mathew said...
The whole idea of alpha-racing is excellent, however one of the problems with the current recommended settings is that it doesn't represent a real-world sailing scenario - not that the current settings are "wrong" but just that I think some refinement is possible, ie:
- the 500m distance is too long such that it doesn't measure your actual gybe speed, where as the 250m gives a better representation; combined withthe 50m radius, we could even shorten the distance further.
- the tighter the gybe, the less downwind loss -> with an allowance of a 50m downwind radius, it doesn't show how tight your gybes are.
- in figure-8 racing you must cross over your previous leg at some point before the next marker -> it would be great to see Realspeed have this as an option which could be enforced.
Thoughts?
Nope. You are completely incorrect Mat.
Those Gybes were as 'real world' as any competition slalom gybes I have ever done unless I was severely compromised for room at the mark. Also, that is about as tight I gybe as I can pull at 30 knots. I'd like to see anyone do it tighter on a full on slalom board at that speed without severely compromising speed. Sure, I can pull it a lot tighter on my wave board but I doubt many wave boards would pull 32 knots square to the wind. The harder you carve it, the more speed you wash off with drag. But if you go too wide you spend too much time turning and slowing. There is an optimum radius for the equipment and conditions.
Almost all figure 8 slalom courses I have sailed were at least double the length of that run. More than enough space to get to speed and cross your track. On previous sessions I had done more of an Alpha shape and come back within about 10 meters proximity. This give you a slight advantage in one way. It can include more of your (usually faster) In-Run. But the diameter of the gybe was the same. In this session I tried a different tactic, coming back pretty well parallel and going for Out-Run speed and it seemed to be faster. Also remember that in downwind slalom there is usually no disadvantage in going wide in the turn and each leg is a broad reach. That is real world but would not work with our Alpha unless we made the proximity circle huge!
Remember that a really fast gybe also includes the slight bearaway to maximise speed before setting the rail. The second phase of the gybe is the tighter radius bit but as soon as the board is through he downwind position the radius should be opening out again to maintain speed and then accelerate
The 500m distance is just right IMHO. In fact, my first serious go at Alphas last year saw my 250 and 500m PB's on the same run! That was probably because I was coming back on the Out-Run too tight and upwind. Anyhow, my best 250 Alpha this day was also my 3rd best 500m Alpha and the Best 500m alpha was the second best 250. The 500m Alpha is most certainly a test of gybe speed because it does not matter how fast you get in and out, if you don't maintain speed in the turn you will be slower.
Finally, RealSpeed does give you the option of changing the Proximity circle size but that is only of use to you for your own interest or training. The standard for this competition is set at 50m (Diameter - which effectively means 25m for the turn and return) and I think that is just right. (except for the Gemini Tandem where I had to extend it to 100m (50m effective) just to get a result! :-)
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