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Posted by Rod |
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I am not a "contender" for podium honours, as my record of results clearly shows. In fact,my main competition is "Rod2", with whom I seem to 'share' my boat. He does some stupid things, like failing to note the start times of races, failing to analyse the future wind conditions along possible courses, sleeping, running aground while sleeping, failing to use VMC, etc., etc.. I keep trying to educate him, but often fail.
I am probably like the majority of SOLers, in that I do try to do my best. But I also get discouraged when I observe clusters of the same boats, far in the lead, in race after race. I do not use a router, because I wish to exercise my own brain, not that of the router writer. I can only encourage SOL to develop a more complete Sailboat Racing Program. I realize that this requires the work of expert programmers (I am not), and perhaps increased server capacity. However, all mention of such work appears to be devoted to elaborating the rank order of the various Championships for SYC members only. Very few of us are actually in the group of potential "podium-ists", and are seemingly not "in" the private club. If SOL is to expand its number of players, some thought needs to be devoted to the 'casual' player, who will probably never be invited to be 'Navigator' on an ocean racing yacht. It is in this spirit that I wish to see improvements in the SOL 'system', which include clarity in the Rules for fair competition. This is not intended in any way as criticism of the existing operations, but as an encouragement to keep improving SOL as a place where we can "sail". If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy. |
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Posted by WIN ![]() |
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@ Rod
I fully agree with your sentiments , and can confirm that within today's constraints everything possible is made to improve the platform ( btw Markku and his team have already made miracles and are presently working on a number of highly innovative projects , whilst others are working in re-styling the website). I am not one of the tech guys. What I do with Championships and rankings ( you are right about time investment there ![]() There is a number of Solers who are not particularily fond of rankings . That is fully acceptable. @ Huib You are right ...It does not say SLI jumping is forbidden . It only implies that we are working towards enforceability of avoidance . I suggest that it would be the right time to exercise avoidance ![]() Piero ![]() |
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Posted by Lolla ![]() |
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Hi,
Great work. I think the proposed rules are fine and I'm not going to enter the discussion about boat-sitting but I'm curious as to how you intend to identify if it is me or a different person on the helm? As I travel quite a bit in my work and thus sign in from different countries from time to time the IP addresses you detect on me will vary. Will that be seen as different skippers then? Kind regards, Lolla |
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Posted by hmm ![]() |
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Hi Lolla,
I personally think that this is bit similar as in real life detecting is a boat using engine or not. First of all, sailing is gentleman's sport and everyone is expected to follow the rules, especially now that they are being clarified. If there is a reason to suspect that someone is not following the rules, the issue can be raised, most probably by some fellow racers just like in real life. Race committee (or possibly umpires) will then ask from the technical admins for possible evidence and then the committee will decide on action based on this. I will not go into details of the technical possibilities available but you are correct that there can be cases where boatsitting might be impossible to identify for sure, especially considering the resources we have. I trust that most of us are here however not for trying to stretch the rules but to enjoy the game fairly. |
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Posted by A2 ![]() |
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Boatsitting seems to be 'Grandfathered' in from times past when informality was more prevalent. That does not however make this practice consistent with fair competition. This needs to be said & acknowledged. Not that I expect it to alter the landscape of acceptability in these environs.
Since in order to steer another boat a new browser window must be opened & logged into would it be too much to ask that there be a Race thread in the Forum where the sitter posts when taking over the helm ? This would be more openly transparent. Secondarily I also propose that sitters be restricted to managing DCs left by the absent party. Such that if said boat BBQs that it could be sent on it way again along an analogous course but not prevented. Timings of DCs could also be modified to adjust for Wx updates or if a mark is cut short then it would be permissible to round it correctly and then returned to a course previously indicated by the DC list. This would keep the boat alive but would prohibit active racing by another's hand. These terms would be easier to adjudicate based on activity that goes beyond what the DCs called for. --- Last Edited by A2 at 2015-01-19 00:51:02 --- None so blind |
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Posted by Karri ![]() |
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I think it is great the rules get formalised and compiled into one clear document, and the rules look good to me.
The only comment I have is SLI jumping, the current formulation is quite ambiguous and as such does not provide much additional value. The current formulation gives the impression that SLI jumping is allowed, but not considered recommendable behavior, a mixed message, which should not have a place in a rule book. I think it is clear to everyone jumping is done at own risk. If you don't want to forbid SLI jumping, I'd leave that out altogether. On the other hand, as I've stated earlier elsewhere, I would not oppose forbidding SLI jumping, and it could easily be enforced through the umpire system. You either explicitly allow it, explicitly forbid it, or don't mention it in the rules. As a side note, so long as SLI jumping is not explicitly forbidden, I will consider it allowed and I will utilise it to the extent I see it useful. I hope I will not be considered a cheater because I do something allowed by the rules. My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I'm right. |
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Posted by hmm ![]() |
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Fixing of SLI hopping is on the agenda of the tech administrators, especially now that we have more manpower.
As we are all volunteers and the new members are still learning things no schedule for this can be promised, but I'd be surprised if it won't happen this year. There obviously will be an announcement when this change takes place. As it will be a server-wide change in the sailing engine let's see if it can be scheduled completely between races. |
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Posted by Karri ![]() |
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Why no forbid SLI jumping immediately and enforce it through the umpire system? I think that would be a good way to test the umpire system, and we would get rid of one of the issues causing disagreement and discussion. My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I'm right. |
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Posted by JB ![]() |
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Once again I agree with Karriv.
Still, one issue is missing. If you make the rule, give power to the UMPIRE to act but, don’t have a penalty rule written to be applied in those circumstances, it won’t be useful at all. I put for discussion my suggestion for jumping over land penalty, to be applied in every kind of race to everyone (SYC or non SYC member) and per race. First time: 1hr added to the boat finishing time. Second time: 2hrs added to the boat finishing time. Third time: DNF. After #3 races (consecutive or not) with penalty DNF’s - or to say reiterated unsportsmanlike behavior - banning from SOL. Fair winds to all. |
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Posted by Rod |
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Perhaps the real penalty for land-jumping should be a much higher perf loss for misjudging it and going aground---something like a perf loss of 100% for grounding instead of the present 20%. I realize that many will protest that this penalty is too high---but it is much more realistic for running aground IRL. If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy. |
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Garagiste's Test Lab

Race #1928
INFOby brainaid.de
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Ranking:
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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
WX Updates:
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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
WX Updates:
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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:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
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:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
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
WX Updates:
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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:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
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:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
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
Registration Open!
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
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ALT. CLIENT:Classic
Race starts: Dec 21st 16:00
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Antarctica 3 of 3
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Race starts: Sep 16th 11:13
Registration Closed
BLANK POLAR
Race starts: Feb 16th 00:00
Registration Open!
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