Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:07 amSome random thoughts.
Some see this as a 'serious sport' vs what used to be a casual hobby. We have a mix of skills and physical capabilities.
Contact means somebody fouled. It would be nice to allow 'incidental contact', but how do you define it? Give more room between boats.
Way back when we were limited to about 8 boats in a fleet by available frequency. Large fleets affect the behavior and results. Smaller fleets (max 10-12 boats ) allows room to see better for most people. Control areas limiting skippers to the middle of the course would keep them within hearing distance. Some venues just can not have large fleets without problems. Distance of offshore marks and wind velocity also come into play.
Do protest meetings after each heat. Saying protest meetings after 5:30 and discouraging protest meetings simply encourages the bad behavior. Peer pressure to do it right will make it flow better, and after the first few penalty dsq's things will clear up.
Race committees should get involved in enforcing a no argument policy. Call a penalty, they should ensure the protested boat hears it and responds. If no turn then it goes to committee immediately after the heat. Arguing and cussin is up to the committee to stop, with penalties and dsq'S if necessary.
Some see this as a 'serious sport' vs what used to be a casual hobby. We have a mix of skills and physical capabilities.
Contact means somebody fouled. It would be nice to allow 'incidental contact', but how do you define it? Give more room between boats.
Way back when we were limited to about 8 boats in a fleet by available frequency. Large fleets affect the behavior and results. Smaller fleets (max 10-12 boats ) allows room to see better for most people. Control areas limiting skippers to the middle of the course would keep them within hearing distance. Some venues just can not have large fleets without problems. Distance of offshore marks and wind velocity also come into play.
Do protest meetings after each heat. Saying protest meetings after 5:30 and discouraging protest meetings simply encourages the bad behavior. Peer pressure to do it right will make it flow better, and after the first few penalty dsq's things will clear up.
Race committees should get involved in enforcing a no argument policy. Call a penalty, they should ensure the protested boat hears it and responds. If no turn then it goes to committee immediately after the heat. Arguing and cussin is up to the committee to stop, with penalties and dsq'S if necessary.