The Squadron’s new race management system got its first real test, and came through with flying colours, in last Saturday’s Mini A regatta for the International Etchells class.
The sophisticated computer system, developed by John Maclurcan and Alan Phillips, means that race officials can now publish results on the Squadron website from on the water in real time. They are also being displayed on screens in the clubhouse bars, while an SMS with daily results of each boat are automatically emailed directly to boat owners immediately after the race has finished.
“The Etchells mini regatta, with three races, was the first real working test for the new race management system,” race officer Ian Kingsford Smith said after the racing last Saturday. “The committee boat has an onboard computer and as each boat crosses the finish line we just press the appropriate boat’s sail number to record its elapsed time.
“Once all boats have finished, the race officer checks them and if satisfied all is correct, he clicks the ‘publish results’ button and they go up instantly on the Squadron website,” Ian explained. “It can be done in a matter of seconds.”
Ian said the same system is used on other courses, including divisions, where the onboard computer is also be used to calculate corrected time results before uploading them to the Squadron website.
There is also a new format for members to download results on the Squadron’s website, which includes the ability to click on an individual yacht’s elapsed and overall placings.
Other Sydney Harbour Clubs have been using the system this year, including the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club, RANSA and the CYCA for its Spring Series.
A fleet of 18 Etchells raced in Saturday’s Mini A regatta with just seconds between the leading boats in each race as the fleet sailed in a 10-12 knot easterly breeze.
– Peter Campbell
