Forums > Land Yacht Sailing General

Australian ONLY Mini rules..... a sad day

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Created by Gizmo > 9 months ago, 30 Jan 2012
landyacht
WA, 5921 posts
1 Feb 2012 8:52PM
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Gizmo said...

landyacht said...
If you have a look at some of the websites with commercially available mini yachts , you will start to notice that larger 20" wheels, carbon replacemet parts, super sails,.....etc are already on offer. despite a restriction placed on the class for racing in a FISLY event.

Can you please give some links to those sites.....

http://www.char-a-voile.com/www-uk/downloads/seagull_silence.pdf
page 3
my sincere apologies Gizmo , they are 17" not 20",they might not be calling them race wheels now, but I just feel it in my bones,if we dont keep experimenting we will be Wayyyyyy..... behind at the 2nd world mini champs

aus230
WA, 1660 posts
1 Feb 2012 10:52PM
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The sail buggy from Germany already have these 20" wheels as an option. They are manufactures and I should imagine that will find some way to sell there product.
I know the mini' where intended as a fun/entry level machine. But now that they are entering in racing events boundary's will be pushed. Look at the development changes in blocarts in a quest to win. As for my new mini it was really built to see how fast I could get it to go. I think it will be pretty useless on a racing situation where there are changes in direction.





gibberjoe
SA, 956 posts
2 Feb 2012 7:39AM
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with a lot of regulation for the vehicle, what next, weight /class regulation

for the pilot weight for age to win....far too seriouse...[}:)]

Ricochet
SA, 32 posts
2 Feb 2012 9:04AM
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gibberjoe said...


with a lot of regulation for the vehicle, what next, weight /class regulation

for the pilot weight for age to win....far too seriouse...[}:)]


gibber, do you understand what this topic is about? i think not

Nikrum
TAS, 1972 posts
2 Feb 2012 9:59AM
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aus230 said...

The sail buggy from Germany already have these 20" wheels as an option. They are manufactures and I should imagine that will find some way to sell there product.
I know the mini' where intended as a fun/entry level machine. But now that they are entering in racing events boundary's will be pushed. Look at the development changes in blocarts in a quest to win. As for my new mini it was really built to see how fast I could get it to go. I think it will be pretty useless on a racing situation where there are changes in direction.









I wonder are they prepared to put their money where their mouth is and give up a set or two for trialing on salt pans and Class 5's or are they built just for Blowies???

There are wide rims out their and bigger bike tires that would be suited to Glassing.. Another problem with spoke wheels and Salt is corrosion.. Perhaps these will go the way of other rims in the same set of conditions?

Ron

aus230
WA, 1660 posts
2 Feb 2012 7:31AM
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They are not for blocarts there main market is for kite buggys, they are not the only producers of these wheels, There are carbon and aluminum also available.

Nikrum
TAS, 1972 posts
2 Feb 2012 11:17AM
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Then they would have to be able to take a flogging as they can come down on all sorts of funny angles and with a fair bit of shock involved I would imagine..

Have you got an address??
Ron


Nikrum
TAS, 1972 posts
2 Feb 2012 11:19AM
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Then they would have to be able to take a flogging as they can come down on all sorts of funny angles and with a fair bit of shock involved I would imagine..

Have you got an address??
Ron


Gizmo
SA, 2865 posts
2 Feb 2012 10:57AM
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landyacht said...
my sincere apologies Gizmo , they are 17" not 20",they might not be calling them race wheels now, but I just feel it in my bones,if we dont keep experimenting we will be Wayyyyyy..... behind at the 2nd world mini champs


aus230 & Landyacht, don't get me wrong I have NEVER NEVER want development / experimentation halted in the Mini Class (or any other class for that matter) and what you want to do is a natural development for the Mini's.

But you and others have moved on from the FISLY Mini "standard" and want to develop it further, but leave the "FISLY standard" there for newcomers into the sport.

Class5 is a prime example 20+ years ago it was a basic yacht that developed to the current HiTech machines and virtually killed the newcomers into the sport going into that class..... that why the Promo5 was developed, to come up with a simpler version.... right?

My concern is that if Mini's go the way of Class5 and develop into whizzbang yachts (and it will) it will restrict the basic beginner class and the people just entering the sport.

I don't have a problem with a "Ultra Mini" class at all BUT don't sacrifice the "FISLY Standard Mini" in the process, Australia needs BOTH classes.
It has been mentioned / and shown that 2 similar classes / types of yachts can compete on the same course at the same time, so why not sail the "Ultra" & "Standard" Mini yachts together?

My suggestion is go with a "Ultra Mini" (for the developers and others that want to push the design boundaries) AND maintain the "FISLY Mini 5.6 class" (for newcomers, schools, children, and future manufactures etc).

By Australia maintaining the "FISLY Mini" as well it will also keep people in the loop for developments in the class if they wanted to attend International Championships.
By all means add the "Ultra Mini" to Australian classes, that way it satisfies ALL the land sailors and land sailing needs for this country.





IPKSA
177 posts
2 Feb 2012 8:37AM
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Gizmo said...

Select to expand quote
landyacht said...

I don't have a problem with a "Ultra Mini" class at all BUT don't sacrifice the "FISLY Standard Mini" in the process, Australia needs BOTH classes.
It has been mentioned / and shown that 2 similar classes / types of yachts can compete on the same course at the same time, so why not sail the "Ultra" & "Standard" Mini yachts together?

My suggestion is go with a "Ultra Mini" (for the developers and others that want to push the design boundaries) AND maintain the "FISLY Mini 5.6 class" (for newcomers, schools, children, and future manufactures etc).

By Australia maintaining the "FISLY Mini" as well it will also keep people in the loop for developments in the class if they wanted to attend International Championships.
By all means add the "Ultra Mini" to Australian classes, that way it satisfies ALL the land sailors and land sailing needs for this country.








Just to clarify -

"FISLY ANNEX n. 2 G
Contrary to the 'article 1 (2) for annex n. 16 only the English version is definitive.
MINI YACHT
A mini yacht is : [FGA 14/10/10]
- Any assembled land or sand yacht that fits inside a continuous loop of rope 5,6
meter long.
- The rope must lie on the ground. The touching part of the tyres on the ground
must fit inside the rope. [FGA 18/09/11]
- The tyre size is maximum 400x8 [FGA 18/09/11]
- The mast must be a circular tube; no wing section "

Go forth and multiply !

aus230
WA, 1660 posts
2 Feb 2012 8:53AM
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This has been a good conversation.. I agree with you Gizmo and take your comments on board. My thought's, If I was to sail a mini under fisly rules at a competition any mini I used would comply with those rules. It is a great rule, which I fully support.
But I see the need to try new ideas, so in the end we may need to have two divisions, But I have the feeling that now that the mini racing has taken off in Europe the design will be challenged

Nick
The address just scroll down the link (you will have to use the Google German to English translator to read it)
www.landsegler.de/produkte.htm

translate.google.com/

Cheers
Vic

Gizmo
SA, 2865 posts
2 Feb 2012 3:03PM
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aus230 said...

This has been a good conversation.. I agree with you Gizmo and take your comments on board. My thought's, If I was to sail a mini under fisly rules at a competition any mini I used would comply with those rules. It is a great rule, which I fully support.
But I see the need to try new ideas, so in the end we may need to have two divisions, But I have the feeling that now that the mini racing has taken off in Europe the design will be challenged


Cheers
Vic


Yes EXACTLY Vic.... With Australia sailing 2 variations of a Mini class would be in the best position to take advantage of any changes made in the future to the FISLY Mini class..... and you are probably right in Europe the design will be challenged
I have used in my posts on this thread the words "Ultra Mini" & "Standard Mini" and this was done for a reason rather than using the word "Super Mini".
With a score sheet they could be simply identified as UM or SM (Just thinking of the future lap scorers)

gibberjoe
SA, 956 posts
2 Feb 2012 3:21PM
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So Rickochet ^^^^ you tell me ..your reading

What's it all about.?

1……….History and breeding
2……….He says………He says
3……….How long is a piece of string ?
4……….My ego is bigger than yours !
5……….Commercialism trumps all others
6……….1 peg fits all
7………. Necessity….the mother of invention
8……….friendly discussion
9……….Interacting morphing
10……..Culling non conformists
11……..Money
12……..Round peg square hole
13……..Labour verses bureaucracy
14……..Bulls**t and Banter
15……..Control
16……..capitalism
17………Divide and conquer
18………Rat's in the rigging

Any or all of the above or other……………..

Does your wholemeal fall butter side up

landyacht
WA, 5921 posts
2 Feb 2012 3:55PM
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Gizmo said...

Yes EXACTLY Vic.... With Australia sailing 2 variations of a Mini class would be in the best position to take advantage of any changes made in the future to the FISLY Mini class..... and you are probably right in Europe the design will be challenged
I have used in my posts on this thread the words "Ultra Mini" & "Standard Mini" and this was done for a reason rather than using the word "Super Mini".
With a score sheet they could be simply identified as UM or SM (Just thinking of the future lap scorers)


since you are one of those yacht builders ,who like us starts building his next design before completing the first, can i suggest that maybe finish the LLM,get stuck into the ATOM,then sail/race the 2 together. this will give you an idea of just how close a basic and super mini are and also a better understanding of the horses for courses aspects of some of the current super minis.
or perhaps pop down to the next misfits club meet, and volunteer to be a scorer, before all these theoretical classes can exist we need people building /buying yachts.


Nikrum
TAS, 1972 posts
2 Feb 2012 7:26PM
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I agree Paul, That was my point earlier.. Rather than get tied into Fixed Rules and Reg's leave them open ended so that refinements and experimentation can be Validated. i.e. If a new design proves to have unfair advantage it can then either create a new Class or be put into the next class up. That way we always can improve on the Perfect (Land Yachting)and go forward into the future and possible new materials..
Ron

Gizmo
SA, 2865 posts
2 Feb 2012 7:47PM
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landyacht said...
since you are one of those yacht builders ,who like us starts building his next design before completing the first, can i suggest that maybe finish the LLM,get stuck into the ATOM,then sail/race the 2 together. this will give you an idea of just how close a basic and super mini are and also a better understanding of the horses for courses aspects of some of the current super minis.
or perhaps pop down to the next misfits club meet, and volunteer to be a scorer, before all these theoretical classes can exist we need people building /buying yachts.



Paul let me tell you a little about land sailing in Adelaide.... You tend to lose a little enthusiasm when your life is threatened, or your car/house is threatened to be fire bombed etc... I like you have also received threatening anonymous phone calls by others around the country just because we have an opinion.
I have personally witnessed the abuse that one blokart sailor, and others have faced simply by being on a public beach and "their" sailing site
Yes I have a passion for the sport, I have attended ALL the Misfits functions and sailing days that I was able to attend within my current work commitments... and by the way they don't use scorers as they are a social sailing group rather than a race group (as you would well know).
I have a long history with Land Sailing which I am extremely proud of and feel I have contributed positively to the sport in Australia. Whilst I don't currently get sand in my teeth it doesn't diminish my right to an opinion, personally I think I have earned that stripe. When or if my 2 yachts are completed and whom they are previewed to will be my decision.
There is a lot you DON'T know of what is happening in Adelaide so I would suggest your sarcasm is unwarranted but either way its not you place to comment on the subject!!!! ( it would be like me commenting on whats happening at LeFroy)

And by the way what is wrong with sailing 2 Mini classes in Australia?
What are you so scared of in having the two classes?
It seems to be a very good compromise and seems to be the same opinion of others.
You get what you want (a class to develop) and still protects the world wide integrity of the sport for newcomers into the future.


I personally think the idea of a development Mini class based on the 5.6m rule is GREAT lets DO IT!!!! (so Paul aren't we both wanting the same thing?)

BUT..... DON'T get rid of the FISLY Mini class in Australia ......HAVE BOTH

landyacht
WA, 5921 posts
2 Feb 2012 9:37PM
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Gizmo said...
I personally think the idea of a development Mini class based on the 5.6m rule is GREAT lets DO IT!!!! (so Paul aren't we both wanting the same thing?)


actually its rather bizarre that we want the opposite- I want less rules ,a simple do as you please class,thats small and cheap.
you appear to want it expanded into something that historically doesnt last long because people get sick of all the rules.
i feel im looking to the future and seeing great times ahead, and seeing your version as history repeating.
maybe thats my politician side, or the car dealer.
i hope it wasnt sarcasm that had you labeling a real estate agent though, that would be really low
if you had said "i would love to see THE mini class as a development class based around the 5.6m loop " then yes i would agree wholeheartedly.
personally ,and on a club level I/we have kept our minis back at the Lake Lefroy Mini dimensions of 1640mm/1550mm, to keep in with the dimensions of a BLOKART,as this is a great size to experiment in. it would be all too easy to expand the yacht up to a bigger ,wider machine.
but that would take the challenge out of it all

beachball57
SA, 538 posts
3 Feb 2012 9:58AM
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guys I'm not feeling the love

beachball57
SA, 538 posts
3 Feb 2012 9:59AM
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anyone in adelaide up for a sail at port gawler tomorrow

IPKSA
177 posts
3 Feb 2012 7:58AM
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From me on the other side of this small planet and no doubt also people on other parts of the globe who enjoy this forum, its great to see so much passion and enthusiasm for a sport we all share a passion for.
Its great to watch and learn about now you lot invent, push the envelope and construct, test and do it over again and again.
Its also great to see passionate debate and we sure hope all that passion and energy can be harnessed in a positive and creative manner to assist expand our sport in Australia and Worldwide.

You guys should combine and harness all the energy you have and channel it into recruiting the next generation of creative fun loving landsailors , growing your numbers in what ever class or yacht people choose to sail.

Your years of experience, input and indeed creative output is commendable and I look forward to seeing the results of your combined and focused recruitment campaign that you know you can achieve if you wish.

You may be on the other side of the planet but the world is watching in anticipation and awe. So keep us posted on your progress and your development work Australia and keep focused on the task in hand.

It took about 10 yrs to get FISLY agree on the mini class specs so I wouldn't expect any major changes for quite some time yet. Strangely enough most people seem to sail and race miniyachts for fun and are not too bothered about who wins and no one loses when everyone is smiling !

There are many variations of miniyacht around the world and many tens of thousands of them bought and sailed by different people of all ages for different reasons. Now if we could only get more of them to sail together more often think of all the extra smiles there would be on this planet, and smiling like yawning is contagious !

Remember, manufacturers are not building miniyachts to win races , they build them to appeal to and to sell them to those tens of thousands who want to have fun !

I haven't found a commercial manufacturer yet who just builds miniyachts for people who only want to race them, probably because if there were any they are out of business !

Check....

www.char-a-voile.com/www-uk/ludic.html
minilandyachts.co.uk/specs.html
www.char-a-voile.com/silence.html
www.x-sail.com/
www.windcar-mexico.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=15&lang=en
www.spike.com/video-clips/2iqxkv/kwikat-landsailer-flying-on-2-wheels-beside-ocean
www.plumefactory.fr/yachts/1-plume-kart
wind-chaser.com/
www.vkart.fr/Details.html
www.landsegler.de/sail-kit.htm
www.windreamer.es/

www.blokart.com/#MapFrame
www.windline.net/sirocco.htm
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Land-Yacht-Sailing/Construction/Build-a-Landyacht-Lake-Lefroy-Mini-Yacht/

www.rinox.es/
sailkarting.blogspot.com/p/sailkart.html
www.the-zooter.com/

Great minds create the future and there are many many great minds on this forum, so use the combined know how and energy you have to creat the future ..NOW...

Go and develop the next generation of landsailing people and yachts but bring people with you while you are at it and dont turn your back on others who may not wish to or be able move as fast.
One thing is certain in any sport, a successful team is a group of talented individuals playing with other talented individuals with a common goal, to win.

So lets see your team in action.

And thats my lot for tonight !


aus230
WA, 1660 posts
3 Feb 2012 8:59AM
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Thanks for that Allan. I think our problem is that we think in black or white, but really we all operate in the grey between. This is where the best decisions are made, a little compromise and everyone is happy.
Cheers
aus230

Nikrum
TAS, 1972 posts
3 Feb 2012 12:32PM
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aus230,
Now there is a good way of thinking. If your potential membership has a say in the way we operate in Australia you have a greater chance of increasing ALSA membership. Things definitely aren't in Black and white not even printed documents we just call them that where as in fact shades of grey as you say.

I keep looking back at what happened in Formula Racing. Any advantage was taken as unfair advantage until it got that way that permission has to be sort in quadruplicate scratch you Quoit 6 times and beg on bended knee. That I think was started with Ford and some of its Super cars. We don't need those attitudes and restrictions controlling us.

There are certain European attitudes, I believe, That would have competitors using precisely the same machines and purely based on the operators ability. I am not a Blow Cart Fan but an all but purely commercial machine would be ideal for that type of racing. Class restriction is enough

Ron

Gizmo
SA, 2865 posts
3 Feb 2012 12:06PM
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Apologies to the threatening "anonymous" caller I missed your call this morning, but my wife passed on your message.... But next time how about a name? The appropriate thing to do if your intentions are on the level!!
Having an opinion on a public forum is fine everyone should be entitled to that, even a PM is okay but ringing individuals phones for the purpose of intimidation is childish, immature and illegal ....
You do have to admire current technology and Telstra's/Police ability to trace (even blocked) numbers.... stunning

Perhaps I'm getting a little cynical with age but when people go to that extent to manipulate away from the "World Standard" you tend to smell a rat.

Mrs Duck
SA, 17 posts
3 Feb 2012 12:50PM
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Further to Gizmo's post...

Shame on you to the Individual who rang our home phone this morning its not the first time. I don't appreciate individuals who wont give me the courtesy of their name but insist on endeavouring to intimidate me because Gizmo participates on a Public Forum. As I said to you everyone has the right to an opinion and you don't necessary have to agree.

BUT have the decency to debate your opinion with honesty and integrity on the forum not in my home!!!

Arjay
VIC, 267 posts
3 Feb 2012 1:26PM
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So I have a Blokart. I enjoy the racing and friendships that come with the one design idea.

....BUT.....

If I were to enter in the mini class what do you recommend altering to the basic frame/sail/mast to make it go quicker??

aus230
WA, 1660 posts
3 Feb 2012 10:35AM
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Going by what I have seen/ read there are plenty of options within the bloKart design to improve speed. Andy B's cart for example is as quick as any mini. The blowy is a great little yacht why mess with it. (Says I who probably would,could not help myself by saying what if)

Cheers
Vic

Hiko
1229 posts
3 Feb 2012 11:53AM
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Arjay said...

So I have a Blokart. I enjoy the racing and friendships that come with the one design idea.

....BUT.....

If I were to enter in the mini class what do you recommend altering to the basic frame/sail/mast to make it go quicker??


Arjay I sail a mini with tricked blokarts and I reckon they are pretty quick as they are
Tuning and the pilot is probably the biggest difference IMHO

landyacht
WA, 5921 posts
3 Feb 2012 8:30PM
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Hiko said...

Arjay said...

So I have a Blokart. I enjoy the racing and friendships that come with the one design idea.

....BUT.....

If I were to enter in the mini class what do you recommend altering to the basic frame/sail/mast to make it go quicker??


Arjay I sail a mini with tricked blokarts and I reckon they are pretty quick as they are
Tuning and the pilot is probably the biggest difference IMHO

have to agree hiko, I would lose those shock cord batten adjusters , maybe slightly stiffer battens, carbon mast but not too stiff up top.
If the surface was rough , like Lefroy last year, I suspect some 8" back wheels and a 6"front would be a great combination
but then it wouldnt fit in a really neat compact bag for travelling
but first do some serious racing practice against a well sailed mini..
try to set up a course with upwind tackingand downwind tacking, and look at your previous tyre marks looking for inprovement
with a flatter sail you will lose some initial acceleration that blokarts do better on a downwind leg, but learning to accelerate and sail downwind is one of the specialty aspects of landyachts , as opposed to blowies.

landyacht
WA, 5921 posts
3 Feb 2012 8:38PM
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Nikrum said...
[There are certain European attitudes, I believe, That would have competitors using precisely the same machines and purely based on the operators ability. I am not a Blow Cart Fan but an all but purely commercial machine would be ideal for that type of racing. Class restriction is enough

Ron



I dont think that is fair on the euros, or accurate.
until the advent of standarts, then blokarts , fleets would be rather mixed.
many people dont have the luxury of workshops, and skills , or time so it makes sense to buy a yacht. most of your topline racing gear in europe would still be made by small producers .
the manufacturers see a need , and build to that need,
have a look et the seagull home page,you will see that very few of their designs are for the racing market.
i would love to see a manufacturer or 2 in Australia producing to the local and international market

colk2004
317 posts
3 Feb 2012 11:46PM
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Arjay said...

So I have a Blokart. I enjoy the racing and friendships that come with the one design idea.

....BUT.....

If I were to enter in the mini class what do you recommend altering to the basic frame/sail/mast to make it go quicker??


We have an x-sail sailing with us that has a Goacher sail, carbon mast and boom, diy pod, 16:1 downhaul, 10:1 adjustable on the fly internalised outhaul system and it goes like stink! In a light breeze it can be the only thing that moves on the airfield. Its owner has taken a lot of time working on it, and he is well practised in it as well. The Seagull MC2 i use is faster in a lot of places than a standard blowie...but there is no place or wind direction where I can keep up with the x-sail......yet!

Cheers Col



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"Australian ONLY Mini rules..... a sad day" started by Gizmo