[quote=captboz]Hello Everybody-
Getting ready to make the trip out for the “goodtime” and I just wanted to expand on some of the points made previously in this thread.
A question was asked if this was “serious, head's down racing or more of a fun race?”
The fair response would be that it is both. As a relative newbie to cat racing I have spent the last few years taking in comments and points of view regarding the specific topic of fun vs. serious. I feel that since the question has now been asked that some of these ideas should be put out there for consideration.
I will quote friend & longtime H16 sailor Jim Gates; “If you pay money to enter a race, then the race is serious!”
It must be qualified, however, that “serious” is not “not fun!”
What is serious is that there are a lot of expensive boats sailing in close proximity to each other in competition. There are 2 sets of rules which must be obliged in any regatta. The racing rules of sailing which provide the framework for good order and discipline on the course, and the class rules that govern the parameters to which your individual boat must meet.
The racing rules of sailing where designed first and foremost to prevent collision by establishing “right of way”. I think it can be agreed upon that a collision that causes damage or injury is not “fun”. It is every sailors’ personal responsibility to have a fundamental understanding of what the rules are and what they mean. I say this not to scare away new blood but to remind everyone that the risks are significantly higher than if you are just going out for a Sunday sail. It is in every sailors’ best interest to review, study, and understand the rules. On a personal note, I have committed my fair share of fouls on the course and have been extended more than my fair share of grace as I have progressed in my learning and understanding of cat racing. The Pizza Box course study with Team Tepe sounds like a great way to dot the I's and cross the T's! This is just further testament to what a great group of sailors congregate at these regattas as they embrace a “newbies” presence and coach them on how to run with the big dogs.
The class rules are a little more black and white than the racing rules. I say this because interpreting class rules does not require split second decision making while on the race course. These rules can be obliged before you even leave the beach. When the race committee or NOR states that individual class rules apply then there should be every effort by the individual to comply with those rules before they hit the water.
As a H16 sailor I love that there are pretty tight parameters for which the boat and team must meet. This keeps the cost of ownership down while in theory leveling the competitive playing field. Through many conversations I have also come to understand that the F18 sailors also enjoy having pretty strict class rules. I mention this only because if it is determined that a “class” will be established for the regatta then the burden falls on us to self-police. There is not anyone weighing boats/crew or checking to see if you have a non-compliant trampoline. However, at a bare minimum, if the H-16s are to have their own fleet and class rules are to apply, come with crew, get up to the 285lbs minimum, and sail with Hobie sails on the boat. Anything less is a direct contradiction to the spirit of racing in a class. These are issues that could and should be addressed before the boats even hit the water. Like ConnerG stated, no one wants to have to race “open” if what they really wanted to do was race in a “class”.
To summarize, this is a serious race that is a lot of fun. When Team Tepe passes me with their 30 year old boats I smile inside as it is representative of what one design H16 racing is all about. When I miraculously find myself keeping up with the Gastons, the Vaughns, Jim Gates, or Karl and Bridget, I smile again because I know they aren’t letting off the gas to go easy on me. It is extremely fun racing!
What is not fun is a collision or injury. What is not fun is to drive long distances, pay money to race, and watch trophies being handed out to under-crewed boats, under-weight crews, and boats with aftermarket sails.
So, bone up on the rules, get class compliant and let’s get ready to rumble! Look forward to seeing all the regulars and to meeting the first timers!
Jason “Boz” Bosley<!-- editby --><em>Edited by captboz on Sep 01, 2014 - 03:50 PM.</em><!-- end editby --> [/quote]
