Just some thoughts on my experience.
Ivanpah Experience.
I have been to Ivanpah in 2008 and 2009. The experience I have had has been fantastic. Not only is it a wonderful place for landsailing, the people I have met and friendships I have made have been fantastic. I fully recommend this venue to anyone into landsailing and especially the “Ivanpah Blokart Rally”, I think now known as the North American Blokart Sailing Championships. I am eagerly looking forward to returning there in 2012 for both the American Championships and the 3rd World Blokart Championships.
The Playa.
The venue is a dry lake bed. It is “rock hard” and it can vary from smooth to a cracked surface. Some small clay particles can be thrown up from the surface. It sits at an elevation of 800m but is in the valley between two mountain ranges of about 2000m. The winds I have experienced have been between calm and 30+ knots, and watch out for dust storms. It is hot and extremely dry.
Sailing there.
This venue is a large open area of some 90 plus square kilometres. The courses that are going to be set are leeward/windward ones with legs of 750 to 1500 metres in length. You could complete these on two tacks or gybes if you so desire!!!!
One thing I remember is rounding up onto the wind, sometimes I would “under-steer” terribly. The front wheel would bounce the sail would luff and everything would keep getting worse as speed plummeted. Two things helped, one was getting weight forward on to the front wheel and also keeping the sail sheeted on hard.
If it is blowing you will go through tyres. In 2009 I did over 150 kilometres in a day and the tyres were just about done.
Speeds of 50 to 60 kph are probably the norm here and reaching 90kph plus is achievable if the wind is up, and yes we are still racing!
Some personal preparation.
1. Helmet.
Some are aware that I had a bad accident in 2009. The helmet I was wearing definitely saved me from any ongoing severe head/brain trauma. It was an open face full motorcycle helmet approved to AS1698. I do not sail without this helmet.
2. Clothing.
In the same accident I ended up with a huge graze down my back where I slid across the surface and my shirt rode up from the waist of my trousers. I know some sailors wear a one piece suit which would help with this. Clothing could also serve as sun protection.
3. Sun Protection.
It is hot and dry, so “slip,slop,slap” and hydrate.
4. Insurance.
Have travel insurance, no I don't sell it, and check your cover for racing.
5. Spares/Tools
The organisers have arranged for a “service tent” and a blokart shop. We wont need to take any extras with us.
Primm is a Casino mecca and food, drink and accommodation is not expensive. Watch out for the extras like phone calls, laundry etc. There was no laundromat at Primm and you had to go back in to Las Vegas to do this.
The people who are running both events are fantastic people and brilliant at organising and running events. I am sure this will be one of the best events you ever attend.
