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Board » General Discussion » RESPECT FOR VOLUNTEERS

Hi SOLers !

Sailonline Management have seen, during the recent past, a sizeable surge of criticism addressed to those who run the platform behind the scenes. SRC has seen the vast majority of such criticism - too many times as utterly inappropriate; I have decided to address the matter.

I take it for granted that everyone at SOL is aware that the Teams working behind the scenes do so in total volunteer mode and only for passion. This does not mean that judgements are always right or that mistakes are impossible, but surely does mean that they deserve our complete respect for what they do.

Constructive criticism is one thing and has always been welcome. Good examples are changes to the rules regarding DC-able starts and finishes during Ocean races and some modifications to the platform features that have come from constructive comments.

Criticism like: “This race has been badly organized because there is no wind” …. OR ….” this boat is too slow for a race with light wind like this one “…. are NON constructive comments, and as such are unacceptable criticism.

Races are planned several months in advance and, with few exceptions (e.g. trade winds) no such long-term prediction of Wx can be assessed in advance. (Our volunteers are neither computers, nor meteorologists).

I have personally seen such sarcastic and disrespectful comments and criticism appearing in race chat.

The objective of this message is to alert that this lack of respect will no longer be accepted, and appropriate action will be taken to preserve the rights of those that want to offer this virtual sailing on SOL waters, to be able to do so in happiness, like those who enjoy the platform.

I will not lose even one volunteer because he/she has been offended on such grounds and I would add that such a public lack of respect also acts to deter any new volunteers who are now, and will forever be, needed for the future.

Piero
Sailonline COO

PS: this thread remains open for comments. The more the better.
Hi Piero and the rest of the admin team.

As a long term Soler, since 2009, let me be the first to say Thank You for the tireless efforts put in to keep my online hobby/stress distraction platform going strong for so many years.

Although I could comment further regarding the matter and only in support of the team. Let me just leave it on a positive note.

I appreciate you all

George (Jawz)
Dear Piero and team of volunteers: I am new and I come from another virtual regatta platform. First of all, I congratulate you for the great task you are doing and of course I fully agree that you should navigate (virtually) with respect and honesty. Thank you Sailonline!!!!!!!!!!!! (Google Translator).

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Port Huron to Mackinac 2025


First run in 1925, the race from Huron to Mackinac is considered to be the world's longest consecutively run freshwater sailing race. Let's go - 260nm in X-362 Sport's awaits!!
Throw away unnecessary ballast from your boats. Fresh water has less buoyancy, which means greater draft and greater resistance to movement, which means lower speeds, etc.😊
Race #1959
INFO from brainaid.de
X-362 sport PARTICULARS
NAM_AWIP WX Updates:
0245 / 0845 / 1445 / 2045
Ranking:
ARQ4 - ARCH - SUPSOL - SYC
Race starts: Oct 20th 17:00 Registration will open soon
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Sinbad by Balloon 2025 - Carnarvon to Dondra


From here, our home in Bharatavarṣa is now north west of us – said Sinbad to his fellow balloonists. Perhaps we can ride the wind first further north, and then catch the winds that every year bring the rain, perhaps not. It’s 2600nm and we could be aloft awhile, so, Master el-Quarters, victuals only, no sandbags, provisioning the giant hamper. It will be not a picnic!
Race #1886
INFOby brainaid.de
SOL Balloon PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: SYC - SBB
Race starts: Oct 15th 11:00 Registration Open!
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Alicante TIMED Race 2025

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Race #1958
INFOby brainaid.de
AC72v2 Particulars
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking:
TRQ4 - TRCH - SUPSOL - SYC
RACE CLOSE: Saturday,
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Race starts: Oct 12th 12:00 Registration Open!
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Marion Island to Fernando de Noronha 2025

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PRIZE: SMPF
Race #1955
INFO by brainaid.de
JV 62 PARTICULARS    
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230    
Ranking: OCQ4 - RWW - OCCH - SUPSOL - SYC
Race starts: Oct 06th 11:00 Registration Closed
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Camel or Balloon 2025 - Khartoum to N'Djamena


As there is a lull in the calendar, your PRO has decided to risk an experiment – a balloon race over land, using a workaround to eliminate the recognition of water/land transitions. If it fails, the server may crash, and we abandon PDQ, hopefully after leg 7 of the ABS race to Suez has been decided, and before the start of the 1st OCC of Q4. Camel or Balloon – c 1000 nm from a field on the north bank of the Blue Nile at Khartoum to a field on the north bank of the Chari River at N'Djamena!
Race #1956
INFOby brainaid.de
SOL Balloon PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: none
RACE CLOSE: Sunday,
October 26 at 2300 UTC.
Race starts: Sep 28th 09:00 Registration Closed
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