Growing Team Racing

Two days ago we posted an article about SCIRA Team Race, a Promotion Committee initiative. BUT What is Team Racing? Why Team Racing and how do we learn about Team Racing? By Gavin O'Hare WHAT is Team Racing? Each race is a match between two teams comprised of multiple boats Typically 3 or 4 boats per team, but 2v2 (last-place-loses) works too! The winning team is the one with the lower total finish: 1+4+5 (10 points) beats 2+3+6 (11 points) 2+3+4 (9 points) beats 1+5+6 (12 points) Team races are typically short in duration: 6 – 15 minutes per race For more basics: http://www.boating.co.nz/sailing/teams_racing_tactics.shtml ...

Growing Team Racing Image

Two days ago we posted an article about SCIRA Team Race, a Promotion Committee initiative. BUT What is Team Racing? Why Team Racing and how do we learn about Team Racing?

By Gavin O’Hare

WHAT is Team Racing?

  • Each race is a match between two teams comprised of multiple boats
  1. Typically 3 or 4 boats per team, but 2v2 (last-place-loses) works too!
  • The winning team is the one with the lower total finish:
  1. 1+4+5 (10 points) beats 2+3+6 (11 points)
  2. 2+3+4 (9 points) beats 1+5+6 (12 points)

 

WHY Team Race?

  • FUN and EXCITING!
  • Something new and different for fleet racing veterans
  • A mechanism to attract new/young members to a yacht / sailing club:
  1. Young veterans of high school and college sailing veterans know (and love) it
  2. Its pace and social nature attract sailors to clubs that feature / support it
  • Works in all types of one-designs: dinghies and keelboats
  • Offers a unique opportunity to combine different generations and skill levels on the race course
  • Does not require new boats, new sails or tuning expertise to win…boatspeed is not that important
  • Encourages working together / sharing information about sailing / coaching each other
  • It is NOT about the trophy…it is about the FUN
  • It is impossible to have a boring team race
  • If you lose a race, the next race is just minutes away!
  • Did we mention is it FUN!

HOW do we learn about Team Racing?

  • Pursue an introduction to Team Racing
  1. Check out a Team Race
  • In person, spectating or crewing
  1. See Video or Animation: http://home.earthlink.net/~musicgirl/ctr2013/ctr.html
  2. Have someone lead an “introduction to team racing” clinic
  • Let ISAF/World Sailing direct you to a local Team Racing spark plug:
  1. Someone who knows the game (See Tactics & Strategy) http://www.sailing.org/new-to-sailing/team-racing.php#.VyigQvkrLq4
  • Contact Gavin O’Hare [email protected] to find a local spark plug / trainer in or near YOUR club.

LET’S GET STARTED!

  • Let us help you organize a team racing clinic
  • Challenge a rival club to one afternoon of team racing in 6 boats (of any one type)
  • Organize a weekly evening series amongst a group of clubs (ask us about the “Summer Solstice” format)
  • Keep racing simple:
  1. Use whatever boats are already around
  2. Minimize the race support personnel & equipment…the course does not need to be perfect
  3. Stay away from long protests: use “3 Minute Justice”:
  1. Make up Ad hoc teams, and if one team wins a few races, re-equalize the teams
  2. Match up experienced team racers with less experienced team racers
  3. De-briefs after racing keep everyone learning and psyched

Reach Out For Help/Advice/Contacts: [email protected]

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