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Board » Flag Officers » Race proposals » The Amazon River

Posted by
Rod


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2010-06-24 22:30:48
2011-03-25 03:09:21 - The Amazon River
Just out of curiosity on the IMOCA run up the Atlantic, I took a look at the Amazon River as a possible race.
It would be unique, in that nobody could stay awake for that length of time, and therefore the boats would need to be anchored while the sailor slept. It would therefore be a race of endurance, rather than navigational skill, and forecasting the winds would play no role whatsoever.
If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy.
Posted by
RainbowChaser


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2009-06-14 09:44:50
2011-03-25 10:51:38 - Re: The Amazon River
Rod - what a great idea!!! Navigating up the Amazon... I have just had a snoop and it has huge potential!

Have you got waypoints in mind? Because of the length of the river (in actuality about 4000mi) our Amazon expedition would have to take the slot of an ocean race... unless it were broken up into different segments.

NICE THINKING!!! :-D

I love race ideas that highlight the sheer versatility of SOL! Would be fun to buddy-up with a school or college doing an Amazonian project (or am I getting ahead of myself)!!

What do others think?

--- Last Edited by RainbowChaser at 2011-03-25 10:52:18 ---
Posted by
Rod


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2011-03-25 14:24:01 - Re: The Amazon River
I had thought of it as one single run from the Mouthes of the Amazon to the headwaters (as per map). But you are right, this would make it equivalent in time to a major ocean race.
My main thought was the lack of navigation and wind prediction components. It could be split up into several weekend races.
It would not be greatly different from the present Lake Malaren Race.

--- Last Edited by Rod at 2011-03-25 14:25:15 ---
If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy.
Posted by
ShamrockPirate


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2010-12-03 17:49:57
2011-03-25 21:54:38 - Re: The Amazon River
Rod, a very interesting concept. I think the separate races would be better than one long one to make up a series. On a long Amazonian trek, you could not easily set DCs for any length of time away and it would get frustrating.

Also, looking in GE, it will be tough to map as the resolution is quite variable. Perhaps try a few segments and see what they look like in the SOL maps.

RC, what a great idea to partner with a school doing a geography or life science project!
Cool idea!

SP
Posted by
NZL_PaulR


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2011-03-28 10:13:12 - Re: The Amazon River
Very Interesting idea.

Perhaps some river flow / current to deal with, perhaps having to choose a narrow vs wider section of river that could have different flow strengths.

Add some foggy and rain downpours where one loses sight of the land at times could add that little touch of surprise, confusion and difficulty.

Leave out snakes, cougars, mosquitos, other biting animals, reptiles and all bugs that lay eggs in your body until the lavae hatch and eat their way out!!
If it breaks, it's not strong enough!
Posted by
76Trombones


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2011-03-28 12:57:26 - Re: The Amazon River
I had this one in my queue of race ideas to propose as well! Provisional title "Surf na Pororoca" after the tidal bore competition/festival. (see youtube)

Was going to suggest either a 24 or 48h "endurance" race, using the ability to take the ranking when a race is closed, rather than have a finish line.

Average windspeed <3knots though... for a timed race I think we'd want something along the lines of SOL's tender. There won't be much windspeed strategy anyways, so maybe just taking it out of the equation altogether wouldn't be bad for one (slightly unusual) race?

The other option seems to be a very long (weeks) race in a "normal" boat.

Insane yes... ;-)

Posted by
Smo


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2009-05-02 21:49:04
2011-03-29 05:42:12 - Re: The Amazon River
More insane always better what a great fun to race Amazone
Posted by
Flaxie


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2009-08-20 10:09:55
2011-04-01 22:05:45 - Re: The Amazon River
In similar vane, does anyone have the polars for a felucca on the Nile?! Or a Chinese junk up the Yangtse? We could then have a River Series to go with the lakes, seas and oceans. I guess there are no polars for a paddlesteamer on the Mississippi though!
Posted by
RainbowChaser


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2011-04-11 08:48:49 - Re: The Amazon River
Rod - any progress on this? A kmz Google Earth file would be great... showing the different start/finish points etc. Then we can get this set up and start running it!!

:-D

Let us know if you need any further help with this.

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