Electronics

Antonio Bari comments on the article “Clear Start”, but the reality is often different

by Antonio Bari – Snipe Class Rules Expert

I sailed my first Snipe World Championship over 40 years ago. At that time, about 35 boat were on the starting line. Very short lines, very long races, up to two and half hours, very few recalls. 

Since then, the number of competitors has slowly increased, as have the recalls, the Z flag has become common, then the U and now the black flag… With an average of 85 starters in the World and European Championships, with the level of crews getting higher and higher and the courses getting shorter, aggressiveness at the start has become a factor, putting the RCs in difficulty.

As in most of the other dinghies, electronics are very limited on the Snipe, despite the fact that the new tools available can help competitors to get a very precise indication of their position on the race course.

One can say: “Well, if electronic helps, why not allow tools that can prevent excessive recalls and long time on the water waiting to sail a 60 minutes race?”

To answer this question, several points shall be analyzed.

How much does an electronic compass cost? Is it worth spending over 1000€ for a toy which gives the position, the course sailed, the VMG and whatever else? Can all crews afford such a cost?

Is it in the spirit of a boat that is known worldwide to award the best crew and not the best boat or rig or who can spend more to have the best?

Do these devices improve the ability of the crews to analyze the course, make decisions, learn and apply tactics and strategies, grow?

If the answer is yes, the path to follow is quite long.

First, a request for a rule change shall be submitted to the Board before March 1^st. The Class has a Rules Change Process (https://www.snipe.org/rules-proposal/) to be followed.

Then, after the evaluation of the Technical Committee and the discussion among the members, the Board will make a decision and submit this decision to WS.

Once approved, the new rule will become effective.

When? According to the Constitution (Section 28 of the current, section 30 of the 2025 approved) unless the rule change isn’t of extreme urgency, in 2028. There’s enough time for a wide and deep discussion.

If the answer is no, the Class can remain as it is, perhaps going back by limiting participation or favouring the splitting of large fleets, whichever is the best solution.

Is there a third way? I’m not an expert, but if a simple apparatus giving only the position with regard of the starting line, furnished by the Organizing Committees or the Class itself would be available, most of the recalls could be prevented and the spirit of the class preserved.

Antonio Bari

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