5 Expert Tips — Chris Nicholson on How to Steer at Night

Chris Nicholson is one of the most experienced ocean racing skippers in the world. He shares advice on night helming with Andy Rice.

- By Andy Rice, Photography by Brian Carlin/Team Vestas Wind/Volvo Ocean Race

Chris Nicholson’s prowess in 18ft Skiffs and three World Championship titles in the early days of the 49er Olympic dinghy drew the attention of Grant Dalton when he recruited the Australian to join his crew for the 2001/02 Volvo Ocean Race on-board the Volvo 60, Amer Sports One.

Nicholson had been somewhat economical with the facts at the job interview with his new boss, as back then ‘Nico’ had next to no experience of sailing out of sight of land. But Dalton recognised the potential of this new breed of skiff sailor for understanding the demands of helming twitchy, highspeed race yachts like the VO60.

Nicholson showed he was worth the gamble, proving to be one of the fastest natural helmsmen of the boat, particularly valuable at night when ‘feel’ and instinct become even more crucial. Here he reveals five of his best tips for fast and effective steering at night.

However, as he points out: “The primary focus at all times is to keep everybody safe, and a good place to start is to have a clear compass heading to steer to.”

1 HAVE A SAFE NUMBER

Have a clear number in mind that you should be steering to. If the boat feels like it’s getting twitchy, know what your safe number is to bring it to a feeling of safety.