Some take it too serious

Spyro · #1 08-11-09, 15:26

http://www.sailonline.org/board/thre...ainaid/?page=1
If you wondered how he always wins or comes very close.
Personally I think it should be kept simple and on a level playing field, use what you have on the screen i.e. polar diagram, future weather and your own instincts.

Dipper · #2 08-11-09, 15:57

I agree. I can't see the fun in having a computer program telling your where to sail. It's not as though we have sails to trim to add extra interest. The challenge is to use the available weather information and polar to sail your best.

It is also off putting if you see those using weather routing software taking a different route. I try not to let this influence me but it is difficult.

sarabande · #3 08-11-09, 16:11

It's going to be a bit like the honesty pact in golf, with an understanding that if you sign up to the "non-software supported" race then you only use polars and the given weather forecasts.

I suggest that Brainaid's next contribution will therefore mean an escalation of technology and we will be having a divergence of SOL into Open and "Jester" type classes.

I'd much rather sail with the Jesters and know that I'm competing on equal terms.

monkfish24 · #4 09-11-09, 19:43

What software is this?

I agree, would much rather stay the way i am and keep getting better rather than use extra software. Much better pride in showing off after....

shame i'm 750ish

Dipper · #5 09-11-09, 20:11

Some people use weather routing software which tells you exactly which course to sail, for how long and when to change. Sailonline have their own call Sailplanner. Some people, Brainaid in particular, have developed their own. Brainaid has undoubtedly put an enormous effort into his so in a sense, his SOL sailing is all his own efforts but it does dull the enjoyment for others.

In real life, weather routing software is used extensively especially for long distance races or for record breaking circumnavigations. But the crew of these boats still have lots of other factors to consider including sail trim, helming and stamina which are not relevant to the SOL races - well maybe stamina is!

Alistairr · #6 11-11-09, 09:08

Oh well, that was a disaster!

Well done Booby.

Al.

Dipper · #7 11-11-09, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alistairr

Oh well, that was a disaster!

Well done Booby.

Al.

Have another go Alistair. At the moment, Trev is 6th, I'm 7th and Booby 8th out of those that are on their second runs.

Hopefully, this is faster than the first heat but we won't know until we cross the line.

Dipper · #8 12-11-09, 18:44

Booby is currently the fastest boat on the water. If this group is faster than the first run then he will have the record.

sarabande · #9 12-11-09, 19:03

curses ! Stuck in Boston with headwinds for the next five days

Being positive, at least the beer's good.

Dipper · #10 12-11-09, 19:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarabande

curses ! Stuck in Boston with headwinds for the next five days

Being positive, at least the beer's good.

Booby, Trev and I will be arriving in Plymouth in the next few hours where it is dark, wet and windy. I think we'll have a quick pint to celebrate and then use the time machine to join you in Boston.