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| Home >> Class Rules - Queries & Suggestions >> Rationale for eliminating GPS-processing devices C.5.1g |
Please can David Rickard respond to this thread, addressing::
- Rationale for removing the provision re GPS?
- Class / Sailor / other consultation supporting this?
Previously, rule expressly allowed GPS, essentially, provided the data was not available "in boat" and only accessible ashore.
Why would this no longer be allowed when had been expressly allowed in previous rules?
Has there been some incident or systemic problem that you are trying to fix?
Many thanks,
Ron
Reply
- Rationale for removing the provision re GPS?
- Class / Sailor / other consultation supporting this?
Previously, rule expressly allowed GPS, essentially, provided the data was not available "in boat" and only accessible ashore.
Why would this no longer be allowed when had been expressly allowed in previous rules?
Has there been some incident or systemic problem that you are trying to fix?
Many thanks,
Ron
Reply
09/07/2025 12:38:00
RonF 'Delphine'
Posts: 42
I believe the rationale is: devices that give speed and vmg data is regarded as cheating as per most classes and therefore give an unfair advantage to sailors who do not have or can't afford them. Unless all classes adopt them it gives an unfair advantage to those that would use them
Reply
Reply
08/07/2025 19:16:00
Mark1654
Posts: 18
I know we all have opinions, but curious about the actual rationale used to make the following change:
REMOVAL OF C.5.1(g) - allowing boats to carry a GPS-capable device provided it not dispay GPS derived data to a sailor while racing, only record the data for later review ashore.
I was surprised to see the class shy away from the evolution in instrumentation for these reasons:
COST. Not a mandatory purchase. If automated race management system will be used at an event, and devices ARE required, device charters can be arranged. While purchasing may be a big expense to some and pocket change to others, I'm not aware that the Aero has ever been labeled a "budget" boat.
CHEATING. "Class compliance mode" limit display to only class-legal data. If there are questions, sailor can proivde verification of device settings to RC. When the automated race management system is used at an event, all instruments are automatically placed in class compliant mode by the RC.
It seems there were 3 options in regards to this topic:
I'm trying to understand the rationale, but no matter how I look at it, I just can't get there. Perhaps I'm missing something.
I also sail Sunfish - very different classes and I love both for different reasons. Sunfish isn't adopting this stuff anytime soon, or ever, but that makes total sense for Sunfish. But for Aeros? It shocked me to see Aeros go full luddite here. Especially with all the competitive classes that are going for it.
Reply
REMOVAL OF C.5.1(g) - allowing boats to carry a GPS-capable device provided it not dispay GPS derived data to a sailor while racing, only record the data for later review ashore.
I was surprised to see the class shy away from the evolution in instrumentation for these reasons:
- Aero prides itself on being the "modern/technical" single-hander.
- The class (until now) has maintained a progressive ethos, appealing to sailors who appreciate development of the sport.
- Increasingly widespread adoption of GPS-capable systems by other classes - both modern AND legacy.
- Ability to use modern race management - RC and competitors enjoy the system, get better starts & more races off.
- The devices can readily be limited - and verified - to display class-legal data only.
COST. Not a mandatory purchase. If automated race management system will be used at an event, and devices ARE required, device charters can be arranged. While purchasing may be a big expense to some and pocket change to others, I'm not aware that the Aero has ever been labeled a "budget" boat.
CHEATING. "Class compliance mode" limit display to only class-legal data. If there are questions, sailor can proivde verification of device settings to RC. When the automated race management system is used at an event, all instruments are automatically placed in class compliant mode by the RC.
It seems there were 3 options in regards to this topic:
- MOVE FORWARD. NO RULE CHANGE & ADOPT MODERN CAPABILITIES
- Create an official Class Compliance Mode profile.
- Allow use of automated race management systems at select events with device charters available.
- Allow sailors to continue using GPS devices in a compliant mode.
- STATUS QUO. NO RULE CHANGE
- Allow sailors to continue using GPS devices in a compliant mode.
- Leave door open for future adoption of modern capabilities.
- STEP BACKWARD. RULE CHANGE TO DISALLOW GPS ENTIRELY
- Actively closes the door on potential to adopt increasingly popular race management systems (without a major rule reversal)
- Deincentivizes sailors who from joining the Aero class
- Potentially loses Aero sailors to other popular classes that are adopting GPS
- Penalizes early-adopters
I'm trying to understand the rationale, but no matter how I look at it, I just can't get there. Perhaps I'm missing something.
I also sail Sunfish - very different classes and I love both for different reasons. Sunfish isn't adopting this stuff anytime soon, or ever, but that makes total sense for Sunfish. But for Aeros? It shocked me to see Aeros go full luddite here. Especially with all the competitive classes that are going for it.
Reply
08/07/2025 18:21:00
emilywagner
Posts: 2
