Racing

We race in several different classes so that everyone can have fun. The race course depends on the wind conditions. We typically race around a triangle course in light wind; in planing conditions, we may hold slalom-type races (mostly downwind, figure 8, or similar).

The primary goal is to have fun! The general "right-of-way" rules apply, but we do not have a protest committee, and many racers do not know the special racing rules around marks. If in doubt, play nice! Avoiding accidents is always the first priority! Lending your co-racer a helping hand so he does not fall is much more fun that yelling at each other.

Race Classes (Divisions)

- Open class: There is no sail size limit, so bring the biggest, fastest board you can find and go crazy! This is where the most experienced racers tend to compete. (No foils, though!)

 

- 7.5 limited: This is typically the most popular class, and can be quite competitive. The biggest sail you can use in this class is a 7.5 meter sail.

 

- Women's: You're limited to a 7.5 meter sail in the women's class as well.

 

- "Shortboard/SUP": This class is for shortboards and sailable SUPs without daggerboards or similar center fins. The maximum sail size is limited to 6.5 m, and the maximum board length is 11 feet (335 cm). If fewer than 5 participants register in this class, it will be combined with the 7.5 limited class.

 

Please note that foils are not allowed in any race class. Except near high tide, the water at Kalmus is too shallow for foiling; furthermore, foils would pose a significantly higher risk of injury in crashes.

Scoring

Scoring for the racing will be on a point system. In each race, the first place sailor will get .75 points, 2nd place, 2 points, 3rd place 3 points, etc. At the end of the competition, the sailor with the lowest amount of points wins.

We will have one discard for every 4 races (if we do 4 races, your worst result does not count). We will also add one discard for every Super-X freerace - you can still win even if you don't join the freeracing!

Although all sailors will be on the water at the same time, each class will be scored individually. And remember, to find out who will become the new King or Queen of the East, we add up both the racing and freestyle scores to find an overall champion.

GPS Freeracing

Freeracing is a new GPS-based race format that is rapidly increasing in popularity. Instead of racing around buoys, competitors pick their own course in a pre-defined area. They go as fast as they can for a pre-defined period of 15 or 30 minutes - whoever covers the most distance wins. Freeracing will be scored separately from regular racing.

 

Unlike racing and freestyle, GPS Freeracing has a wind minimum requirement (about 15 knots). If we do not get enough wind to allow for GPS Freeracing during the event, we will instead award a GPS Speed trophy based on GPS results obtained in the week before the event; for full details, please check the "GPS Racing" page.

 

We will have a limited number of GPS loaner units available, but if you own a GW-60, GW-52, GT-31, or Canmore GP102, make sure to bring it!