I did my first Tri last year - VERY slowly. But for all it's worth here are a few tips:

1. Try and fit in an ocean swim if you haven't already done one. If you can't don't worry about it. There are 3 or 4 rubber dinghys around to come to your aid if you need it, so if you are like me last year, and your first ocean swim is actually the day of the tri, this is probably the safest time to do a first ocean swim. Don't panic, take it easy and you will be fine.

2. Try not to go first, let the strongest/ most experienced team member go first, that way you won't be swimming with a big wave of other swimmers.

3. Although gatorade is freely available before and after (at least it was last year), only water is available during the course, so make sure you bring some gatorade (or similar product) if you think you will need it.

4. If you aren't going first and don't really want/need to get there before the start of the race, try putting all your gear in the compound on the Saturday when you put your bike in the compound. That way you can sleep in a little rather than getting there before 7.00 am just to put in your shoes etc. It looks like Sat night will be dry.

Hope this helps! good luck!