The biggest windsurfing race in the world. But most of you knew that. What makes this special is the last minute looks like footage form (I think) 2016 when it totally went off. Carnage. Lots of Carnage. Last year was much lighter.
Did I mention there was carnage?
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Some of the blown jibes at the end look like most of mine.
Alan
What was the deal with that a-hole riding around in a zodiac right in front of an in between the competitors? That could result in mayhem.....
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
Rabbit start. The Zodiac is the starting line. It's only mayhem if you are over early. They did the same thing in OBX which patterned itself after this race.
Now, that guy in a black shirt that keeps running around in the middle of a soccer match... WHAT'S HIS DEAL?
Well - mayhem if over early is still mayhem. Is that a good thing - eliminate some competitors, and possibly even an official or two? Seems sort of draconian. Had I never been over early in a race I might be ok with it.
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
They tell the competitors about it. There's always that guy who wants to be part of the pre-race presentation animation, though.
Around 3:05 in the video.
Hey, Randy, the big cruisers are starting to emerge from their winter hibernations on Lanier. You can always use them to practice your début de lapins (rabbit starts). The wake and wind shadow is a bit bigger, though.
--- The Arrogant Jerk: Crabby and irritable since 1998.
Since I'm showing my ignorance in its full glory today, a few questions: 1.) If Zod doesn't succeed in taking you out do you get a pass on jumping the start? Is getting hit by Zod the only penalty for being over early? 3.) Why isn't this an unfair advantage for the sailors on the end of the start line Zod originates from? Does the Zod get points for the number of sailors he takes out?
I do see some advantages of this idea. This trial by ordeal form of officiating might be good in the NBA where players argue incessantly with the officials. Guy commits a foul - you take him out.....
What happens in a black hole stays in a black hole.
No worries. Somewhat embarrassed that this is the crap that my brain decides to remember instead of more useful stuff.
Rabbit starts, afaik, originated as a way for fleets to self-start without a race committee, boat, etc. The rabbit was one of the fleet which, after running the line would join the race. Typically, it sails upwind to port and the rest of the fleet starts to starboard. Once all the boats have started (or the rabbit has reached a designated starting mark) the rabbit can then join the race by remaining on port tack or tacking over to starboard. The other boats are obliged to remain on starboard for a certain amount of time (say a minute or two) before they are allowed to tack to port if they desire.
If you are over early, you are early: DSQ. If you get flattened by the Zodiac you are fish food and DSQ. If you don't get flattened by the Zodiac and on the correct side, you are good to go. The boat starts at the bottom of the course and heads upwind. The first boats have the advantage of starting early but the disadvantage of having to sail higher (and, thus, more slowly) to the mark and the potential for the rest of the fleet to sail on top of them and forcing them to sail in dirty air. The upwind boats start later but can bear off in cleaner air and let it rip. Racers have to decide which end has the better VMG pretty much the way you have to on a normal upwind start.
Rumor has it that cynical and nihilistic Parisian cabbies drive the Zodiac. Get in front of it at your own peril (just kidding).
Pics and explanation: https://sailingwdevious2014.wordpress.com/the-rabbit-start/