Clean Boat

 One thing I like about sailing is going out in a nice white hulled boat, gleaming on the water. The reason it's like that is because we have spent ages cleaning it. With boats like the RS Toura, it is simply a case of using the jet washer and a bit of elbow grease, unlike others who are rubbing down and varnishing.

Here are the main advantages of keeping a dinghy hull clean in racing:

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⚡ 1. Reduced Drag = More Speed

• Algae, slime, and barnacle-like growths create friction between the hull and the water.

• A clean, polished hull glides through the water more easily, which means the boat is faster in all conditions.

• On rivers (like the Thames), even a light slime layer can knock noticeable speed off your boat, especially in light winds.

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⛵ 2. Better Acceleration

• Coming out of a tack or gybe, or starting from the line, a clean hull accelerates more quickly.

• That extra “zip” can make the difference between holding your lane or being rolled by another boat.

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🌊 3. Improved Manoeuvrability

• With less drag, the boat responds more quickly to the helm.

• This matters when making tight mark roundings or quick course adjustments in gusty conditions.

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🏆 4. Competitive Edge

• In one-design dinghy racing (like RS Touras, Merlins, Phantoms, etc.), all boats are theoretically equal.

• The difference often comes down to small margins — a dirty hull can easily add 30–60 seconds over a race, which could cost several places.

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🧽 5. Less Wear and Tear

• Slime and dirt hold water against the gelcoat, which can encourage osmosis and staining.

• Regular cleaning helps protect the hull long-term, keeping it smoother and faster season after season.

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Practical Tips for Racers

• Weekly wipe-down if your dinghy lives afloat — even a quick sponge under the waterline makes a difference.

• Polish the hull occasionally with a light marine polish to keep it smooth.

• Check centreboard and rudder too — they’re just as important for drag reduction.

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👉 Bottom line: A clean hull = a fast boat. It’s the cheapest performance upgrade you’ll ever get!