Well IF (and it's a big IF), I was going to compete in an event with a foil, I would be out the back of the fleet or away to the side of the other sailors so that
1. they don't feel intimidated by me (but they may well be looking over their shoulders lots to see where I am and if I'm in control)
2. I don't risk hitting anyone.
3. I don't get in the way when I fall off.
It would definitely make me uncompetitive, but I'd rather do that than risk an accident.
At my current level of skill, there's no way I'd compete. So this probably looks like I'm tearing down the house for those with foils who may want to compete, because I'm not good enough... Well, that's not my intention. I just want people to feel OK about sailing and not potentially be intimidated by someone who is dangerous.
A 'boundary rule' where it is the responsibility of the foiler to be no closer than x metres to another sailor when sailing behind another sailor. Minimum of y metres when upwind or downwind of another sailor? When the foil is out in front, then no dramas. Foiler might need to keep in mind that if they get overtaken, then they need to be able to establish that boundary again?
Better still, maybe wait a season and introduce foils into the racing scene later?
Apologies to all those foilers who may want to race, for my comments here.
Select to expand quoteclarence said..
I have no experience with foils myself.
So i suppose there are a few questions/comments:
1) how many people have foils and do they intend on competing with them?
2) I can find out from Australian Windsurfing Association what rules they have regarding foils.
3) as it is freerace as opposed to "tighter" slalom style racing, there is not as much need to sail close to other sailors (maybe a "distance" rule for people on foils???).
There are already lots of protocols for windsurfing events (eg inbound wave sailor to give way; give way to starboard on course racing etc). If in doubt making such a rule in the meantime (eg foil gives way or minimum distance to conventional boards) could work.
At this stage WT events are open to foils, but I think like many new innovations, that may well evolve.
Clarence
Hi Clarence, be good if you could get some guidance on this from the AWA.
I'm not sure the argument stacks up that sailors (with foils) need to demonstrate they are proficient before they can race, as there will always be new people getting gear and there has never been that provision for sailing normal windsurfing gear. Most sailors that are racing will know whether they should be competing and if competing, then on what gear they compete. I'm fine with not allowing foils into the racing, but also thought it a great opportunity to include foils straight up, so the racing is inclusive.
I have bought a foil and a dedicated foil-board and did intent to use it to race when the winds are light, but happy to give those light-wind events a miss if foils aren't allowed.
If the wind minimum is 15 knots for the free race comps no one will be on foils anyway?
It looks like the Marrawah wavesailing event will be scheduled for the 6 and 7 of January.
The next northern event will be moved to the 10 December 2017. This is a low tide in the middle of the day weekend so should leave us with a few options. If these dates conflict with any births, deaths, marriages, Bar Mitzvahs, holy days or days when the wind is holey, then expect further changes. There will still be a wavesailing event at Marrawah on the long weekend in March if the conditions are OK but it will not count towards a state title.
Select to expand quoteAl Planet said..
The next northern event will be moved to the 10 December 2017.
Which event is this?
Select to expand quoteKazza said..Al Planet said..
The next northern event will be moved to the 10 December 2017.
Which event is this?
Sorry.... the event will be a Wavesailing event on the 10 December to replace the one that was scheduled on a day (22 of Feb) which wasn't a holiday in the south. This was going to be wavesailing expression session 3 on the original calendar.
