49er Class members practiced their boat handling while testing (yet to be branded) Theater Style Racing ahead of the 2012 Sail for Gold Regatta. 7 crews jumped into the Stadium and not all survived, though good fun was had by all. The format somewhat mirrors the format by which the 49er class will determine the [...]
Read moreThere has been much boat park talk, email discussion, and feedback from the 2012 Worlds Open Forum on the appropriate role of Theatre Style Racing in a regatta. The goal of having the final race winner win the event and effectively valuing a whole week of racing is a tough balance. This article looks to [...]
Read moreHere is an article written by current 49er sailor Hunter Lowden. Hunter himself has admitted being reluctant to change regarding the sailing formats, so it’s interesting to see his progression of thought. The following is his article. “The need has arisen to make sailing more viewer friendly, or risk being dropped by the IOC from [...]
Read moreSorry everyone that we had to cancel the Palma de Mallorca Test… The lane ropes weren’t ready yet. 49ers are testing a series of progressive racing formats we’re calling ‘Theater Style Racing‘ for now. The next one is set for a Test on April 21st to be held just ahead of SOF in Hyeres, France. [...]
Read moreThe next test of Theater Style Racing will be in Palma de Mallorca ahead of the Princess Sophia Trophy Regatta on March 31st, 2011. The format of this test will be ‘First to 10 Points Wins’ Key elements: Each race, points are awarded, 3 for First, 2 for Second, 1 for Third Once a team [...]
Read moreAt Port Tack Charter we want sailing to thrive. After speaking with many sailors, we know that sailors love the current formats of racing. They thrive on the combination of strategy, tactics, boatspeed, boat handling, and fleet management. It has taken years of tinkering with race course formats to arrive at the gated windward leeward [...]
Read moreAfter 2 successful tests of Theater Style Racing in 2010, the 49ers will continue to test out progressive racing formats in 2011. Theater Style racing generically refers to short course racing constrained by swim lanes that restrict the width of the race course. Teams are forced into tighter battles and increase boathandling. As well, camera [...]
Read moreTop Level Goals Good and fair competition for all competitors. Fun for athletes and spectators. Challenge the competitors and produce a worthy champion. Simple format for spectators to follow Be easy to produce media – tv / video, tracking, commentary, written, live viewing. Culminate in a Final race in which the winner takes a gold [...]
Read moreDear Sailors and Sailing Fans, The test of Theater Style Racing went well on Aug 4th in Weymouth. Two separate tests fleets were run, with 5 races each. Each series resulted in two 1 on 1 races to determine Bronze and 4th and also to determine Gold and Silver. We have kept the media coverage [...]
Read moreGet your entries in for the trial on Aug 4th in Weymouth, UK asap all you 49er sailors! So far we have 4 of the top 8 in the World Rankings signed up, Manu (FRA), Morgan (FRA), Nathan (AUS), and Allan (DEN). There is still room for more entires. At 6:00 pm on the [...]
Read moreHi Sailors and Sailing Fans, After the 49er AGM in Poland, the 49er class has spoken clearly that we continue to push the limits of sailing. The mainsail flags looked fantastic. The media coverage was comprehensive and progressive, and the racing intense, as always. In response to the 49er sailors consensus, there will be two [...]
Read moreHello sailors and sailing fans, Before the big debate at the AGM I wanted to post a couple of diagrams to outline how the class and sailors can be in control of how ‘extreme’ the change needs to be, even within the ‘theater style’ concept. First, lets look at the current course. So without changing [...]
Read moreDear Sailors and Fans, The 49er Class held a survey to ask our 49er sailors, the people directly affected by the ‘Theater Style’ Racing initiative, what they thought. The 5 questions were: 1. Do you think ‘Theatre Style Racing’ would be better for spectators and the media? 2. Would you support a trial of ‘Theatre [...]
Read moreA consensus may be forming about what to do with the ‘theater style’ racing concept! After a review of many of the survey results, there appears to be a consensus (Consensus: a decision that is supported and can be lived with) forming on how we should go about our approach to ‘theater style’ racing. There [...]
Read moreA number of competitors have asked for some greater insight into the process we are proposing as a whole. Have a look at the following and follow up with questions if you have some. The first decision is if we should go ahead to the ‘trial’ stage for ‘theater style’ racing. a) A trial or [...]
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