So I'd like to do some course racing this year and I thought I'd gauge the interest of those that would like to compete before I (or someone else) put too much time and energy into it.
Racing would probably be in the dolls area - goal would be to do something bi weekly probably on weekends as I'm sure there's some NB guys that would like to join and could be 1 or 2 races a day. Would try to start some time in december and ending some time in febuary.
2 Options at the moment look like:
1 - formal with start boat and set marks (hardest to set up and there would have to be entry fees)
2 - Set start line from shore and using permentant marks for going round (still might need some sort of an entry fee)
Before someone steps up and talking about waivers, insurace, safety boats, blah blah blah. This is mearly to gauge a level of interest if there's a group of people that want to do this before any large amounts of time are spent on it.
i'm interested
NSWKBA has markers and so does Windsurf n snow. I think its best run some unofficial races first to see how it will all work. Dolls might be hard with the Current and boats constantly moving through.
I would say that you would get 20-30 competitors who would turn up over the race series, maybe 10-15 would make each race. I wouldn't worry about the numbers to start off with, it was great fun racing at Picnic Point with 5 kiters. Dolls is a good spot but needs a boat to set the course, changes will be needed due to wind shifts etc
Why don't we get a course racing group together to organise a decent race, don't worry about too much of the "event" type stuff to start with, but concentrate on the course and what is required to run it safely.
I'm keen to get a couple of days racing organised for the Oct long weekend, if we don't actually set a date it will never happen. We should arrange a meeting to get together with Jacques and make some plans.
Gav
Hi crazy canuk,
I am with Gav', the idea we discussed a few months back was to have some un-official races, get some learning about how to operate, have fun and go from there.
For those who want to be involved in the logistics set-up, PM Gavin or myself so we can let you know when we'll meet to discuss organisation/rules/dates/locations.
Once we have something we are comfortable enough with, we’ll circulate the info via seabreeze so anyone keen can join.
bye
Jacques
For those interested the "sign up form" can be found on the NSWKBA website. Racing is slatted for the 3rd and 4th of October.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use the register function on the website. This is our only way of knowing who intends to turn up.
www.nswkba.com.au/events
Basically these events and NSWKBA are run totally by volenteers, if we do not know that people are interested and going to turn up then the events will be canned as we'd rather be kiting.
We WILL run these events for the good of the people if your willing to give the 30 seconds it takes to register.
Thanks
Pete
Just a reminder for all who would like to race that are in town for the long weekend to sign up on the NSWKBA web site - www.nswkba.com.au/events
A small set of "rules" has been put together, I've been told it will be up on the NSWKBA website later today in the events section and when it is I'll post the link.
It's not a long read (8 pages) and covers the basics of racing rules and has pretty pictures 
please read it so that everyone is on the same page, including anyone that used to race sailboats there's a couple changes/modifications to the standard "blue book"
The course will be defined on the day due to weather and location influences.
If they can race with 40 - 50 on the start line in San Fran I'm sure (knock on wood) we can manage 5
You coming Galah?
Wouldn't miss it for the world... 
First person to give me a nipple cripple wins a prize! 
10AM UPDATE - THE REGISTERED KITERS FOR THIS EVENT WILL BE SENT AN SMS AT 11AM ONCE RACE DIRECTORS DECIDE IF IT IS GOING AHEAD - AT the moment the wind in SW which will not be suitable for racing.
Gav
11AM Course Racing UPDATE - THE REGISTERED KITERS FOR THIS EVENT HAVE BE SENT AN SMS AT 11AM CALLING A POSTPONEMENT OF THE COURSE RACING DUE TO UNFAVOURABLE WIND DIRECTION
The SW wind look like they are staying, which would make the original location unusable as it would be slightly offshore and very gusty.
We can't set a course off Dolls as the water will be busy and we can't block the channel.
SW are a problem as if we get a runaway kite it could end up on the runway which we want to avoid.
SSKC is going to work with the local sailing club to come up with a course location for SW winds for future racing events.
We will reschedule for another weekend soon, thanks for all the support for the event, and thanks to Chris, Neil, Jacques, Pete and Ian for helping getting it set up.
Gav
