?

The recent dialogue on the racing rules brings back memories of the HOURS spent on conference calls internationally while we debated these same points.  I am not belittling the comments, but a lot of work went into getting some common wording agreed, and it has on the whole worked pretty well. It recognises that all venues are not the same and accommodates this.

From my recent experience sailing, primarily 2 boats on the water over the last 2 months (a Laser and  Catamaran) I have battle scars from people (that know the rules) colliding with me – and they freely acknowledged their error and voluntarily did a penalty turn (no protest needed). And I also waived my right of way to avoid a collision.

So apart from the Port/Starboard terminology the landlubbers amongst us can benefit form years of sailing experience.  Ohakea is more like water sailing in that different courses can be set to suit the wind conditions. That is what has brought out all the comments. Tracks like BH present a different scenario and there was much debate when the IBRA rules were formed – a set of “scenarios” was presented and we checked the rules against these and everything was covered. That’s actually quite hard to do when we’re trying to keep the rules simple.

While you may think you have more time on the water to think about it, a Blokart is much more manoeuvrable than a boat, especially a catamaran at 20 knots (boat speed) with no centre boards.  A Laser is quite sprightly, and I’ve been hit more times because of this as other boats tack for no apparent reason without looking.

Part of the skill of sailing (look at all our experienced sailors) is “reading the other sailors”.  They know those that are fuzzy on the rules or blatantly disregard them (call starboard when they KNOW it isn’t). Even a touched wheel can cost you a win, and pros keep clear.

So we all need to help educate our fellow sailors, and actually “doing it” is the best way.  We’re going to have some training sessions on this.

So basically I endorse Russell’s feedback and we look forward to NOT tinkering with the rules.

Cheers

Grant

Convener, International Blokart Racing Association

PS: I’d rather be sailing!

PPS: For most of the world right-to-right comes naturally (Europe, US....) (And I like my windicator in the MIDDLE coz I’m agnostic)

From: Barry Cole [mailto:(Address removed)]
Sent: Thursday, 12 February 2009 11:57 a.m.
To: BLOKART-NZ
Subject: Re: [blokart] Racing Rules

Blokart User <(Address removed)> said: Your rule 8 and point at the bottom should read, swerve right or pass port to port (opposite to our roads)

Phil -  I know that is the common boating law... but I don't think the IBRA sailing rules includes anything on this. The rules I gave were the event specific ones for Yepoon.

As Russell says: Port/Starboard rules should cover it. i.e. blokart on port tack gives way.
This probably works well on the water with plenty of time to think about it.

Its cold comfort knowing that you are on starboard tack and therefore have right-of-way as you plow head-on into another kart which has failed to give way (or worse swerves in the same direction).
Given the closing speeds and reaction times - having a rule regarding which side to pass in event of head-on would seem to be a sensible thing.

... as long as we can all agree which way to swerve...

Regards

Barry C
#42

From: Barry Cole [(Address removed)">(Address removed)]
Sent: 12 February 2009 10:42 a.m.
To: BLOKART-NZ
Subject: Re: [blokart] Racing Rules
 
I thought the summary of sailing rules below – done for the upcoming Aussie Open covered most of the important aspects of the full IBRA rules well for non-sailors.
From: http://www.nswblokartclub.com/2009%20Australian%20blokart%20Open%20Race%20Schedule1.pdf
Sailing rules.
Summary of IBRA rules.

Start format and/or Pre-start dial up sequence will be given at the briefing and is subject to changes depending on prevailing conditions.

A competitor who crosses the start line early – must restart without obstructing other competitors

On opposite tacks – When Blokarts are on opposite tacks, a port tack Blokart shall keep clear of a starboard tack Blokart.

On the same tack, overlapped – When Blokarts are on the same tack and overlapped, a windward Blokart shall keep clear of a leeward Blokart

On the same tack, not overlapped – When Blokarts are on the same tack and not overlapped, a Blokart clear behind shall keep clear of a Blokart that is clear ahead.

While tacking – After a Blokart passes head to wind, it shall keep clear of other blokarts until it is on its new proper course. If two Blokarts are tacking at the same time, the Blokart on the left shall keep clear of the Blokart on the right.

At a mark or obstruction – overlapped – When Blokarts are about to pass a mark or obstruction a Blokart that has an inside overlap may request “room” and pass the mark or obstruction in a sportsman like manner taking no more room that is necessary to pass the mark or obstruction safely, Any Blokart overlapped on the outside shall give the inside Blokart room to do so. After passing the mark or obstruction this rule ceases to apply, however, the right of way blokart kart must give the other room to keep clear.

Collision Course – Where two Blokarts are on a heading toward each other and the previous rules do not apply. The blokart closest to the wind must give way, or, if no one is clearly to windward then allow the other blokart to pass on the right hand side.

Sportsmanship – All competitors are to conduct themselves in a sportsman like manner taking into consideration others around them and affording fairness in such considerations. All are to avoid conduct which is prejudicial to our sport, on and off the Racing circuit.

The point that Dave makes is a good one. Regardless of all the precautions etc you can still find yourself with a potential head-on situation with another cart – particularly during dial up.
Refer to point 8. above – If in doubt swerve LEFT.
 
Cheers
Barry C
ABC#42
 
 
smokin' blokarter <(Address removed)> said:
Hi, Good to raise this point.
I believe that the rules as they stand covers most situations we come across as long as the course is also a safe one. This is if everyone sticks to the rules ie everyone knows what to do in each situation. Having a dial up direction before the start eliminates a lot of potential situations that could cause a crash, highlighting specific parts of the course where things can go wrong also helps and setting a course where there is no chance of blokarts heading towards each other is a basic safety issue. If this must be the case then putting another mark out to take blokarts away from each other or having a specific rule will help. The ABC race up and down a road but the turn is very safe, well away from other blokarts and through another car park and we change the rule to suit the wind. Either keep left or right depending on which course we use. We also highlight where the inside overlap starts and stops with a mark in heavy airs to stop any chance of an incident.
In saying that we should always look at the rules and update as necessary. IBRA has committed to do this and I am involved in this although am a little slow off the mark. Mostly we are looking at the rules with regards the blokart and set up as a result of the international meeting at the worlds. Some good points were raised at that meeting although it only means minor changes, or maybe getting the wording right for clarification.
Any comments on the rules I am happy to look at and take into consideration during this process. Email me direct rather than through jiglu.
 
Russell

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