VIC
741 posts
years ago, in the mid 80's (scary!) I remember there was a push for a format of slalom which would be great for the average joe.
It involved a random draw of sailers sailing "divisions" (lets say 8 per heat) with the 1st and 2nd going up a "division" and the last two being relegated a position. After a series of races the better sailors would end up racing against themselves (say A division)and the less better (politically correct!) ending up sailing together (say C or D division- depending on the amount os sailors). I would love to compete again but the thought of racing against the local pro's on there shiny new gear makes me think not!
Using the above format, the average sailor would be eventually competing against people of there own ability.
If a gun sailor makes a mistake he/shw will have to work there way up through the "divisions" to get to the top.
With the resurgance of speed and slalom the average sailor (who loves to go fast back and forth and beat their mates) may be encouraged to have a go.
What do people think...
Red
QLD
2315 posts
If you had a consistently windy place and a lot of sailors then definately this would work- I sailed in a series years ago similar to the format you mention. The problem has always been the time it takes to run this format and having stable conditions through the day.
Based on what I see from the qld scene the problem though is the sailors who- arent willing to travel, are intimidated by racing and will use any excuse such as my gear aint good enough to not be involved. Gear is not important at all in slalom racing, often the fastest gear is the slowest to turn corners so it evens out (ok this changes a bit if you have 1km long reaches). Besides gear has become no faster in the last 10 years (freeride stuff has a little bit) but it has become alot more user friendly.
Dispel the stigma of racing- get more sailors to have a go, frown upon the angry/aggressive sailor and then you'll get a successful slalom series. Take racing to the sailors, maybe not go as extreme as your suggestion- have 2 fleets a slalom fleet and a freeride fleet, this way people can start out in freeride and not feel intimidated by the crowded start line or dropping gybes. Then you could if you wanted put the top 2 or 3 freeride sailors into a final with slalom people and see how they go.
WA
28 posts
WWA ran an event like that at South Beach (Fremantle, WA) this season. 10 sailors/heat, two heats. Top 5 from each heat into the final, bottom 5 from each into the repecharge. Races were quite short, maybe 3-4 minutes. That was my first slalom event, and it was bloody good fun. As mkseven pointed out, consistent conditions can be a problem, but keeping the heats short and allowing time between rounds to change gear helps.
Another format that works well for getting everyone involved is a self-handicapping race that we run at our club days here at Safety Bay. The first leg is a couple of k's out and back, and the race ends with a little slalom section around channel markers and boats moored near the beach. Everyone takes off across the bay and when the leader gybes everyone else does too. So last place effectively becomes first. By the time you get to the slalom section most of the fleet is close together again. Those on the fastest gear have to work the hardest passing everyone on the way back.
