Speed & Smarts Newsletter 118

I've been subscribing to Speed & Smarts for a couple of years and always have a copy on my 'coffee table'.
David Dellenbaugh always finds new ways to tell sailors how to improve there racing abilities. I don't race that much myself any more - being to busy with judging and umpiring - but nevertheless it helps me understand how and why sailors do things. And that is something I do need, when judging what parties are telling me in a hearing.

I've snapped a picture from issue 118 to illustrate.

You can subscribe to this bi-monthly newsletter by going to http://www.speedandsmarts.com/Newsletter/SpeedAndSmarts. And even if you don't want to straight away - have a look at the website. There's lots of useful information there.

The CYA Judges Newsletter - September 2010

Excerpt from last months CYA Judges Newsletter:

On the lodging of protests by Judges.  Some thoughts for discussion.

Why should the Judges be on the water anyway?

First, it gives them something to do at a regatta, (between the hearing of protests), apart from swapping stories in the comfort of the Club-house. Much more significantly, it allows them to observe at first hand, the wind and sea conditions, the actions of the Race Committee and their supporting flotilla, and the behaviour and demeanour of the competitors.  It also allows them to witness incidents between competitors that may or may not result in their lodging protests against each other.  They may also witness unacknowledged violations of the Racing Rules.  They may see events that give rise to requests for redress.

The presence of Judges on the water has given rise to many arguments as to what their role should be and where its limits may lie. This issue often arises at many major events where the Judges are afloat as observers, usually in pairs, and with or without the responsibility of trying to enforce Rule 42.  There is a variety of possibilities and some are considered below:-

1.   No protests By Judges are permitted

At some regattas, it has been a deliberate policy of the Chief Judge that no protest may be lodged by an on-the-water Judge, however blatant the Rule infringement, and they may only contribute first-hand evidence at the hearing of a valid protest (or request for redress) lodged by a competitor, being (of course) excluded from the Jury while so doing.

I believe this policy to be wrong.  It is in part motivated by the fear that a member of the PC may make a fool of themselves, by producing unconvincing, lame evidence in front of the protestee showing, for example, that the Judges were badly positioned to see the incident.  The presenting of weak evidence would diminish the status and authority of the Chief Judge.  (It also betrays the C.J's lack of confidence in his/her team).

This policy has its effect on the competitors too.  Those who are involved in an obvious Rule infringement in full view of a Judge's boat (e.g. hitting a mark) may feel justified in taking no penalty and sailing on, secure in the knowledge that no protest will ensue.
This is an unhappy situation for Judges.

2.   Judges are required to protest any observed Rule violations, i.e. act as policemen.

Update for UK-Halsey Rules Quizzes program with a Racing Rules of Sailing -Test

From the UK-Halsey Newsletter:

Dear UK-Halsey Racing Rules Program Owner, In an effort to find better and better ways to teach the racing rules of sailing, the rules experts at UK-Halsey have come up with something new. We have developed a multiple choice test designed to help you apply the rules to common race-course scenarios. Instead of trying to "catch” you with tricky questions, we want you to learn the rules of common situations so that you will immediately know your rights and obligations when you get into similar situations on the race course. This test is a free addition to the Rules Program that you purchased. We purposely made the program a download instead of a physical CD so that we could provide no-cost upgrades this during the four-year rule cycle. This is a huge improvement to the program and we hope that you enjoy it. You'll find the test and the answers in the Lifted Tack section of the program. To get the test, just update your UK-Halsey Rules Quiz program. To do so, open the program while your computer is online. In the bottom right of the program's home page you will see in white letters, "Update Available”. Click there to start the process. You will not have to be online to take the test. You can take the test as many times as you want. To find out how your score ranks against the average score, e-mail your score to rules@ukhalsey.com. If you include your answers to all the questions, we will send you our International Code Flag decal, which helps decode race course signals. The easiest way to send your answers is to make a screen capture of your answer sheet. Please feel free show the program with its animated quizzes, the rules test, and the program's videos to your friends. The more people who learn the rules, the more fun racing will be for everyone. Finally, it is our plan to keep adding tests to the program. They will be shorter, themed tests that have to do with situations at sections of the race course, e.g., starting line rules, rules at the windward mark, etc. Stay tuned and keep watching for the "Update Available” prompt on the home page of the rules program.

 

I’ve done the test and came away with a score of 97%. Not perfect! I answered question 16 incorrectly. You’ll will have to take the test to see why.

A good tool to test your knowledge and understanding of the rules. With the correct answers, a comprehensive and clear explanation is provided. So you learn from your mistakes.

For those of you who are serious in learning the RRS, the UK-Halsey Rules Quiz program is very good tool. Like the newsletter says, no trickery or impossible scenarios. Basic situations you’ll come across in almost every race.

And wouldn’t it be great to be sure of what your rights and obligations are, in those situations?

J.

DAIL UP; USMRC Newsletter Vol2, Issue 1

In the latest USMRC Newsletter “DAIL UP” an umpire call is being discussed, which I thought might interest you. It is written by Kirk Brown, an IU from the USA:

NEW RULES NEW WRINKLES

With new rule come new wrinkles. Congressional Cup 2009 provided an incident that continues to be discussed.

In the diagram below, the boats are coming to the finish with Blue owing a penalty. Neither boat has a spinnaker or jib up and are slow. Blue arrives at the zone clear ahead turning on rule 18.2(b), second sentence. Yellow must give Blue mark-room, which is room to sail to the mark. At position 2 and 3, Blue is not sailing to the mark, but away from the mark. At position 4, Blue is sailing above the finish line flag on the RC boat. At position 5, Blue cannot get to Yellow and both boats ‘Y’ flag. What rules apply and what is the call?

Rule 10 applies in this case, and Blue must keep clear (preamble to Section A). Rule 18.2(b) applies and Yellow must give Blue mark-room. As Blue always had room, neither boat broke a rule, Green and white flag. Look for a Rapid response Call to see if Blue can close the door.

My initial thought is that Blue must keep clear if Blue does not sail to the mark and gybes to port, since she is a port tack boat that has been given mark room but has opted not to take it. Stay tuned.

 

I’m interested to hear your thoughts about this call. A few of mine:

• Is Blue sailing to the mark in position 4?
• Has Blue finished?
• In position 2 Blue is RoW boat and can sail as wide as she pleases….
• Is Blue sailing her proper course – if you consider her AT the mark – in absence of Yellow , considering she still has to take a penalty?
• If yes, what about C2.2?
• Is 18.5(b) applicable considering this is a “passing” mark rather then a rounding mark?

To view the whole issue go to: http://usmrc.info/ml/dl.php?id=29
N.B.: there are no answers (yet)

.

iShares Cup 2009 European Dates Confirmed

From news@isharescup.com:
In Brief:

• The dates for the 2009 iShares Cup Extreme 40 European Series are now confirmed.
• Five, possibly six, rounds will be staged across Europe stopping in Italy, France, UK, Germany and Amsterdam.
• The city of Kiel will, once again, host the German round of the iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series - the remaining venues will be revealed over the coming weeks.
• iShares Cup shortlisted for the Sponsorship Industry Awards 'Best Sponsorship of a Sport Event or Competition'

In Detail:

Crowds watch the Extreme 40's racing close to shore at Kiel, Germany
© Kiel Marketing GmbH

The 2009 calendar for the premium iShares Cup Extreme 40 Sailing Series is now confirmed. Five rounds, with a possible sixth and final event, will be staged across Europe that will see the leaders in the sport of sailing vying for the overall iShares Cup, bringing the sport of Extreme 40 racing to the public for a third year running. Held at premium European venues that will grant the public accessibility and a grandstand view of the iShares Cup racing - spectators are guaranteed a close-up view of the short-course, action-packed racing alongside the iShares Cup Race Village, engaging the public both on and off the water.
Round 1 : Italy - 15th to 17th May 2009
Round 2 : France - 3rd to 5th July 2009
Round 3 : United Kingdom - 1st to 3rd August 2009
Round 4 : Germany, Kiel - 28th to 30th August 2009
Round 5 : The Netherlands - 25th to 27th September 2009
Round 6 : tbc - 10th to 12th October 2009


80,000 spectators visit the race village for Round 4 at Kiel
© Jean-Marie Liot/DPPI/OC Events

Racing will be staged over three days Friday to Sunday with a Media Day held the day before each regatta. The venues will be announced over the coming weeks starting this week with the confirmation that the German city of Kiel will, once again, host a round of the iShares Cup.
After the huge success of the inaugural iShares Cup 2008 regatta in Kiel, which saw over 80,000 spectators cheering on the Extreme 40s which prompted Alinghi skipper, Ed Baird, to comment: "I think we've probably sailed in front of this many in a television situation but not in person, this is fantastic." - the city of Kiel will host Round 4 of the iShares Cup over the 28th to 30th August directly in front of the Kiellinie.
"KIEL.SAILING CITY is proud of the fact that it belongs to the select group of European venues, which are presenting the regattas of this year's Extreme 40 Sailing Series. These regattas offer a perfect mix of breathtaking entertainment and world-class sports," said Angelika Volquartz, Kiel's Lord Mayor. "It was most important for us to secure an option to continue this cooperation for the years to come, because this high-profile catamaran event so close to the city centre is a true asset to KIEL.SAILING CITY."

Tommy Hilfiger pitch-poles - but recovers - on Day 2 of the iShares Cup in Hyeres
© TornadoSport/Tommy Hilfiger



Dan Kiddle, Head of iShares Sponsorship, Europe, commented, "Germany is a key market for iShares and based on the success of the 2008 event in Kiel we are delighted to be returning there in 2009. The style of sailing you will witness and experience in the iShares Cup is revolutionary and we are delighted to be supporting such an exciting sport whereby its core characteristics reflect our brand values and business approach."
After winning the Business to Business Category of the European Sponsorship Awards last November, the iShares Cup has now been shortlisted in the 2009 Sponsorship Industry Awards 'Best Sponsorship of a Sport Event or Competition'. In the category for 'Best Sponsorship of a Sport Event or Competition', the iShares Cup is up against some powerful competition from Castrol, Guinness, Visa, Powerade and Speedo. The nominees now go before the main judging panel and the final award ceremony will be held on the 30th April.


iShares Extreme 40 racing at Kiel, Germany
© Kiel Marketing GmbH

For further information on the iShares Cup, visit: http://www.isharescup.com

If all goes according to plan I'll be umpiring 4 of the events. Italy, France, Netherlands and tbc (Spain?). Seeing these pictures I already want to go!

CLASSIC BOAT SHOW 2008

NEWSLETTER CLASSIC BOAT SHOW 2008
From Maritime Heritage to Spirit of Tradition

Classic Boat Show 2008 holds course
Maritime Heritage steers safely through global crisis

While the financial crisis has knocked the wind out of the global market, Thedo Fruithof is calmly finalising the arrangements for the Classic Boat Show from his humble abode in Andijk. Later this week the enormous exhibition hall on the Gependam will be constructed and will host 130 exhibitors and 65 ships during three full days of maritime pleasure from 7 – 9 November 2008.
“This Show is different from all the previous ones,” says the proud MC Fruithof, “For example, the steamer towboat the Rosalie (1873) and the restored Rhine barge Helena (1875) are unique examples of the riveting tradition that can now be applied in polyester."

Upgraded web site
For regular visitors to the web site this is old news, but the Classic Boat Show 2008 offers many new features. The web site provides easy access to all the companies and organizations that you can meet at the Show. The site features a photo gallery of most of the boats that are on display during the Show in Enkhuizen, with full details. The site offers a comprehensive international trade catalogue, but also local information on where to stay and dine, as well as the current weather report. Enjoy the great variety of exhibits as well as the film program, lectures, and meetings and bring your kids to the children’s program. Please do visit the web site for all the attractions and updates to this year’s Classic Boat Show and Maritime Heritage www.klassieke-schepen.nl
For example…
Symposium: New Rules and Regulations for Inland Shipping
A symposium is organised by the Federatie van Oude Nederlandse Vaartuigen (Federation of old Dutch Vessels) about new European and Dutch rules and regulations for inland shipping. The Saturday symposium is open to skippers, ship owners and members of conservation organisations and will meet on the MS Terra Nova.

New York and Henry Hudson 400
In 1609, under the auspices of the Dutch East India Company, Captain Hudson set sail out of Amsterdam on the Half Moon in search of a passage to China. Instead, he discovered the best natural harbour in the world and the island of Manhattan. Shortly after this discovery, New Amsterdam was founded and gradually developed into the world’s capital city, known as New York. Dutch settlers brought with them a deep tradition of enlightenment, tolerance, and acumen which became a hallmark of its new-world colony. The early settlement of New Amsterdam with its multiethnic, dynamic inhabitants mirrors the diverse, cosmopolitan culture for which New York City is revered throughout the world. With a celebration of these noteworthy beginnings, Henry Hudson 400 plans to reinforce the deep ties between these two cultures. In 2009, Henry Hudson 400 will commemorate the legendary voyage with two three-day festivals in both Amsterdam and in New York. A transatlantic sailing race for the larger vessels will connect both cities; about 35 smaller vessels such as botters, tjalks and skûtsjes, will be transported across the ocean in a cargo ship. The Henry Hudson 400 Foundation presents its plans at the Classic Boat Show. www.henryhudson400.com

Sailing is my vocation
The Dutch interest group for professional sailing (BBZ) presents an introductory day on Saturday, November 8th, for people who are interested in working in chartering and yacht building. Various stands provide information, lectures are planned as well as a job market. To get a feel of these professions you can sign on for a journey on the two-master barge Helena that sails from Rotterdam to Enkhuizen and back (see www.rivierzeilen.nl for details).

100 year old Hengst
The mussel-fishing barge Jan Korneel was restored to its original state by the Tolerant Foundation in the Belgian town of Rupelmonde. This authentic oak fishing boat, dating back to 1908, is one of eight remaining originals of its kind, of which thousands sailed the river Schelde only a century ago. The restoration took two years and was supervised by the craftsman Cees Droste. The 100 year old Hengst Jan Korneel was re-launched on September 14th and can be admired at the Classic Boat Show.

Finally
“Enkhuizen is THE place to see all types of historic vessels of any length during this comprehensive and compact boat show. The exhibit is concentrated in one large exhibition hall, bigger than last year”, says organizer Thedo Fruithof, “This historic town, which was once a main harbour of the East-India Company’s fleet, provides a contemporary background. Visitors travelling by train or bus arrive on the spot with the show right next door to the station; and visitors arriving by car can enjoy a wonderful ferry crossing along the historic vessels on show.”

BEURS KLASSIEKE SCHEPEN
ENKHUIZEN
7-9 November 2008
Daily 10:00-18:00 hrs
Fairground next to the NS-Railway Station, Enkhuizen
FREE parking and ferry transport, follow directions on site
Entrance fee: € 10

We look forward to seeing you at Classic Boat Show 2008,
With kind regards,
Thedo Fruithof and Wim de Bruin

SPEED & SMARTS (3) Email Subscription

Speed & Smarts, the newsletter for how-to tips for the racing sailor, is offering a new way to subscribe: by Email. For $35,- you get all the issues in your mail box for a full year. Specially for Non-American sailors an interesting deal, since you avoid the steep price of Snail-Mail. For two years you pay $60,- (about € 45,-) and you can print the pdf-file yourself.

The next issue should be very interesting, since it deals with David's take on the new rules. Go to Speed & Smarts and check it out yourself.

Other Posts about Speed&Smart:
- SPEED & SMARTS (2) BRAIN TEASER
- SPEED & SMARTS

.