Optimising regatta starts

In my small sailboat racing days (17' catamaran) we'd be checking our timings and heading for the start line in a big group. The goals was to cross the line at full speed just as the starting signal went. If we were early, we'd bear off a bit and reach along the start line, hopefully without running out of start gate, then close-haul and be away.

Of course, with all these boats going full tilt, we'd sometimes have "bumps". Anyone hitting another boat had to do a 360-turn as a penalty (very time consuming in a catamaran). Anyone over the line early had to go back and cross again.

I don't race my glider (yet), but I think I'd be a bit concerned about mid-airs at the start gate. I've been bumped too many times in my sailboat.

On Friday, November 16, 2012 7:51:16 AM UTC-6, C-FFKQ (42) wrote:
In my small sailboat racing days (17' catamaran) we'd be checking our timings and heading for the start line in a big group. The goals was to cross the line at full speed just as the starting signal went. If we were early, we'd bear off a bit and reach along the start line, hopefully without running out of start gate, then close-haul and be away.



Of course, with all these boats going full tilt, we'd sometimes have "bumps". Anyone hitting another boat had to do a 360-turn as a penalty (very time consuming in a catamaran). Anyone over the line early had to go back and cross again.



I don't race my glider (yet), but I think I'd be a bit concerned about mid-airs at the start gate. I've been bumped too many times in my sailboat.

So after years (more decades) of trying to defray start gaggles, dives across the start line at vne+ and all the shenanigans that caused midairs we are reintroducing this dangerous practice? At the end of this noble Grand Prix race will of course have to be worm-burner finishes at 120 knots dumping water because the public and eventual present media is entitled to a good show. Then the mass-landing if all goes "well" and the finishers are close together - of course from a low-energy and low altitude position.
I'm not sure I want to rush to sign up.
Herb, J7

Like sailing, synchronized watches, time and distance. Instead of a cylinder a semi circle or start line (radius, cross section angle) will be defined. It will be quite strategic and difficult to do accurately in many conditions. It will therefore be a lot of fun! It will take some practice leading up to the event for sure. Being "over early" would be a penalty or require a restart I imagine.

On Friday, November 16, 2012 8:22:00 AM UTC-6, Sean F (F2) wrote:
Like sailing, synchronized watches, time and distance. Instead of a cylinder a semi circle or start line (radius, cross section angle) will be defined. It will be quite strategic and difficult to do accurately in many conditions. It will therefore be a lot of fun! It will take some practice leading up to the event for sure. Being "over early" would be a penalty or require a restart I imagine.

Lots of questions remain, Sean. Start altitude, start speed (you can't dive your sailboat from up high), good start/bad start decision, how to deal with inexperienced pilots etc. This maybe something for the Sebastian Kawas to do safely but I predict mayhem with the general soaring and racing public. Better start drafting the releases, get some good lawyers.
Also, tell us about the finish line details. Looks like you are developing all new contest rules, many of which we abandoned long ago for good reasons.