Race Management: Segrating classes on the start line

Print Page | Close Window

Segrating classes on the start line

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Race Management
Forum Discription: For race officers and competiors to discuss the topic
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=938
Printed Date: 27 Jun 25 at 2:27pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Segrating classes on the start line

Posted By: ivan
Subject: Segrating classes on the start line
Date Posted: 13 Aug 05 at 4:07pm

Our club racing is all on a handicap basis and generally invovles all boats
starting together. Recently the Devon Yawl has become very popular and
we regularly have 3 or more racing.
Our concern is that there is a risk that these larger heavier boats bring to
other boats e.g. lasers etc. We have had 2 collisions on the start line in
recent weeks the latest in which a laser was literally skewered on the
bowsprit of one of the Yawls (who did have right of way).

I wonder if other clubs running handicap racing like this have any
expereince of segragating the start line to separate boats and minimise
the risks that can ensue from mixing larger keel boats with small
dinghies?

-------------
Ivan

Replies:

Posted By: Ian29937
Date Posted: 13 Aug 05 at 5:07pm

Simply split the starts - give the Yawls a separate start 3 minutes after the rest of the fleet and do the maths on the elapsed times to get a consolidated result.

Never forget that any boat is obliged by the rules to try and avoid a collision even if they have right of way and could be protested out if they dont try. A quite reminder of this fact might encourage some less dangerous behaviour.

Posted By: Stefan Lloyd
Date Posted: 13 Aug 05 at 6:10pm

Originally posted by ivan

We have had 2 collisions on the start line in
recent weeks the latest in which a laser was literally skewered on the
bowsprit of one of the Yawls (who did have right of way).

It's pretty unlikely the Laser helm will do it again!

Posted By: ivan
Date Posted: 14 Aug 05 at 10:31pm

Thanks for the replies. I am embarrased to note that I cannot spell the
word 'segregate'. Stafan is right; the Laser will not do it again - at least
not until he has a new mainsail as the existing one was ripped into two
pieces!

-------------
Ivan

Posted By: Garry
Date Posted: 15 Aug 05 at 12:22pm

if you have enough boats you could have a fast and slow fleet with separate starts. There is a problem with starting the Yawls later and then reaggregating the finish times: depending on the relative handicap some boats will be sailing in clear wind and others in disturbed and this would be different to the situation if they had all started together.

Another solution might be to just have a longer start line.

-------------
Garry

Lark 2252, Contender 298

www.cuckoos.eclipse.co.uk