Fueling British Sailing’s Championship Season

Q&A WITH JAMES PETERS

How did you celebrate?

We usually kick things off with a bit of champagne on the podium (if we've had a good result!), then unwind with friends, typically at a local bar! It’s a great chance to reflect on the racing, laugh about the close calls, and just enjoy the moment with the team who shared the journey.

How do sailing races challenge you mentally?

Race durations differ, but we’re usually locked in for a solid 30 minutes or more. During that window, the mental intensity is huge. Success in sailing often comes down to reading the conditions and making sharper decisions than your rivals. After three intense races in one day, it’s totally normal to feel mentally drained and fatigued. It’s a sport that really stretches your brainpower.

What impact does sports nutrition have on your performance and how do you stay on top of it in a race?

Sports nutrition helps me stay strong, sharp, and mentally dialed in for longer than I could otherwise. We pack drinks, gels, bars, and snacks in a cool bag on our coach boat. Between races and drills, we pull up alongside and refuel. It also aids recovery post-sailing, which adds up over a full week of racing and training. Staying consistent with nutrition means I’m ready to perform at a high level right through to the final race of a long regatta.