Ok, trying this again. I'm trying to make the wording as simple as possible. The 2009 Tybee 500 will have a mixed fleet comprised of Nacra 20's and F18s. The debate is whether or not to score these boats as one fleet using handicaps or separately, without handicaps, as two fleets.
Are the people not entered the ones voting in the poll?
Interesting.
Interesting.
Why shouldn't they be? This is all about making the race interesting to race in AND watch. The race wouldn't survive long if it wasn't entertaining to those already interested in the sport. These are the future participants.
At this point, the sailors have been most of the fuel that have allowed this race to survive - not necessarily sponsorship - so I would definitely put a premium on the opinions of those that are paying entry fees, but I don't think this poll should be limited to that...Through the thread here and the 10 or so participants I've spoken to over the last week, I think it's pretty clear what the majority of the sailors want to see out of the scoring.
(I'm trying to keep my statements neutral in consideration of this poll thread - let's not start a debate on the poll please).
I didn't vote b/c I probably won't be selected as crew, and although I'll certainly follow online, it doesn't matter to me. Or should I say, I won't be more interested either way.
However Jake, I certainly understand, and agree with your reasoning, and the poll. I know that you are just trying to continue to promote the sport, and I applaud you for that.
Two fleets as a racer in the event. A timed race over 6 days with handicap to me is like holding a regatta with a single PHRF race run over 6 days with a pause button at the end of each interim day. People don't like racing in it for even a single day. Doing a timed handicap race over 6 race days could dramatically effect results.
I voted for two fleets. As a fan I find myself rooting for several teams every year. This would sort of open up the race by having more winners. I think it would generate more interest all around. Many are excited by the super bowl and world series, I get excited about The Tybee 500. I am praying for good weather this year!
I voted for two fleets, but my question is, would it then be scored based on cumulative elapsed times within each fleet, or will it be scored on points like a series of races in a regatta?
Don't know - that's not part of the question...but since the issue has not yet been raised by the race management, I would assume that it's business as usual with the race continuing to be scored on elapsed time...that would be an interesting poll too though.
I'm guessing that these results validate my assumption about the previous poll's last choice.
😛