; the better it will perform physically in sticky situations on-the-water.

Recommended Cardio Activities For Sailing Can Include:

  • Cycling
  • Running
  • Swimming
  • Rowing
  • Climbing

Additional Resources:

Target Heart Rate Calculator

Mayo Clinic's Guide To Fitness