Login
Support Sailonline
If you haven't already - join the SAILONLINE YACHT CLUB!
Please also consider making a donation - all amounts are greatly appreciated!
Posted by RainbowChaser |
|
As many of you know the RORC took legal action yesterday to prevent SOL running its variant of the Fastnet race. As a consequence, I have written an email this morning to Commodore McIrvine with a copy to Seahorse Magazine (the publicly available magazine of the RORC).
Below is what I have said. I just wanted y'all to know and, of course, hope you think it was the right thing to do!! In response to comments in chat, please know that the content of this post may be copied/pasted wherever you consider it appropriate. All I ask is that you don't bring SOL or RainbowChaser into disrepute in so doing, you attribute the letter to RainbowChaser, and you put up a post indicating where the letter can be found on other sites etc or where it has been sent. Thanks!! QUOTE Dear Commodore McIrvine My name is <full name> and these days I am mostly housebound as I have become disabled with parkinson's disease, which brought short my working life. One of the ways in which I keep my brain active is to sail in the virtual world. I am extremely distressed to learn that the Royal Ocean Racing Club ("RORC") chose to flex its muscles via lawyers to prevent my “sailing” in a race yesterday being run by a very small Swedish company called Sailonline (“SOL”). While I can appreciate that the RORC may well have contracted to pay or be paid to give its name and that of The Fastnet Race to Virtual Regatta ("VR"), a French company, let me explain why RORC's actions yesterday were very wrong. VR is an organisation running a childlike point-and-click sailing game(s) on the internet. Its owner, Many Players, run many such games in different sports. The games appeal to those who like point and click games that don't require much thought. The VR games no doubt lead people to think that sailing is extremely simple. In order to succeed at VR you need to buy in to various options that will let you fix a TWA, pick a range of sails, set way points etc. Without these additional tools you can't do well. VR claims to have tens of thousands of sailing members, but the reality is very different. In The Fastnet now, for example, at no time have I seen more than 7,700 people logged in. Mind you, if they have all paid the approx £20 for the options, VR still has made £154,000! I started sailing on VR in 2008 with some other like-minded aviation chums in the virtual Volvo Ocean Race Game ("VORG") and by the end of that race, there was a ghost fleet of unskippered virtual yachts in excess of 130,000. It became a joke as one could be overtaken or subsequently overtake this large phantom group, thereby jumping ones own yacht way up the rankings!! VR is French, the forums on the site are in French and if you try to ask a question of its alleged Customer Services (in French or English) you don't get any reply – not even an automated one. I am still waiting for replies from VORG to questions from last year!! As for weather updates? Well every 12hrs a wind grid is downloaded to the screen and that grid applies without variation for the subsequent 12hrs. If, as I learned, you try and anticipate forecast winds by looking to the 12hr 24hr 36hr predictions you will come a cropper because, naturally, by the time the 12hrs to the next update has elapsed the weather has moved on, so forget realism!! For the Fastnet race VR promised tidal currents in the game – they are not yet available. The game hangs several times a day, and during VORG was down for many hours at a time. That the RORC has associated itself with such an organisation is a great pity because it will do nothing but lower people's opinion of the RORC itself. Let me now tell you a little about what I know of SOL. It is small organisation and its business is yachting software. To sail its virtual races does not require the payment of any money. All yachts in each race perform equally according to the boat polar displayed on screen. If you wish to join the SOL Yacht Club you gain no sailing advantage – your results, however, are collated in a spreadsheet so you can learn your ranking. No amount of money will afford you preferential treatment (no extra sails etc). The races it holds are currently raced by up to 1,000 people around the globe, many of whom race or have raced in reality. The site is initially quite complex because it IS virtual sailing. You need to learn basic marine navigation – reading a boat polar is key, understanding how to plot courses is also key – but you don't have to leave SOL to get help. While there are chat functions in other languages, the main chat is in English and over the few weeks I have been sailing on SOL people from many different countries have joined in to help me understand how to read a polar, how to calculate hullspeed when given wind speed and TWA etc.. I don't say that I now could navigate in reality from this (although I have experience of both land and air navigation in my past) but I have a genuine sense of having learned a little about sailing. Weather updates are downloaded every 6hrs and are maintained on the site on-the-run in 10-minute slots, i.e., every 10mins the weather moves on, as it does in reality - so you have to be on your toes, as you would in your own real-world vessel. So now to the fiasco that the SOL version of the Fastnet race course turned out to be yesterday. It was perhaps an error for SOL to reference the Rolex Fastnet race initially in its promotion of its own variant of the race, but as the Fastnet race is known globally and many people use it in their merchandising of products and services, I personally see nothing wrong but in any event, SOL changed the name of their virtual race. On the morning of 9 August, then, our SOL yachts (based on a 90 foot monohull) were teleported to the start in Cowes (btw the VR yachts started south of the Isle of Wight!!) because of the legal intervention from RORC the race name became the Cowes Plymouth challenge, and because the RORC forbade even the course being used, the course was changed. SOL did everything it could to change the nature of the race it wanted to run. In the end the race was stopped. Why? Because RORC had retained lawyers to make this happen. The consequences of this action, against a tiny company which runs a very professional virtual sailing engine respected by many real-life sailors, is to bring the RORC into ridicule and disrepute around the globe. SOL maybe small, and its racing base only some hundreds, but they represent real-life sailors from Saudi Arabia to the USA, from Australia to Germany. The reputation of RORC by its action yesterday against SOL will surely be tarnished. Some of the comments about British bad sportsmanship were embarrassing to read. I know I don't stamp on the little guy, I know I respect professionalism when I find it, I know I dislike the bully-boy tactics of big business but yesterday when RORC chose to take the legal action against SOL, I was ashamed to be British because I felt associated with the actions of the RORC. Shame on you RORC. To act like a bully and side with a point-and-click childlike sailing game against a small and professionally run virtual sailing engine is just wrong and un-British. Please at least apologise to SOL for your actions. With kind regards <name> <full name> cc (email): Seahorse Magazine --- Last Edited by RainbowChaser at 2009-08-10 11:38:05 --- |
|
Posted by k4s |
|
Well you covered so much I gave up reading and skimmed to the end.
The sentiment however,I agree with completely. By the way...its only a game so don't let it ruin your life. There will always be some arsehole that wants to throw around there imagined self importance...give them the correct response...ignore them and get on with the fun. |
|
Posted by SK95SWE8 |
|
Very well written. Part owner of Britt-Marie
(http://www.brittmarie.se) |
|
Posted by nzlyachtyakka |
|
http://yachtyakka.co.nz/2009/08/yachting-news-10th-august-2009/
I posted a link to your e-mail above. Let us all know if you get a reply. PS It may only be a game, however a fantastic way for those of us less able to still enjoy our passion |
|
Posted by Spindrift |
|
Bravo RC, your words reflect the sentiments of a lot of us
|
|
Posted by Svein |
|
RC: Well done - I'm with you every cm of the way
|
|
Posted by ClarissaZhao |
|
Well done Rainbow - very well written and you could tell that it came from the heart. I too felt saddened that we were forced to cease sailing yesterday. I logged onto the VR site & was amazed to see how much they were charging for each add-on. I was also one of those ghost boats after just one leg of the VORG (I couldn't take it there anymore sailing blind)- SOL is so much better in my opinion. I live in Cork, so maybe instead of a F---N-- (is it trademarked?)race, we could race to Cork & back .
|
|
Posted by ddawm |
|
Well done Rainbowchaser-I am sure you have expressed sentiments felt by many if not all SOLers-
|
|
Posted by YBW_Bejasus |
|
I too emailed them this morning to voice my displeasure at their actions.
|
|
Posted by evolution |
|
Well Done RC ... I agree whole heartedly!
|
Races
Next Race: 00d 00h 00m
Current Races:
Cape Town to Auckland 2024
Welcome to the second leg of this Round The World series 2024. It's also the April edition of this year's ocean race championship. The course is the same as the one sailed in 2023, but this year we sail the iconic Swan 65, as suggested in the concluding RTW race last year.
Prepare yourselves for an epic 30-day journey, navigating through the unpredictable waters of the South Seas. It's essential to take care of provisioning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable race experience. With the longer duration, we anticipate plenty of opportunities for camaraderie, competition, and unforgettable memories.
PRIZE: SMPF
Race# 1789
INFO from brainaid.de
Swan 65 PARTICULARS
WX updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: OCQ2 - RTW - OCCH - SUPSOL - SYC
Race starts: Apr 01st 11:00 Registration Open!
GO TO RACE
Gladstone Ports Corporation Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race 2024
Race #1787
INFO by brainaid.de
TP52 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
RANKING: SYC
Race starts: Mar 29th 01:00 Registration Open!
GO TO RACE
Vuelta Isla de Chiloé 2024
Designed by SOLer Hotu Matua in 2010 but barely raced since, this is a 263nm race battling the extreme sea, wind and current conditions around the fabulous landscapes of Chile’s Chiloé archipelago. Previously sailed in our somewhat unsuitable Seacart 30, we’ll venture forth in our slightly more modern, water-ballasted Sun Fast 3300 this time. Keep the hatch closed!
Race #1795
INFO by brainaid.de
Sun Fast 3300 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: SYC
Race starts: Mar 28th 05:00
Registration Open!
Tyrrhenian Tour 2024
Race #1793
INFO by brainaid.de
JV 62 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking:
ARQ1 - ARCH - SUPSOL - SYC
RACE CLOSE: Wednesday,
April 3 at 2300 UTC.
Race starts: Mar 25th 17:00 Registration Open!
GO TO RACE
San Juan Islands TIMED Race 2024
Race #1792
INFO by brainaid.de
Cape 31 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking:
TRQ1 - TRCH - SUPSOL - SYC
RACE CLOSE: Saturday,
30 March at 23:00 UTC
Race starts: Mar 17th 12:00 Registration Open!
GO TO RACE
Casey Station to Neumayer Station 2024
Race #1765
INFOby brainaid.de
Paratii 2 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: HILAT - SYC
RACE CLOSE: Tuesday,
April 2 at 2300 UTC.
Race starts: Mar 14th 19:00 Registration Closed
GO TO RACE
SYC Ranking
Series
- SYC ranking
- 2024 TS
- 2024 TRQ4
- 2024 TRQ3
- 2024 TRQ2
- 2024 TRQ1
- 2024 TRCH
- 2024 TD
- 2024 SVF
- 2024 SUPerSOLer
- 2024 SPRQ4
- 2024 SPRQ3
- 2024 SPRQ2
- 2024 SPRQ1
- 2024 SPRCH
- 2024 SHE
- 2024 RTW
- 2024 RMS
- 2024 PIC
- 2024 OCQ4
- 2024 OCQ3
- 2024 OCQ2
- 2024 OCQ1
- 2024 OCCH
- 2024 LOOR
- 2024 HILAT
- 2024 GWT
- 2024 DN
- 2024 CRW
- 2024 B2B
- 2024 ARQ4
- 2024 ARQ3
- 2024 ARQ2
- 2024 ARQ1
- 2024 ARCH
- 2023 TS
- 2023 TRQ4
- 2023 TRQ3
- 2023 TRQ2
- 2023 TRQ1
- 2023 TRCH
- 2023 TD
- 2023 SVS
- 2023 SUPerSOLer
- 2023 SSANZ
- 2023 SPRQ4
- 2023 SPRQ3
- 2023 SPRQ2
- 2023 SPRQ1
- 2023 SPRCH
- 2023 SHE
- 2023 RTW
- 2023 RNI
- 2023 RMS
- 2023 PIC
- 2023 OCQ4
- 2023 OCQ3
- 2023 OCQ2
- 2023 OCQ1
- 2023 OCCH
- 2023 LOOR
- 2023 DN
- 2023 ARQ4
- 2023 ARQ3
- 2023 ARQ2
- 2023 ARQ1
- 2023 ARCH
- 2022 TRQ4
- 2022 TRQ3
- 2022 TRQ2
- 2022 TRQ1
- 2022 TRCH
- 2022 TD
- 2022 Tall Ships
- 2022 SUPerSOLer
- 2022 SSANZ
- 2022 SSA
- 2022 SPRQ4
- 2022 SPRQ3
- 2022 SPRQ2
- 2022 SPRQ1
- 2022 SPRCH
- 2022 SHE
- 2022 OCQ4
- 2022 OCQ3
- 2022 OCQ2
- 2022 OCQ1
- 2022 OCCH
- 2022 NTR
- 2022 LOOR
- 2022 CTR
- 2022 ARQ4
- 2022 ARQ3
- 2022 ARQ2
- 2022 ARQ1
- 2022 ARCH
- 2021 TRQ4
- 2021 TRQ3
- 2021 TRQ2
- 2021 TRQ1
- 2021 TRCH
- 2021 TD
- 2021 Tall Ships
- 2021 SYCQ4
- 2021 SYCQ3
- 2021 SYCQ2
- 2021 SYCQ1
- 2021 SYCCH
- 2021 SUPerSOLer
- 2021 SSANZ
- 2021 SPRQ4
- 2021 SPRQ3
- 2021 SPRQ2
- 2021 SPRQ1
- 2021 SPRCH
- 2021 Shetland
- 2021 PAC6
- 2021 OCQ4
- 2021 OCQ3
- 2021 OCQ2
- 2021 OCQ1
- 2021 OCCH
- 2021 ESRW
- 2020 TSE
- 2020 TSA
- 2020 TRQ4
- 2020 TRQ4
- 2020 TRQ3
- 2020 TRQ2
- 2020 TRQ1
- 2020 TRCH
- 2020 Tasman Double
- 2020 SYCQ4
- 2020 SYCQ3
- 2020 SYCQ2
- 2020 SYCQ1
- 2020 SYCCH
- 2020 SUPerSOLer
- 2020 SSANZ
- 2020 SRQ4
- 2020 SRQ3
- 2020 SRQ2
- 2020 SRQ1
- 2020 SPRCH
- 2020 Shetland
- 2020 RTW
- 2020 RNI
- 2020 Odyssey
- 2020 OCQ4
- 2020 OCQ3
- 2020 OCQ2
- 2020 OCQ1
- 2020 OCCH
- 2020 A3
- 2019 TRQ4
- 2019 TRQ3
- 2019 TRQ2
- 2019 TRQ1
- 2019 TRCH
- 2019 Tasman Double
- 2019 Tall Ships
- 2019 SYCQ4
- 2019 SYCQ3
- 2019 SYCQ2
- 2019 SYCQ1
- 2019 SYCCH
- 2019 SUPerSOLer
- 2019 SSANZ
- 2019 SRQ4
- 2019 SRQ3
- 2019 SRQ2
- 2019 SRQ1
- 2019 SPRCH
- 2019 Shetland
- 2019 Round New Zealand
- 2019 OCQ4
- 2019 OCQ3
- 2019 OCQ2
- 2019 OCQ1
- 2019 OCCH
- 2018 TRQ4
- 2018 TRQ3
- 2018 TRQ2
- 2018 TRQ1
- 2018 TRCH
- 2018 Tasman Double
- 2018 Tall Ships
- 2018 SUPSOL
- 2018 SSANZ Triple
- 2018 SRQ4
- 2018 SRQ3
- 2018 SRQ2
- 2018 SRQ1
- 2018 SPRCH
- 2018 Shetland
- 2018 Shackleton Challenge
- 2018 OCQ4
- 2018 OCQ3
- 2018 OCQ2
- 2018 OCQ1
- 2018 OCCH
- 2018 40CH
- 2017 TS RDV
- 2017 TRQ4
- 2017 TRQ3
- 2017 TRQ2
- 2017 TRQ1
- 2017 TRCH
- 2017 Tasman Double
- 2017 Tall Ships
- 2017 SWR
- 2017 SUPSOL
- 2017 SSANZ Triple
- 2017 SSANZ RNI
- 2017 SPRR3
- 2017 SPRR2
- 2017 SPRR1
- 2017 SPRCH
- 2017 Red Dot
- 2017 OCQ4
- 2017 OCQ3
- 2017 OCQ2
- 2017 OCQ1
- 2017 OCCH
- 2017 40CQ3&4
- 2017 40CQ1&2
- 2016 TRQ4
- 2016 TRQ3
- 2016 TRQ2
- 2016 TRQ1
- 2016 TRCH
- 2016 Tasman Double
- 2016 Tall Ships
- 2016 SUPSOL
- 2016 SSANZ Triple
- 2016 SRQ4
- 2016 SRQ3
- 2016 SRQ2
- 2016 SRQ1
- 2016 SPRCH
- 2016 RTWR
- 2016 OCQ4
- 2016 OCQ3
- 2016 OCQ2
- 2016 OCQ1
- 2016 OCCH
- 2016 Corporate Open Gold
- 2016 A3
- 2015 TRQ4
- 2015 TRQ3
- 2015 TRQ2
- 2015 TRQ1
- 2015 TRCH
- 2015 Tasman Double
- 2015 Tall Ships
- 2015 SYQ4
- 2015 SYQ3
- 2015 SYQ2
- 2015 SYQ1
- 2015 SYCCH
- 2015 SUPSOL
- 2015 SSANZ Triple
- 2015 SRQ4
- 2015 SRQ3
- 2015 SRQ2
- 2015 SRQ1
- 2015 SPRCH
- 2015 OCQ4
- 2015 OCQ3
- 2015 OCQ2
- 2015 OCQ1
- 2015 OCCH
- 2015 Aegean Rally
- 2014 Timed Races Championship
- 2014 Tasman Double
- 2014 Tall Ships
- 2014 SYC Championship
- 2014 SSANZ Trio
- 2014 SSANZ RNI
- 2014 Sprints Championship
- 2014 Scandinavian Tour
- 2014 Round The World Race
- 2014 Ocean Championship
- 2014-2015 Sailonline World Race
- 2013 Tall Ships
- 2013 SYC Championship
- 2013 SSANZ B&G Simrad
- 2013 Capt Anderson
- 2012 W Australia Regatta
- 2012 Tall Ships
- 2012 SSANZ B&G Simrad
- 2012 RNZ Two Handed
- 2012 Global Challenge
- 2012 Ecker Cup
- 2012 Black Sea
- 2012 A3
- 2011 Vancouver Island
- 2011 Tasman Double
- 2011 SSANZ B&G Simrad
- 2011 SOL Global Challenge
- 2011 SJORA Series
- 2011 Scandinavian Tour
- 2011 Round North Island
- 2011 Asian Sprints
- 2011-2012 SOL World Race
- 2010 Tasman Double
- 2010 Ouzo Rally
- 2010 Iberian Tour
- 2010 Auckland Regional
- 2009 French SOLo
- 2009 Bosphore - Bretagne
- 2008 SYCC
- 2008 -2013 SYC Week Race Championship
- 2008 -2013 SYC Week-End Race Championship
- 2008 -2013 SYC Ocean Race Championship
- 2008-2009 Sailonline Ocean Race
- 2004 LOOR
Mobile Client
SYC members have the benefit of access to our mobile/lightweight web client!