Optimising regatta starts

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.