On Sunday, January 26, 2014 6:15:46 PM UTC-8, Brian wrote:
Hello Eric, and other non-contest pilots.



Don't be put off from contest flying by the Winter rantings and discussions of rules Minutia.



99% of the time Race rules are very simple. Start below a certain height, fly to all the turn points and finish above a the designated height.

Have fun, you will probably fly to destinations and distance you might not otherwise fly to.



Like another poster said it is basically a week of flying with a bunch other glider pilots who happen to be flying a similar course.



Brian

Being totally a racing neophyte, what I'm wondering is why so much discussion about complexities, or rather, why such complexities to discuss? Racing would seem to be a simple concept - start/fly the course/finish. Basic safety and points rules are necessary. Beyond that, first to finish is winner.

There would be more points associated with finishing than landing out going really fast - crossing the finish line is what counts. You run different classes to account for performance differences, but everyone within a class is on an equal handicap (none) basis. Start and finish lines are lines to be crossed in a specified direction, and don't have to be takeoff or landing field (to enable multiple planes abreast dashes to finish). (Maybe this is touching on GP format, not sure.) Basic idea is that racing means who is fastest around a course.

Whole point is "simpler is better." Tactics and strategies still enter in, but for getting across the line first. I'm looking at badge flying where turnpoints are made or not. Doesn't matter how far past a turn point you fly, either you make it or you don't. Make the turn points, you get the badge. Miss one by a meter, you don't. Only finish height rule is loss of height penalty - start/finish. Otherwise, totally up to pilot.

And why are the races on closed courses each day? Why not Field A to Field B day one; Field B to Field C day 2; and final day Field N to Field A? Maybe some logistical challenges, but might add some challenge and interest.

All these questions/comments probably are a different thread, but what the heck - it's winter ... even in SoCal it's winter (sort of).

Can't wait to try my first contest this spring ... fly it like you say - start/fly course/finish per rules - massage the complexities during the winter.