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PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 12:36 pm 
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Joined: Fri May 15, 2009 8:42 am
Posts: 43
Location: Chicago/SW Michigan
I have about five H16's on my beach and want to do some fun racing this summer. Knowing that a traditional start is not going to be practical due to the number of extra people we have as a committee, I'm inclined to do a beach start... Given we have a side shore breeze where we are on Lake Michigan, I'm trying to figure out some reasonable course layouts.
-Mark straight off shore, then an upwind to a standard windward/leward back to original mark, then to shore
-other ideas????

My alternative may be to set up a start line with no committee and I blow a whistle to do a 3min start sequence and do triangles etc... Having done a bunch of windsurfing racing in my past, I'm a bit skeptical about everyone self policing themselves on the line :lol:

Also, any suggestions on low cost buoys other than some anchored ocean kayaks?

Insights appreciated.


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 12:45 pm 
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Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 10:25 am
Posts: 4176
Location: Jersey Shore
You could do a "rabbit" start.

But for what you're talking about, a beach start is probably fine. Then first person back on the beach is the winner. The only real danger with a beach start, especially if you're sailing in the ocean (waves), is you run the risk of boats being out of control and crashing into each other during the start. If the breeze is side shore, this probably won't be much of a problem.

sm


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 1:35 pm 
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Joined: Sun Aug 26, 2007 5:40 am
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Location: Metuchen NJ
Many years ago our fleet (#452) ran an annual Around Long Beach Island race in NJ, which had a beach 'Le Mans' type start. Boats were brought to a prescribed line on the beach, there was a one minute countdown and everyone pushed off at the horn. To prevent choas the rules stated a mandatory starboard (or port) tack/gybe start with a minimum distance sailed offshore before tacking or gybing.

As for marks, long ago we've used sealed plastic 30 gallon drums tied to an anchor line. I imagine today buying a couple inflatable marks or large beach toys can't be too expensive.

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'88 H18SE Arís


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PostPosted: Wed Jan 08, 2014 1:54 pm 
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Joined: Wed May 05, 2010 8:28 am
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Location: Clinton Lake, KS
We did a lot of "rabbit" starts last year on days when we didn't have RC... It worked pretty good once everyone understood the game..


Image

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 09, 2014 11:26 am 
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Joined: Mon May 24, 2004 10:33 am
Posts: 686
Location: Clinton, Mississippi
Have never seen that rabbit start thing before....thanks for sharing!

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PostPosted: Thu Jan 09, 2014 1:16 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2003 7:15 pm
Posts: 130
Location: Liverpool, NY
The rabbit start is what got Fleet204 started!!!!

Works great, but takes a little practice and getting everyon on the same page. It is very important for the non rabbits to keep an eye on the rabbit. Giving the rabbit a whistle to blow when they make their final approach is big help.

Very important that the rabbit sails hard on the wind when passing the mark.

Enforce strict and severe penaltes for hitting the rabbit!!

Sometimes if we have a reaaly fast rabbit we make them gybe instead of tack!!!

[url]Fleet204.com[/url]


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PostPosted: Thu Jan 09, 2014 1:39 pm 
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Location: Clinton Lake, KS
We never had a problem with a fast rabbit other than on the first race.


The last boat to finish rounded the mark to port becoming the rabbit...

Races go off fast this way... and the last boat 'should' have great start....

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PostPosted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 11:43 am 
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Joined: Fri May 15, 2009 8:42 am
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Location: Chicago/SW Michigan
Thanks! The Rabbit Start sounds like a unique way begin a race.

Found someone who is no longer using some existing marks, and may be able to buy them and give them another life!

Now when does the lake thaw? I'm ready for the water!


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