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Posted by WIN ![]() |
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I feel very very bad about what I have read today in chat and want to share it with those of you who understand the meaning of the word “sportsmanship” and “fair play” .
There has been almost a riot about the fact that four Italian skippers decided to create a team , in order to organize boatsitting and discuss different views on strategy and eventually share decisions . Our environment (SOL) is one that allows 0,15 miles jumps over islands , and it is very odd to me ( who never jumped a sli ) that team strategy , perfectly valid IRL is so fiercely criticised . Besides , if in any doubt , the “game instructions” as edited by Sailport , clearly state that boatsitting is perfectly legal , whilst running more than one boat per skipper is illegal . We believe that when skipper 1 is boatsitting skipper’s 2 boat , the decisions for that boat are taken by the boatsitter , and not over the phone with the other skipper whilst he works , or sleeps , and we believe that communicating between boats as to jointly evaluating strategies has never been forbidden , and is already vastly used by our French , Spanish and some Swedish friends as well . We remain therefore at disposal of Sailport and wait for their decision on teamwork in Sol . Should they decide that it is unfair and lacking of sportmanship we surely will not team up again . Another story , nothing to do with the game and the issue , is the use of certain words that has been readable by the entire Community . I believe that if someone is “disgusted” , or accuses another player of giving out free of charge lessons , or even of lack of sportsmanship , has a giant communication problem of any nature it could be ( including stress or language misunderstanding issue ) . In no Community that I have been or will be there is the possibility to engage in accusations of this level … For this very reason I will not race here tomorrow nor on Sunday , waiting for some explanations as to the rules by SOLGODS , and , without pretending it , possible clarifications about the use of words “ lack of sportsmanship” in this context . Finally let me say that we , the Italians , are delighted to have so many friends around SOL , BUT ….if winning a bit too much makes us unreasonably not well accepted , we will take some sol leave if need be , but would surely regret the loss of such good company . The point is that we, although old and wise , can be accused of anything , but NOT of lack of sportsmanship ……. Should “chat rioting” happen again and again and again …..one day in SOL chat there will be only those who do not think enough before shooting on a worldwide basis … ![]() ciao . WINSTON (on behalf of the Italians ) PS : I am wise and old , thus team Secretary ) ![]() |
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Posted by Jepsom ![]() |
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(Maybe this answer comes twice... problems with connections over here...)
Hi Win &co. I really hope that it wasn´t me who started this yesterday, when I said "4 boats & 1 skipper". I had no intention to make you upset. I just saw it a bit fun when you italians had your boats exactly on the same place and the tracks was quite the same last 12-14h...It looked fun ![]() ![]() Kind regards Jepsom ![]() |
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Posted by Incognito ![]() |
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Hello,
The Sailonline manual is absolutely clear: boat sitting is allowed. Regards, Francois |
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Posted by Gilles ![]() |
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Hi Jep,
thanks, even if more than appreciate your answer, I (we) have clarified the situation yesterday directly after your observation. Personally be sure that I will let you feel my pression in future races ![]() best regards from the whole team |
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Posted by Schakel ![]() |
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Jepsom need not worry, Winston is addressing me.
"The SYC rankings are designed with fairness in mind." Or so it says on the rankings page in this website. Since all rankings only list individual boats, the rankings are a record of individual performances. So, the obvious conclusion is that Sailonline is designed to be a competition for individuals. While boatsitting is, as you say, allowed, operating as a team in shifts (I understand you and Ghibli were on the night shift) is stretching the idea of boatsitting to and over the limit of what I consider to be fair competition. You, and several others in your team, have won a large number of races and have done so deservedly. You have also been very generous in sharing your knowledge. However, you refuse to see that by teaming up you help advance one at the expense of (an)other(s). Because that, to me, lacks good sportmanship. Help? Sure. But do not make the decisions or the strategies for others. As for other teams you mention, I am not aware of any other than the French teams who openly invited others. And as far as I know, they sail independently and compare the combined the group results in order to add competition on another level. As far as my language skills go, there's not much wrong. I said I was disgusted and I meant it: any single nation team may well take Sailonline into a direction I am not particularly fond of. Cheers, Philip |
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Posted by ita10267 ![]() |
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As I "arrogantly" put myself among the top SOLers (leading SYC ranking with 11 points and no boatsitting still has a great meaning for me) I allow myself a comment/explanation.
Lack of sportmanship is a polite word for cheating. We did not cheat. A lot of friends (sorry if I abuse of this word but I tend to be optimistic about people attitude) are for sure splitting shift and because they don't win they are not seen as a problem. As for sure some "teams" are sharing strategies and boatsitting if other members cannot take care of their boats. So it seems the problem is not boatstting but boatsitting AND winning. We had 4 pigs (sorry my friends axel, mo_paye, joshua et al. if I cite you as an example) in top 5 in Ron Cazar and that was not addressed as a problem, they more or less sailed the same strategy for 3000nm and we cheered their performance. We have 4 boats in top 4 after 300nm and this causes a lot of chatter and disappointment because, by chance, it was my decision to tack 4 boats 1.5h in advance disrespectful of any software guidance. Said that, I respect all opinions and I am ready to defend mine and to accept errors that I make but I do not accept to be addressed as "arrogant" or cheater. My pleasure in sailing (both IRL and SOL) is to push my bow in front of as many as possible without breaking the rules, sometimes moving on the edge of them! As my participation in SOL is and will be very scattered due to lack of time let me finish by saying that I will keep on devoting my SOL time helping "for free" as this is the thing I can do at my very best regardless of the flag. cheers andrea a.k.a. ita10267 |
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Posted by SWE_Robert ![]() |
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Hi all. I was not present today when the chat was discussing our italians friends and the way they sail together (as I supouse they have said they did), I´m sorry to say. Would have liked to hear, because if so, I would have hit hard on anyone complaing !! Of course you must be able to team up. We are doing races around the clock and around the world and teaming is NOT a Q of sportsmanship. We are all free to team up with anyone and there is no wrong with that. We have had some funny topics here, rounding marks, SLI-jumping...The rules are clear and as long as no one abuses the sules, no one, andI say NO ONE can complain. Some times I feel I´m sailing with children. Excuse me for beeing frank, but there are some ones among you that should, at least try, to hold your speak no and then. Robert Robert |
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Posted by zero ![]() |
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Winston, I have high admiration for your expertise, as I have for many other sailors here.
I didn’t know and did not notice the joint efforts of “teams” here on SOL until now that I am reading this tread. I have no problems with team work and joint efforts. I think the best asset of SOL is the quality of its sailors and I would hate to see our very best leave. I also understand the frustrations of some that for whatever reason put a lot weight in the Ranking. For instance, a team of 4 four boats that follow exactly the same “road map” should not take 4 spots in the ranking. This is an issue that needs to be addressed. I would like to see a solution that permits team work and joint efforts but also a solution that reflects the joint efforts in the rankings. Perhaps a ranking of teams. Now, all that talk of “un-sportsmanship”, that’s pure rubbish. Winston, all of us that sailed against you all these races know that you are an outstanding sailor. Please, rub all that aside and come back racing. Antonio |
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Posted by 76Trombones ![]() |
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Sigh
I've always had a dream (like to sleep) of running a successful syndicate on SOL (boat to be named Axis Of Weevil) and I think such an effort would be cheered. My impression has aways been that the dissatisfaction is having one strategy score more than one position - every time that this has occurred there has been conflict, sometimes simmering. ONE Axis Of Weevil would be a force to be reckoned with. No need to multiply by 5... ----- I applaud the spirit of sharing and learning via SOL. This is something that many of us support, and I know that explanations and "lessons" are freely available to anyone who ask, regardless of team/county affiliation. None of the top sailors here have ever been shy answering questions, and I hope that that continues. |
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Posted by CajunQueen ![]() |
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I was one of the first members of SOL who "invented" co-skippering, together with Bgosh, Moongirl and Rico. We competed almost in every race, and it is impossible to be at the helm yourselve all the time. So, for me, there is nothing news under the sun.IRL, you are also acting as a team isn't it, so what's the difference. Keep up the good sailing Itallian friends! "Sailing is an Art" |
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Garagiste's Test Lab

Race #1939
INFOby brainaid.de
RC 44 Particulars
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Patricks Test

Race #1932
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Young 88 PARTICULARS
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Joanne's Test Race Zone
Race #1847
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Stefan's Duck Pond

PRIZE: SMPF
Race #1900
INFO by brainaid.de
Orange 125 PARTICULARS
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Ranking: OCQ3 - OCCH - SUPSOL - SYC
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Trapped Camel
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Race starts: Aug 21st 15:03
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Caravanserai
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Race starts: Aug 08th 17:00
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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
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Race starts: Aug 03rd 08:00 Registration Open!
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Mirek's Mess & Canteen
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Race starts: Apr 26th 18:00
Registration Closed
Antarctica 1 of 3
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Race starts: Jan 27th 21:57
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Flinders Island TIMED Race 2024

Race #1776
INFO by brainaid.de
Ocean 50 PARTICULARS
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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
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Race starts: Sep 01st 04:00
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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
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0245 / 0845 / 1445 / 2045
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Race starts: Aug 05th 12:00
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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
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Ranking: SYC - NTR
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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
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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
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RACE CLOSE: Sunday, 28 February at 23:00 UTC
Race starts: Feb 15th 12:00
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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
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BLANK POLAR
Race starts: Feb 16th 00:00
Registration Open!
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