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Board » Flag Officers » Races » Tokyo - San Francisco 2019

Was it really that hard to put the starting line outside Tokyo Bay so everyone gets a fair start! It is supposed to be an offshore race ….


/SKOVSER
Hi SKOVSER :-)

Response from SRC:

"SKOVSER - This point was raised to OPS by SRC when the race was previewed some three weeks ago.

The response from OPS was – “This race was raced as-is in 2014 .... so, if SRC needs the start to be relocated, Finn, just a reminder that you will need to create a new Tokyo Offshore waypoint and a new TOK_SFO race course .. otherwise info about the old race is skewed!”

SRC did not require the start to be relocated by OPS. (It would have created a duplicate course which SOL tries to avoid.)"

Response from OPS:

"Dear SKOVSER,
Thank you for raising this very valid point.
It is in fact one which SRC considered prior to setting up this re-run of a 2014 race, which on the day attracted a large fleet and more than likely invited a few comments of a similar nature to yours of today. However, as the race was long, the outcome of the dash through the bay out to sea, proved to have no bearing on the results. So, to avoid having to create a duplicate course departing from a new waypoint, thus adding more data to our ever-growing database, it was considered fair enough to leave the race as first designed. The fact that a new tool known as 'AGL' allows racers to pretty accurately plan a series of DCs to safely route through restricted waters was a further consideration in deciding to leave the race 'as was'.
Finally, we take this opportunity to reflect on the hypothetical situation that the finish originally might have been inside San Francisco Bay, in which case that definitely would have been changed, as we adjudge it is far more important that long races do not run the risk of ending in disaster for competitors not able to attend to their boat as they approach the finish."

I hope that covers your question :-)
Thanks for your reply.

I do not agree with your answer and have the following comments:

Your explanation that you want to avoid further data for the database can be fixed by replacing the existing race with a new one - and not just copying a new one!

Your arguments about the start procedure contradict you in your arguments about a hypothetical finish inside SF Bay. IRL sailors think it is just as important to get a good and fair start!
Generally speaking, I do not think SOL should design its races, based on what is found by external aids on other web pages, eg. AGL, so I do not buy that argument.

Personally, I think an offshore race should be between 2 open points (start/finish)!

Overall, there will be fewer and fewer participants for SOL so I would encourage more SOL’ers to participate in the debate on the continued development….
I can recommend making a small study of what SOL’ers think about the races, possibly wishes for new initiatives etc.

Regards,
/SKOVSER
Bimmer:- What is AGL and where do I find it? I'm not a router user, but sometimes getting out of a restricted start area can be a real chore late at night.
If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy.
Hi Rod.
AGL (AutoGribLoader) or DC Checker as it's also called is made by Kipper1258.
You can find it here : Version 3.1.3

Be sure to read the manual very carefully.

Problems? Write to finn@sailonline.org

--- Last Edited by Bimmer at 2019-06-18 02:49:55 ---

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