My RNLI winter 2022 magazines pitched up today in the mail. I was struck by he front cover headline on the ‘Offshore‘ section: ‘Fuel For Watersports – the food athletes and lifesavers choose’

Inside there is a rundown on the activities of three ‘Adventurers’ – Pip Hare, ocean racing sailor; Sian Sykes, SUP Adventurer and Activist; and Timo Mullen, professional windsurfer…

Where ‘Lifesaver’ comes in I couldn’t work out.

What the heck is the benefit of this article for the ‘common’ sailor, I am asking myself.

These are sports professionals, far far away from the people who have a boat, canoe, paddle board or dinghy.

The only tangible piece of information was in a comment by an RNLI crew person who mentions the use of cereal bars. Well yes, they have been around for years and are used by everyday sailors, walkers and such. Even by people as a substitute for a proper breakfast.

Pip Hare adds electrolytes, multivitamins, supplements and minerals are added to specialist vegan dehydrated products to produce a meal…

Sian Sykes talks of working with a firm producing specialist dehydrated meals too with a requirement for compostable packaging. Great, but I’d say a dehydrated meal aboard a cruising yacht was a rarity – unless of the pot noodle variety of snacks.

Timo Mullen waxes lyrical about not taking supplements, ‘I don’t take supplements or use gels, protein shakes or electrolytes…’ I feel a bit lost here, I have to admit!

In conclusion the article says: ‘The physical demands of your particular watersport will vary depending on its type, intensity and duration as well as your unique body…’

Christobel said, ‘I wish they’d write about ordinary things … I really can’t be bothered with this…’

Yes well, me too. I just cannot understand the relevance.