drone video/camera

Originally posted by andy101 I was going to let my shotgun licence lapse but am having second thoughts as a new sport may be appearing over the horizon!

Last weekend LPB Aerial Imagery presented to the RYA conference of race officials as a key speaker talking about the legal issues to be considered on the use of drones in sailing and running two workshops on drones.

One topic was to investigate the use of drone imagery to assist umpires. They arranged 4 boats/sailors, three umpires and a race crew over New Year to set up an initial trial. The drone provided live video straight to a screen on an umpire boat. Two umpires acted conventionally whilst the third watched the footage and was in open radio contact.

Picture stills are on view here; 

http://www.rsaerosailing.org/index.asp?p=gallery&id=RS%20Aero%20Jousting%20-%20Umpire%20Eye%20in%20the%20Sky%20(by%20LPB%20Aerial%20Imagery)&yr=2015

The pictures give a nice snapshot of various tactical and rule scenarios. However to get the whole story you really need to see a video or at least a sequence of pictures.

Occasionally I heard a whirring, mostly I did not notice it. If they are high I don't think you would ever hear them if there was any wind. When above you, you would only spot them if you were looking for it. All the umpires enjoyed the new challenge/tech, learning & improving on how to implement it effectively during the session. Some feedback was;

Perhaps it is an assistance as a 2nd opinion / confirmation rather than ever replacing umpires afloat.

The ‘history’ and level of zooming was critical. As can be seen in the snapshots it is not often possible to make a judgment without knowing how the boats came together and maybe in relation to a mark that might be out of screen.

Good open coms were required between the ‘direct’ umpires and those watching the screen.

Great for calling boat length circles and overlaps when umpires afloat find themselves out of position.

Potentially less rib wake and traffic on the course.

Effective angle to see rule 42 'leach flicking' infringements from.

I did see some pro photographers with them at Goodwood last year. Never saw them fly however. So many documentary TV programs use them if you watch out.

I haven't sailed with a drone videoing as far as I'm aware, but I did see a guy who seemed to be preparing for aerial photography at the Bloody Mary last month. Given the gusty conditions I did wonder how controllable the drone would be, and what is the likelihood of striking a boat (or bystander). Any info on station holding/directional/height stability and also reliability?

a_dowley, thanks very much for posting that link. We were members at MSC in the mid 70s. We knew it was a fabulous place to sail at the time but that footage confirms it. Happy, happy days - thanks.