Use of Smart Phones

The class rules really don't speak specifically to the use of smart phones.

16.3 Compasses with brackets or electronic devices that provide timing and heading memory but which do not transmit, transfer or receive data are permitted. The use of navigation and speed metering equipment is illegal unless specifically allowed in the individual boat rules or by the No- tice of Race for the particular event or regatta.

Are smart phones allowed to be used? The clause about not transmiiting, transfering, or receiving data would seem to indicate not, but the wording of that part of the rule appears to be related to heading and speed measurements (i.e., no GPS devices).

For me, one big advantage of the smart phone is the ability to look up real-time weather data. Is it legal to do this between races?

What are the limitations (if any) on the use of smart phones during Hobie races? How are other classes handling this?

sm

Steve
Why not send your question to the rules committee and get an official ruling. You can email them at [email protected]

And Steve, if you do, can you post their answer here?

Thanks.

Jim

Will do.

sm

Would this 'ban' also apply to folks who zip up their smart phones in a waterproof pouch, set RaceQS, then download the data AFTER the day's racing?

We love comparing notes afterwards, and figuring out who picked the 'right' side of the course......

_________________
2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

John, you are jumping to conclusions. Where did anyone say phones are "banned"?

I forwarded my original question to the IHCA Rules committee and will post their ruling when I receive a response. It may take a while.

sm

this is a common paragraph written into SI's....

RADIO COMMUNICATION
Except in an emergency, a boat shall neither make
radio transmissions while racing nor receive radio
communications not available to all boats. This
restriction also applies to mobile telephones.

_________________
Paul Evenden
NRO, RMMCC, CJ

As promised, here is the official exchange from IHCA - long story short, smart phones are not allowed....

Thanks to Erik Olsen for a fast and concise reply.


We have now had time to consider your question.

General Hobie Class Rule 16.3 shall be interpreted as follows in relation to smart phones etc.:

Smartphones, smartwatches etc. are electronic devices, which can transmit, transfer and receive data. They will as such be considered illegal unless specifically allowed by the Notice of Race for the particular event or regatta.

Hope to have clarified the matter. Otherwise please let us know.


Thanks Erik. Can you clarify- are smart devices considered illegal at all times while on the water, or only while racing? For example, is it permissible to look up weather data using a phone in between races?


As with other ”illegal” electronic devices, the ruling applies for the entire period afloat for the purpose of competing in races unless specifically allowed by the Notice of Race for the particular event or regatta.


sm

Thanks, Steve.