Race Marks

   The big ones deflate, so they don't have to take up a lot of space - but they are a pain to blow up!

Author	Message Share Topic Printable Version Delicious Digg Facebook Furl Google MySpace Newsvine reddit StumbleUpon Translate Twitter Windows Live Yahoo Bookmarks Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic
PeterG Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 12 Jan 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 823	Post Options Post Reply Quote PeterG Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Race Marks Posted: 06 Aug 14 at 11:09am
	The big ones deflate, so they don't have to take up a lot of space - but they are a pain to blow up!
	Peter Ex Cont 707 Ex Laser 189635 DY 59

Riv Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 23 Nov 13 Location: South Devon Online Status: Offline Posts: 353	Post Options Post Reply Quote Riv Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 06 Aug 14 at 10:23am
	Thanks, we do not have space to store big marks so some sort of Dan buoy will have to do. Over the winter I'll get bigger ones and add chain below the mark. Thanks for the useful reply.

PeterG Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 12 Jan 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 823	Post Options Post Reply Quote PeterG Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Aug 14 at 8:19pm
	If your marks are being sunk by the current, and are anything like a normal dan buoy then they're probably too small. Most people use things like these - http://www.crew-safe.co.uk/acatalog/Inflatable-Mark-Buoys.html?gclid=CMKenbjq_L8CFc3LtAodFHkA3Q for race marks (at least they do on tidal waters - not so sure what pond sailors use). Unfortunately they're not cheap! 3 times depth isn't a lot in strong currents - some chain near the bottom will help, and if using a big inflatable you will need weight to keep it upright. If you are having trouble with floating ropes fouling rudders etc put 3-4m of chain at the top - it will help keep it upright., and keep the rope away from the surface.
	Peter Ex Cont 707 Ex Laser 189635 DY 59

Riv Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 23 Nov 13 Location: South Devon Online Status: Offline Posts: 353	Post Options Post Reply Quote Riv Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Aug 14 at 8:12pm
	I need some advice about race marks. I'm setting courses in a tdal river where the springs can run at 3kts. River is 60ft deep in places at high springs. Despite 3 times the depth of line from anchor to mark often my marks sink. When I have more line often the boats get caught on it. I have Dan Buoys with 6ft telescopic flag poles on top. They sink because of the drag. Does anyone know of a better mark, or have any good ideas for how I can do it better?