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Posted by K3 (Bernd) ![]() |
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For me it's like buncha's way to sail at SOL. When I'm sailing IRL, I don't care about my virtual boat. The same is when work disturbs my online sailing. I start days too late, I sail without routing, I abandon (virtual) ships because of the other activities and I'm happy when I stay in the top 50.
Use whatever you like to use. If you feel well while using ist, use it. There's at least one boat that searches it's way all alone. A masterpiece in engineering (when it's succesfull) but a different way to have fun than my way. I don't care and I don't need additional classes. But there will be the day when I win a race! ciao Bernd |
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Posted by Karri ![]() |
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A lot has been written on the topic, I (an user of BWR routing software) agree with outlaw's post, and won't go into more details on how much use of router software helps. Do note though that all SOLers do routing, primary router being your brain ![]() Regarding segregation of SOLers to different classes and the impact of that in attractiveness of SOL to newcomers, I think a separate category for "recreational" SOLers might be a good idea. Especially if implemented in the way described by kroppyer, that would probably not be a major effort and would not have an impact on "hardcore" SOLers. I think at least LiveSkipper has two separate rankings called "Open" and "Passion". My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I'm right. |
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Posted by Jawz ![]() |
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I agree with karriv and Outlaw. I find the more I SOL the better I get, whether I use Router or not. I moved from SOTP to BW more than a year ago to confirm my SOTP thinking. In some cases I was confirmed, in others not and then I had to start questioning 'Why?'. A good example of this is what is happening now in the Southern Race, BW said go south and I disagreed then BW came around to my thinking.
Moral is...Router or not, its me that has to take the final decision. Next point. Even amongst routers there are levels of performance, and in all honesty I still have so much to learn in this area. But Heck. This is my journey and I have been on it since 2009 when I started on SOL. Another point. It might just be my personality (Competitive) but I find the need to learn and push myself harder and smarter to beat folks, or match, like outlaw/rumskib/rafa/karriv et al such a lovely challenge and it is what keeps me coming back for more. And because I know the commitment to time and thinking that it takes to get to the lead and hold onto it I have the most high respect for any winner of any race Ocean or Sprint or Timed. Last point. I just cannot give SOL as much time as I would like (Work and Life) so I find these days I am either starting late or starting timeously but then rushing my decisions and having to play catch up. I started the SWR2014 Leg 1, 29 hours after the gun in position 419, decided that my challenge would be to see how many places I can gain, and finished in position 64!!! I cannot explain the sense of satisfaction this finish has given me. So there is always some joy to be had on SOL. How we make this available to the wider community is the challenge I guess and having a two tier system Passion and Open will be a good start George |
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Posted by JB ![]() |
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Close to 100% of all the post about this subject are correct and fair.
I’ll make a small exception to some expressed intentions of making special SOL classes (ex.: the dichotomy of routers vs. non routers). That’s totally nonsense. You can have a beautiful house, a beautiful wife (not the Talking Heads tune, folks) and a beautiful router but, if you don’t understand the weather, forget all that “beauty”. Before starting to learn any kind of routing, trying first to learn how the weather really works is much more wise and productive. A SOL sailor that I admire much said: “read the wind”. I’m still learning. Competitors here are tough. Thank Good they are, but, sorry SOLers, my first opponent is always myself. I find out pleasure sailing, sometimes alone (Sprints and TR’s), without any pressure to cover the rest of the fleet, or follow the winning path (what a mistake…) but, just discovering the game and their small tricks, which by the way, the majority makes secret of it. Give first without the intention to receive latter. For now, it’s only an idea, but, I would like to find out a SOL school, where the experienced SOLers would contribute with their knowledge and some of their time to teach others. Somehow the initiative of putting race winners to log out their thoughts goes in that direction (“karriv” and Jan/”bonknhoot” are examples to follow). “ita10267” (I hate to name persons like that) put the finger on some of the wounds when he mention a lot of things that can be improved before … the rest. Priorities oblige. But small things can be done in parallel. Think of that. Fair winds to all. |
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Posted by Husse ![]() |
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Even though this topic has been discussed in the past, so I think that this time has come up so many good thoughts in this topic! I hope some of the ideas become reality, especially some sort of tutorial or basic education. I have learned a lot from this discussion from all doubt many people. I have sailed dinghies and small sailboats in our archipelago, so if I'm going to sail on the oceans so maybe I need to develop myself and maybe learn sailing with software soon ...! Husse |
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Posted by JB ![]() |
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Viva Husse,
Pls have a look on: sol sailing school why not _________________ edited to make link out of url to prevent column overlap --- Last Edited by RainbowChaser at 2014-12-22 22:40:10 --- Fair winds to all. |
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Posted by Karri ![]() |
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OK, I wrote this in the Finnish chat of Southern Ocean Dash and it turned out so good that I decided to translate it here, even if I had decided not to go into the direction of benefits of using routing software:
Some thoughts on factors affecting the success in SOL: I think the success depends on two factors: 1. Ability to estimate what is the strategically best route (long term route) 2. Ability to implement/realise that route optimally Now, my feeling is that point 2 above has in general a bigger impact on success than point 1. That is, if we assume two routes (in the sense of 1 above), A and B, in many cases a well implemented A will beat B, AND (and here the and is important) a well implemented B will beat A. There are numerous examples of this from ocean races where very very very different strategic routes end up in very close finish times. Using a router (mostly) helps in point 1 above. My experience is that BWR is not especially good in point 2. My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I'm right. |
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Posted by Husse ![]() |
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Good Points and tought´s everybody
I have second thought´s about my idee with different classes, all our input and thoght´s have made it clearer,at least for me, about the advantage with just one group as it is today. But i´m looking for a way to attract new sailors to SOL, it much more fun if we are more sailors. Is it possible to have a SOL-router, that everybody can se, with simple instructions how to use it ?? I Think, and know, that a lot of people loose the interest in SOL when they see the same boat´s rushing along to the endpoint. I understand the effort that people put in too understand routers and use them to make the best way to the endpoint, they have all my respect. But i remember when my friend Mega30, introduced me to this game, i have sailed before, so i understod how it works. But i´ve never used a router in my Life, i´ve looked at the wind, sail, see & the feeling of the boat. I just think SOL should have an easy and understandable free router, soo that all, neewbies and oldies, could race on the same terms. And if SOL could get more people interested in sailing, virtual or alive, it should be great. I just have too thank you all for putting thoughts and effort into this thread, i hope it keeps on so we can develope SOL further Husse |
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Posted by Karri ![]() |
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I'd be tempted to answer that there is a free, simple-to-use router available, namely BWR ![]() The threshold for that isn't that high. Aaron had made a nice tutorial which got BWR up and running for me: http://soltools.wordpress.com/bwr/intro-bwr/ Happy routing! My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I'm right. |
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Posted by Smo ![]() |
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Now this is tricky .. as I like to beat routing sailors without router .. what group
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Races
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Garagiste's Test Lab

Race #1928
INFOby brainaid.de
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Ranking:
TRQ2 - TRCH - SUPSOL - SYC
RACE CLOSE: Saturday,
26 July at 23:00 UTC
Race starts: Jul 13th 12:00 Registration will open soon
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Patricks Test

Race #1932
INFO by brainaid.de
Young 88 PARTICULARS
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Ranking:
SSANZ - SYC
Race starts: Aug 03rd 08:00 Registration Open!
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Joanne's Test Race Zone
Race #1847
INFOby brainaid.de
Fareast 31R PARTICULARS
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Ranking: SYC - RED
Race starts: Jul 25th 12:00 Registration Closed
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Marstrand to Cowes 2025

We invite you to another race, which will kick off the third quarter of our ARCH series. We'll set off from Marstrand, Sweden, which, along with Skagen, Denmark, marks the line commonly recognised as the border separating the Baltic Sea from the North Sea. The 650nm route will take our Ripitide 50 across the North Sea and the English Channel to Cowes, England. Watch out for the fast ferries crossing the Channel from Calais to Dover 😊.
Race #1935
INFO from brainaid.de
Riptide 50 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking:
ARQ3 - ARCH - SUPSOL – SYC
Race starts: Jul 21st 17:00 Registration Open!
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Nantucket Sprint 2025

Welcome to Nantucket, from whence Herman Melville’s Cap’n Ahab sailed round The Horn into the northern Pacific Ocean to hunt the gray whale - whose migrations are celebrated elsewhere in SOL’s Q4 schedule - he never to return. And whaling too, as the 19th C progressed, like Ahab disappeared from Nantucket as the harbour silted up and mainland Massachusetts whaling stations benefited from rail connections. But beach life, yachting and nostalgia has rescued the island from oblivion, so to celebrate leisure, SOL gives you the Nantucket Sprint - 25nm in 29er_XX’s from east of Tuckernuck Island across the sound to a finish just inside the mouth of the harbour. Enjoy!
Race 1936
INFO by brainaid.de
29er_XX PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
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Ranking:
SPRQ3 - SPRCH - SUPSOL – SYC
Race starts: Jul 19th 15:00 Registration Closed
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Puil's Practice Palaver
Nearly there; only 2500nm to go, round the Horn and up the Red Sea to Suez into what will more than likely be more headwinds for this sixth leg of our African circumnavigation, to be followed in September by a final sneaky dash up the canal back to where we started all those months ago. We’ll be sailing a not entirely appropriate-for-upwind-work 60ft Trimaran!
Race #1859
INFOby brainaid.de
60ft Trimaran PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
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Ranking: SYC - ABS
Race starts: Jun 03rd 11:30 Registration Open!
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Gulf of St Lawrence - test - Mirek
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Race starts: Apr 21st 17:00
Registration Open!
Stefan's Duck Pond

PRIZE: SMPF
Race #1900
INFO by brainaid.de
Orange 125 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
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Ranking: OCQ3 - OCCH - SUPSOL - SYC
Race starts: Feb 06th 00:00 Registration Closed
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Trapped Camel
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Race starts: Aug 21st 15:03
Registration Open!
Caravanserai
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Race starts: Aug 08th 17:00
Registration Open!
Patrick's Playpen

Welcome to the legendary "Westcoaster," a race that has tested sailors for over 50 years. Spanning 435 nautical miles, this iconic journey takes racers from Melbourne, across the formidable Bass Strait, and around Tasmania's rugged west coast to the finish line in Hobart. Organized by the Ocean Racing Club of Victoria, the Westcoaster is renowned for its challenging conditions and adventurous spirit. This year, our SOLers will tackle the course in the swift and capable First 47.7, a yacht launched by Beneteau in 2000, built for speed and endurance in long ocean races. Get ready for an exhilarating ride in one of Australia’s most celebrated yacht races!
Race #1841
INFO by brainaid.de
First 47.7 PARTICULARS
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Ranking: SYC
Race starts: Aug 03rd 08:00 Registration Open!
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Mirek's Mess & Canteen
music deleted
Race starts: Apr 26th 18:00
Registration Closed
Antarctica 1 of 3
-
Race starts: Jan 27th 21:57
Registration Open!
Flinders Island TIMED Race 2024

Race #1776
INFO by brainaid.de
Ocean 50 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking:
TRQ1 - TRCH - SUPSOL - SYC
RACE CLOSE: Saturday,
27 January at 23:00 UTC
Race starts: Jan 14th 12:00 Registration Open!
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Tasman Double 2023 - Hobart to Sydney
music deleted
Race starts: Jan 02nd 02:00
Registration Open!
John's Test Zone
It's time to test your ocean racing skills in a variety of weathers as we head the 6400 NM between Hong Kong and Auckland in a fast Super Maxi 100. We'll be heading from a northern summer to a southern winter so keep plenty of cold weather gear and warm rum on board!
PRIZE: SMPF
Race #1597
INFOby brainaid.de
Super Maxi 100 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
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Ranking:
OCQ3-OCCH-SUPSOL-SYC
Race starts: Sep 01st 04:00
Registration Closed
calm's Practice Race
Last raced in 2021, we return to Boston for another race to Newport. And just like in 2021, the chosen boat is once again the speedy R/P 66. This is a TIMED race so pick your winds wisely and see how quickly you can complete this 132nm run! For reference, the winning time in 2021 was 6:12:28.
RE-REGISTER HERE to race again after finishing a run
Race #1700
INFO by brainaid.de
R/P 66 PARTICULARS
NAM_AWIP WX Updates:
0245 / 0845 / 1445 / 2045
Ranking:
TRQ3 - TRCH - SUPSOL - SYC
RACE CLOSE: Sunday, 18 August at 23:00 UTC
Race starts: Aug 05th 12:00
Registration Closed
ZONA DE PRUEBA DE MANUEL

Please note the displayed course is provisional; the actual course will be set after the IRL course is announced at the skipper's briefing 48 hours before the start, and no later than 24 hours before the start.
Race #1561
INFOby brainaid.de
Young 88 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
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Ranking: SYC - NTR
Race starts: Jan 10th 14:00 Registration Closed
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San Sebastian to La Rochelle 2021
Once again, our SOL race will be shared with a group of Polish sailors, representing one of the stages of their Virtual Training Cruise around Europe. 171 nm in Delphia 47s across the not always calm Bay of Biscay from San Sebastian to La Rochelle will undoubtedly be one to test their skills. Welcome/Witajcie and we wish you all fair winds.
Race #1441
INFOby brainaid.de
Delphia 47 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
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Ranking: SYC
Race starts: Mar 05th 17:00
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Aland Sea TIMED Race
Norrtalje Segelsallskap, 70km NE of Stockholm was founded in 1920, and time was when the society’s season opened with a challenging offshore race from the club line off Flaten island at the mouth of the long and narrow Norrtaljeviken, out onto a triangular course around the Aland Sea, to finish at Simpnas slightly to the north on Bjorko island - some 78nm in total. A fine race that SOL, being from these parts, ran annually up until 2013. Last run in autumn 2018, we return here to race the course again in the form a TIMED RUN in spanking new Club Swan 50s.
RE-REGISTER HERE to race again after finishing a run.
Race #1444
INFO by brainaid.de
Club Swan 50 Particulars
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
RANKING:
TRQ1 - TRCH - SUPSOL - SYC
RACE CLOSE: Sunday, 28 February at 23:00 UTC
Race starts: Feb 15th 12:00
Registration Closed
Bimmer's Test Zone
What about a speedy X-362 380nm race in the waters off S America, just to blow cobwebs away!!
Race #1415
INFOby brainaid.de
X-362 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
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SYC
ALT. CLIENT:Classic
Race starts: Dec 21st 16:00
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Antarctica 3 of 3
-
Race starts: Sep 16th 11:13
Registration Closed
BLANK POLAR
Race starts: Feb 16th 00:00
Registration Open!
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