Thoughts so far

In that case Jim I suggest you dispatch those sailors to quing-doh forthwith!!

 

That rule was scraped for this Games only (6 knot min)

This is why the code zero has been brought out.  Previously the wind range for it would have been too narrow.  Now the range has been opened up due to the removal this rule

Originally posted by Contender 541 I have got to the stage where I would rather go home and mow the lawns than sail in 2 -3 kts Just as golf is a good walk ruined, sailing in light winds is an irritation I can do without - especially at 16 stone

Agreed; that is why cycling is a good fit with sailing as cycling in no wind is the best conditions.

Originally posted by getafix Glad to see we've wasted millions of lottery funding and sponsorship on our 'world-class swimming team' again.... why do we waste sooooo much cash on this lot every 4 years? We do so much better in Rowing, Cycling, Sailing and Boxing, to name but a few 'first week' sports - why send such a large team when they fail to get into the finals and once there, only have a slim chance of a medal?

Cos there are about 34 medal events in swimming and only about 8 in sailing?

Originally posted by tack'ho Which begs the question why the hell should the sailors give up medals?

Because there are a lot more swimmers than sailors worldwide... The medal situation in swimming doesn't match IOC wishes very well: IOC doesn't like events where the same person can win loads of medals: but the participation is good and it would be difficult to have different Olympic events to every other swimming event I guess.

Looking at the race where Ben went down the tubes so badly the fleet was sailing with a lot of lateral separation but were all very close together as regards distance to the mark, so even a small advantage to one side or the other meant a big change in places. A similar shift in more wind would have had much the same result: but usually in those conditions the fleet is much more spread out, so you get less place change for the same difference in wind.

The unthinking mantra that people shout on viewing this situation on other forums tends to be shouts of "why didn't he cover", but in that situation its just not possible - too much separation in the fleet.

Edited by JimC