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Posted by ita10267 ![]() |
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Ah...the boatsitting issue again!
So I can comment.....again! The one reason I am not taking part in the recent SOL races, (leaving all the fun to Sir WINSTON the GREAT ![]() On the other hand I take great pleasure in sailing the ITA_2011 teamboat because it gives me the opportunity of chatting with friends regarding options and strategy, something I used to do with my strongest most terrible opponents (brainaid, Wiz, SWE54, Mac et al.) in the chat room which is now becoming a place for chitchatting about everything but sailing or whining about unfairness of the competition. I will always remember the times when, at 2am, I was discussing with Eddie the new weather patterns and after 5 mins trying to attack him (fool me) staying awake the next hours. Now most of the newbies fear that "they will never win a race". This is totally untrue, everyone has been a newcomer and can win races or, even better, sit at #1 of the SYC Ranking. Clearly the technical situation has evolved and we all agree that without a reliable weather routing software winning is very difficult (brainaid was the first and we ALL cheered him as a weather routing guru). But getting one is simple and free of charge. Learning how it works is more difficult and using it for winning races is even more difficult. But possible. |
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Posted by Rod |
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I do not feel I am "whining" about the unfairness----I am stating that the rule is ambiguous and confusing. I 'race' here to challenge my own mind--not that of 'brainaid'---I do my own predictions--and fail my own 'failures'. I,too, feel that I 'cannot' win, unless I let brainaid have all the 'fun'---but I race more against myself than anybody else.
I would like the rules to be exact and specific---after-all, the end result is exact and specific. I do notice that 'brain-aid' is no longer racing here with us. Is it because he has become bored with the certainty of winning? --- Last Edited by Rod at 2011-07-11 17:56:22 --- If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy. |
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Posted by impala_ood ![]() |
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Hi new to the site, in my first race and having a whale of a time. Had no idea such a thing as sail online existed and only wish I had discovered it ages ago. Still so much to learn!
Now this whole cheating, unfair, acceptable thread has probably rightly run out of steam and I'm loath to stoke it all up again but looking at it through the eyes of a (SOL) innocent I thought it might be worth throwing in my quick observation, because to my mind it doesn't really seem complicated at all.... one boat per person, or gang up with some friends and share a boat, but whether as an individual or a team you can only have one entry in a race. If you've given your password to someone, then you have given them permission to control your boat - end of. So in the initial situation they by default had a boat sharing agreement. My first race I was concentrating on doing better than the boats closest to me. Just by watching their names on the screen, by constantly checking their track, knowing we were in the same wind, I did develop an infinity with them even though I had not even chatted with them. A bit like real life, Open Ocean, humanity joined together albeit on separate craft, in an adverse environment. So I surprised myself how concerned I felt when I noticed one of the boats near me against whom I was in a direct race, fail to change course and beach. If I could have woken him up and alerted him to the danger I would have done, not just sailed past. If I had access to his password would I have changed his course without a baby sitting agreement specific to this race? No. But if someone else in the same situation felt it was appropriate to do that then it's not for me to criticise them. I like the idea of doing it on my own. I think it's great that people develop teams and I'd be honoured if one day I was good enough to be invited to join one, but that does seem to be a very different concept from taking it upon yourself to alter someones course without their permission, when potentially someone else in the same position elsewhere on the course, playing in good faith but without the contacts, is left to go on the rocks. The overall conclusion I'm left with is shit happens! These sort of things have to be left to the individuals conscience. We all do things spur of the moment to help out friends, we might not do it again with hind sight, and if some of us do it all the time well then that wouldn't seem to be in the spirit of the game, but above all don't get sucked into the reactionary rule making route! If SOL has worked for this long as it is, and is clearly this well loved by the people that take part, don't go down the route of making rule after rule after rule because it will get complicated and all the fun will definitely then be driven out of the game. Blimey - I thought this was only going to be a quick post!! Happy sailing all.. can't wait to keep learning from all of you Rich (Impala) |
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Posted by ShamrockPirate ![]() |
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LOVE IT!
I have been loath to join in this on-going fray but the succinct observation of our latest SOLoist, Impala, just made it impossible to resist. One boat; 12 boats; singlehanding; 42-crew (like a racing J-Class) or auto-pilot with 72+ hours on DC.... it doesn't matter. "Shit happens" I could not agree more that it is utterly painful to see a close competitor go BBQ for untold reasons. Maybe fell asleep, lost internet connection, house was on fire, whatever. It's the nature of the online environment. But I have yet to understand why boats choose to go TWA=0 just because they could not make a "perfect rounding". Better to retire than risk a few DC's? I don't deny them the choice... I just don't understand it. As for the realism often discussed, SOL does the best possible job of this in this medium but really... does the same boat ALWAYS win IRL? No. Something breaks, they hourglass the spin on a gybe, they don't get the lift they expected. All manner of natural and man-made calamities befall even the best after the starting gun fires. I would, once again, raise the possibility of Class Divisions. With all the elegant and amazing upgrades of late (multitudes of thanks to the Chief Engineer and all in the engineroom), this would not seem a difficult tweak. Much like choosing from multiple boats, the same would be true here. Each boat would declare the division they plan to race in for each competition. My previous suggestion was 3 divisions: Pro, Performance and Recreational. I would welcome a new thread with suggestions on what would constitute each but the point would be the ability to compete against like-minded SOLers. This would NOT mean that a strict single-hander with a super-secret password and no idea of routing software and gribs would be excluded from the Pro category, you would just know what the playing field was like and who was on it. And if you hit podium... all the sweeter!!! I would hope that segmenting of the fleet would not go against the all-inclusive philosophy of SOL but perhaps it would open up more interaction (maybe add some new chatrooms) as SOLers watched their proficiency grow and progress through the ranks. Just my $0.02 USD (or 0.0142477 EUR if you prefer) SP |
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Posted by Rod |
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The only trouble with your theory, ShamrockPirate, is that, "if it doesn't matter", then why bother at all with separate classes of SOLers?
The very fact that you have gone to the trouble of considering the problem, means that "it does matter"! To you, to me, and probably to most SOLers. If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy. |
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Posted by AGage ![]() |
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I think you misunderstand what SP is saying 'doesn't matter' Rod??
<snip> --- Last Edited by Aaron Gage at 2011-07-13 16:06:24 --- I help develop the client interface for the best online ocean racing sim there is... __/)/)_/)__ |
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Posted by Rod |
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Most SOLers are probably much like me--trying to do our best while playing alone. We accept that many use external routing aids, and it could be our choice to use them too, if we wanted.
But many SOLers also use the assistance of external partners, so that their boats remain controlled while the 'sailor' sleeps, or attends to the ordinary tasks of daily life. However the rules clearly state "one sailor-one boat". The only justification for so-called boat-sitting is in the FAQs, NOT the RULES. If the rules need to be changed to allow multiple helmsmen, then change them. But then, do you think that a single sailor, or a small group, should be allowed to have as large a group of boats as they care to manage? Bear in mind that this might mean that the upper part of the SYC list might be just a large group of boats controlled by only one controlling entity. I do not think that the present members of the SYC list (I am not one of them) would then be equally pleased with such a rule change. If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy. |
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Posted by BigRayRay ![]() |
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I sail solo. I sleep 8 hours and work about 10. When I first started soling I thought boats were playing follow the leader taking advantage of the good sailor's skills, but now I understand it's 5 or 10 guys sailing each others boats. Rest assured if I ever win a race. I will have won the race on my own.
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Posted by NZL_undercover ![]() |
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What a load of crap!!
Boats controlled by groups of people!!! I think you both are in fantasy land. Its people like you guy's that ruin this type of online experience for me. I am wondering if I can be bothered renewing my SYC membership. |
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Posted by ita10267 ![]() |
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finally!
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Garagiste's Test Lab

Race #1939
INFOby brainaid.de
RC 44 Particulars
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23 August at 23:00 UTC
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Patricks Test

Race #1932
INFO by brainaid.de
Young 88 PARTICULARS
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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: 七月 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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ARQ3 - ARCH - SUPSOL – SYC
Race starts: 七月 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
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Race starts: 七月 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
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Ranking: SYC - ABS
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Gulf of St Lawrence - test - Mirek
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Race starts: 四月 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: 八月 21st 15:03
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Caravanserai
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Race starts: 八月 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
First 47.7 PARTICULARS
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Mirek's Mess & Canteen
music deleted
Race starts: 四月 26th 18:00
Registration Closed
Antarctica 1 of 3
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Race starts: 一月 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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Ranking:
TRQ1 - TRCH - SUPSOL - SYC
RACE CLOSE: Saturday,
27 January at 23:00 UTC
Race starts: 一月 14th 12:00 Registration Open!
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Tasman Double 2023 - Hobart to Sydney
music deleted
Race starts: 一月 02nd 02:00
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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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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
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RACE CLOSE: Sunday, 18 August at 23:00 UTC
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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: 三月 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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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: 十二月 21st 16:00
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Antarctica 3 of 3
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Race starts: 九月 16th 11:13
Registration Closed
BLANK POLAR
Race starts: 二月 16th 00:00
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