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| Home >> Class Rules - Queries & Suggestions >> SpeedPuck Class legal? |
Having used a speed puck while practicing, I can say it is fun and marginally useful. It is more of a fun item than a competitive or killer advantage. Definitely a compass is more beneficial overall.
Allowing GPS speed feedback to be visible while racing would not create an uneven playing field. I would recommend we allow it in the class rules -- after all, going fast in an Aero is a key selling point of the boat.
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05/06/2015 17:12:48
mob
Posts: 38
Personally I would like to see the class rules modified to allow GPS-based speedos (such as velocitek speedpuck) be used while racing. I understand the goal of keeping things simple and not requiring a lot of cost to be competitive but I think a device like the speedpuck is not that expensive relative to the overall cost of the program and would provide both speed and compass functions and make the racing more interesting and competitive.
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05/06/2015 17:06:18
DougStumberger
Posts: 7
Cost isn't the issue here as a Silva magnetic compass (which no one will ever disallow), is more or less the same cost as a Tacktick or SpeedPuck. The question is whether to ban electronic technology, i.e. follow the Laser class rules. One of the reasons I dumped my Laser after all these years is to sail with technology from this century. So I have no issue with allowing either Tactick or Velocitek, but after dropping $150 US on the fancy RS carbon bracket (advertised for Velocitek and apparently drilled for Velocitek???), I better be able to use it!!!
With Aeros now selling around the world at a good pace, I think this class rule needs to be solidified very quickly before people buy something they can't use racing.
Getting back to my original question though, the following from the class rules seems very clear that a Tactick compass is allowed but a Velocitek SpeedPuck is not...
C.5.1 The following optional equipment may be used onboard and attached to
the hull or rig providing that attachments do not puncture the hull skin:
(a) Compass, timing device or a combination of both provided that
it/they can only provide information relating to the boat’s
heading and time (current or elapsed).
(b) Maps, charts and means for recording compass headings
(f) GPS tracking and recording device provided that no input can
be used whilst sailing and that any data can only be used
onshore.
the hull or rig providing that attachments do not puncture the hull skin:
(a) Compass, timing device or a combination of both provided that
it/they can only provide information relating to the boat’s
heading and time (current or elapsed).
(b) Maps, charts and means for recording compass headings
(f) GPS tracking and recording device provided that no input can
be used whilst sailing and that any data can only be used
onshore.
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28/05/2015 19:01:05
ddubois
Posts: 8
I'm in two minds over this one. I don't like someone being at a big advantage because they can spend an extra £250 on a fancy bit of electronics that tells you when you have been headed. However I can see that a simple compass is very useful for sea sailors where there are no landmarks to help you spot shifts.
To me it seems nonsensical to have have rules that allow tacktick and NOT allow speedpuck. Maybe I'm old school but I like the one-design concept that everyone has the same gear but perhaps even with things like carbon tiller extensions which i really like (the metal one was just too cold in winter) perhaps they should be allowed. I'd allow both or neither.
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28/05/2015 17:58:24
Gareth
Posts: 170
I would really like the SpeedPuck to be legal too.
But my interpretation of the current rules .... indicate it is not, if you can see the screen and view the GPS data.
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28/05/2015 17:05:30
mob
Posts: 38
The class rules seem to imply a TackTick Micro compass is legal, but the Velocitek SpeedPuck is not (data is GPS based) Am I interpreting that correctly before I purchase one or the other?
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28/05/2015 17:02:39
ddubois
Posts: 8
