I have idea of the simple race that I want to run here. I have been looking for device to run it but can't not find any. Maybe that is idea also for you for a new racing set ? My concept is based on lap timer. Competitor hot start timer by approaching starting buoys or crossing the line between 2 buoys. Then timer starts. Then competitor do lap to upper buoy gybe and come back to starting buoy that stops the timer. Alternatively competitor needs to complete 2 or more laps then timer stops. Whole competition set consist then of the starting buoy to activate the timer and waterproof timer. If timer is equip with GPS then even better. If timer could transmit data/ results wireless when lap is completed then next big advantage. I bought some electronic components to build a prototype and test. PM anybody if want to discuss further or join forces/ cooperate

Select to expand quote

Macroscien said..

I have idea of the simple race that I want to run here. I have been looking for device to run it but can't not find any. Maybe that is idea also for you for a new racing set ? My concept is based on lap timer. Competitor hot start timer by approaching starting buoys or crossing the line between 2 buoys. Then timer starts. Then competitor do lap to upper buoy gybe and come back to starting buoy that stops the timer. Alternatively competitor needs to complete 2 or more laps then timer stops. Whole competition set consist then of the starting buoy to activate the timer and waterproof timer. If timer is equip with GPS then even better. If timer could transmit data/ results wireless when lap is completed then next big advantage. I bought some electronic components to build a prototype and test. PM anybody if want to discuss further or join forces/ cooperate

I agree Macro. There's got to be more scope for easy-to-organise competition using gps. Not there's anything wrong with alpha racing, but we need something that hasn't so much emphasis on speed and the hence the endless search for the perfect flat water. Something like "I'll race you to the buoy and back" but with a start that doesn't have one sailor always getting the upwind advantage in the flukey near shore winds.

Are you envisaging something like installing 3 locations in everybody's gps. One for a real buoy a bit offshore and another 2 for the virtual flying start line/finish line out in the steady winds just off the beach. Your gps would just roll off a list of the day's times with no need to download.

There's already something very similar for go-kart racing...

Select to expand quote

nebbian said..

There's already something very similar for go-kart racing...

Yes, I found about go kart racing when searching for my lap timer.
I am going to do some modification to lap timer unit ( that I bought already ) to allow to precise start / stop in the buoy proximity.

This is how I could see our race to buoy and back competition:

At the beach we setup white board that everybody could register : name , sail and board ( or kite size) , lap time

Any willing competitor could take a GPS or Lap Timer , go for few runs and write back his best result LAP TIME on the board.

Timer starts and the starting bouy , then you go around top bouy , ( if just Timer not GPS we need trust you turn over the bouy not below )

I don't know about GPS'es Ian but if we could setup GPS to do similar things to this lap timer ( with required accuracy 0.1 s I guess and precision location) then could be easier to setup maybe whole course. We just need ability to setup with precision start / finish line.

Easy setup and could be fun

Select to expand quote

Stuthepirate said..

http://www.clueysolutions.com.au/Qstarz/Qstarz-LT-Q6000.html

but possibly cost more then my board



so unless I save more I have to stick with my $60 infrared lap timer.
All I need at this moment is to find small waterproof case for receiver and transmitter. Sort of waterproof plastic box with at least one side transparent for infrared sensors. Maybe something from older underwater camera will work ?

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Gps/Ledge-to-Lancelin-GPS-Challenge/

Did you ever noticed that the wind fluctuates quite a lot most of the time at the Gold Coast Shearwater, KFC etc? So if you run your little comp for 3-5 hrs I will make sure I come when the sea breeze is at its happy hour. Poor guys starting before 1 pm might not have a chance. I don't want to be negative but I feel it might take about an hour to get one round for 10 or so guys. I still think that nothing beats the feeling when there is a bunch of guys going at the same time, using the tactics, shoulders and yelling. That's what I used to like when racing dinghies years ago. Nevertheless I don't want to discourage you and am happy to give it a go.

Select to expand quote

GeoGeo said..

Did you ever noticed that the wind fluctuates quite a lot most of the time at the Gold Coast Shearwater, KFC etc? So if you run your little comp for 3-5 hrs I will make sure I come when the sea breeze is at its happy hour. Poor guys starting before 1 pm might not have a chance. I don't want to be negative but I feel it might take about an hour to get one round for 10 or so guys. I still think that nothing beats the feeling when there is a bunch of guys going at the same time, using the tactics, shoulders and yelling. That's what I used to like when racing dinghies years ago. Nevertheless I don't want to discourage you and am happy to give it a go.

You are right about wind fluctuation, but that is not scientific performance measurement but fun on the water with element of lack.

For example . If I win with you (what is very unlikely) we both have excuse You always could say that I been lucky to catch that only gust that day.
Anyway I have almost all equipment ready. Waterproof case accommodate Infrared beacon starter so I need to buy one more for timer and organize rubber belt for arm or leg - to attach timer and we are ready to go, even this weekend . for testing first idea, not real racing
Next. One run shouldn't take more then just few minutes. At this price - $60 we may have more timers if needed, Two or three to share with everybody willing to participate. Kiters including.
That will be interesting comparison -who is faster with gybing on our short runs. Unless we could do perfect planing gibe windsurfer may has little chance

Do you have any buoys with anchors? Did you figure out how to take them out and pick them up afterwards? I hope you sorted all this out especially if there is a strong current like tomorrow. If you are not quick enough to pull them out you might say good bye to Gold Coast while passing the Gold Coast seaway.