Confessions of a Flarm Follower

On Friday, January 1, 2016 at 4:56:01 PM UTC-6, Matt Herron Jr. wrote:

From my perspective, this is a fairly narrow view of what racing means. As presented above, it would be primarily a contest of stick skills. Same start, same thermals, same course... He/she who flies better, wins. sort of like the recent contest in Dubai.


Exactly; that's what a RACE is, by definition. If Dubai had thermals, it would have been interesting, as it was, it was a final-glide-off ;^). RACING should be about minimizing variables and luck, and maximizing stick skills..


I prefer the concept of racing to include tactical and strategic decision making, the pilots understanding of weather; picking optimal turn points; knowing when to "go deep"; selecting the best start time for the day; using knowledge of the competitors ships, habits, strengths and weaknesses; when to lead, when to follow, when to leave the pack. And yes, using FLARM info to my best advantage (as well as glide computers, moving maps, and polarized sun glasses, etc.)


What you describe is a CONTEST, not a RACE. Set a task or goal or objective, then do your best to accomplish it better than anyone else. That's fine, and fun, just like golf or chess or OLC - but it's not RACING!


Both perspectives are valid of course. I just prefer the latter

Matt Herron

I enjoy both also - but it is increasingly hard to find glider RACING in the US anymore, with the virtual demise of speed tasks and the banishment of start lines, one-fix-in-the-circle turnpoints, and line finishes.

Kirk
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