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Posted by Rod |
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This is a general inquiry about the mechanics of the "start process" that is used in practice races.
I have observed that, when I click the "send" button precisely at the starting second, and then observe the relative positions of the starting boats, even when they are on almost identical courses, that very often several of the other boats will be noticeably ahead. Does this mean they have jumped the start (Over early)? What is the exact relation of "clicking the button" to "Starting"? Does it help to use a DC start? If the button is clicked PRIOR to the "start', does the start occur at the time of "jump update", or at the time of 'button click'? If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy. |
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Posted by Capt.D.P. ![]() |
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ROD, I would advise you to do DC start as there is few seconds delay when you press the button on the hour of start.
Furthermore as it is not quite easy to input DC command exactly on the second I would advise you to use Brainaid DC editor where you could insert 00 seconds africa |
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Posted by 76Trombones ![]() |
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Due to the way SOL steers, I suspect that a DC for 00 or a "click just in time" both start on the next update cycle. Whether you are ahead or behind the other boats also starting at the same time is luck of the draw. The only fair start is a DC for 0 sec or a click *after* the gun (and check system clock as well). Easiest answer is to not worry too much.
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Posted by AGage ![]() |
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Yes sync your local pc time with a network time server. I actually noticed a few times when I sent an 'immediate' command, it actually showed up in the DC list for a few seconds before firing....??
Now I sync my clock just before every race - usually no less than 500ms is the adjustment. Small yes... 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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Waaaa-aa---aaah...!
MY computer doesn't work in milli- or micro-seconds, my desk clock has a sweep second hand, and my wristwatch is terribly hard to set to the exact second!!! (With my wrist watch I can manage +/- 1 second, but that is a 100% error term). I don't believe in letting 'brainaid' have all the fun, I like my OWN hobby, not his! From the answers received above, I must conclude that "you can't get there from here", and that I must resign myself to 'not winning', except by accident. If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy. |
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Posted by 76Trombones ![]() |
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You start when the server starts you. Setting ultra-precise start DC gains you nothing. Wait for the gun then click send... easy.
Those practice racing need to be comfortable that on short impromptu courses, the server will favour some boats by a few seconds. It's fun right? |
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Posted by RainbowChaser ![]() |
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Rod - it is perfectly possible to set a precise start DC without brainaid's DC Editor. In fact, I rarely use his DC Editor - but as a good SOLAdmin I have checked out what is available so I understand what folks are talking about.
Just work out the delay you need before the start, maybe factor in a few seconds to allow the internet/servers to process the command and then enter it! OK so you won't always be starting at zero seconds but, frankly, that is no biggie. I take great pride in setting pretty precise start DCs for practice races... and judging by comments made in last night's practice race,I am not alone in this!! Its satisfying when a v close DC is set after only a few tries!! --- Last Edited by RainbowChaser at 2011-04-05 08:54:24 --- |
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Posted by RainbowChaser ![]() |
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Rod - I have noted in another thread that you have now decided not to participate in practice races...
![]() --- Last Edited by RainbowChaser at 2011-04-05 21:15:48 --- |
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Posted by AGage ![]() |
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WHat The??
Why has brainaid suddenly come into this? His tool is actually fantastic if you sail on DCs frequently, but calling it "his fun"??? again What The?? And actually if your computer is less than a few years old, then it probably runs on nano-seconds A 1 GHz computer means 1 clock signal every nanosecond. 330 picoseconds is about the time it takes a 3Ghz computer to add 2 numbers ![]() I only suggest a clock sync as I said I notice some immediate commands showing up in the DC tab... Also if your clock is out you wont see the right weather, but ut would take a reasonable discrepency for this to be apparent 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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At the beginning of this I said that it was a general inquiry about the mechanics of the process.
I know I can set a DC, but is this different from clicking on the 'start' instant? I still don't know. p.s. I hope brainaid worked out his program because he enjoyed doing it, rather than being employed to do it. I don't think he gets paid for it. I also race SOL because I enjoy doing it, out of my own head. --- Last Edited by Rod at 2011-04-06 12:07:14 --- If it breaks, it's not strong enough--if it doesn't, it's too heavy. |
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Garagiste's Test Lab

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Patricks Test

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Joanne's Test Race Zone
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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
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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
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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
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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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Mirek's Mess & Canteen
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Race starts: Apr 26th 18:00
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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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Tasman Double 2023 - Hobart to Sydney
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Race starts: Jan 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
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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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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
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Race #1441
INFOby brainaid.de
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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
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What about a speedy X-362 380nm race in the waters off S America, just to blow cobwebs away!!
Race #1415
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X-362 PARTICULARS
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Antarctica 3 of 3
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BLANK POLAR
Race starts: Feb 16th 00:00
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