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So you are starting.. But? #259436
05/09/13 05:29 AM
05/09/13 05:29 AM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,451
West coast of Norway
Rolf_Nilsen Offline OP
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Rolf_Nilsen  Offline OP
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,451
West coast of Norway
So you are starting a race, fighting for a good position on your end, striving to be at the front of the line but not over the line and it is all a moment of pressure and confusion.

What do you use to keep track of the time?


I lost my old watch after having batteries replaced and the watchmaker messed up the seal.. Now I am in the market for a new device. What is good out there? Are there any devices giving more value than just a countdown? Waterproof house for a smartphone and a regatta app?

-- Have You Seen This? --
Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259437
05/09/13 06:43 AM
05/09/13 06:43 AM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 602
Wilmington,NC
Dlennard Offline
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Dlennard  Offline
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Posts: 602
Wilmington,NC
I like the big Ronstan on the boom. Easy for both to see and has count down beeps.

Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259441
05/09/13 06:58 AM
05/09/13 06:58 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,118
Northfield Mn
Karl_Brogger Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Karl_Brogger  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,118
Northfield Mn
+1


I'm boatless.
Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259442
05/09/13 07:10 AM
05/09/13 07:10 AM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,152
tampa, fl
K
ksurfer2 Offline
old hand
ksurfer2  Offline
old hand
K

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,152
tampa, fl
A couple of things....

1. Big ronstan watch on the boom
2. Crew counting down time and distance to the line for me
3. When it gets close (less than 15 seconds), I worry less about time and more about my position in relation to the other boats on the line. Start listening for the ratchets to start clicking when your within 10 seconds. If you wait too long, your out the back!


If your havin girl problems i feel bad for you son
I got 99 problems but my beautiful wife ain't one
Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259448
05/09/13 08:05 AM
05/09/13 08:05 AM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,451
West coast of Norway
Rolf_Nilsen Offline OP
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Rolf_Nilsen  Offline OP
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,451
West coast of Norway
Anybody tried one of those GPS units telling you the distance to the line, favoured end etc?

I do have some starting experience, but I an wondering about any new devices on the market after we sold the T 5 years ago. Surely the world has moved on wink

Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259449
05/09/13 08:12 AM
05/09/13 08:12 AM
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,590
Naples, FL
waterbug_wpb Offline
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waterbug_wpb  Offline
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Naples, FL
not sure if the GPS enabled starting devices are legal for buoy racing...

I use a $4.00 (USD) digital kitchen timer in a waterproof bag strapped to the boom.

It's annoyingly loud, has a huge display (digits are perhaps 1.5 inches tall) although doesn't give the 10-second beep countdown that the $100 USD Ronstan watch does...And it doesn't have a "Sync" feature, but you can't beat the price...

Given how many expensive devices I've donated to the fishes, if I lose this kitchen timer I don't think I'll have to re-finance the house to replace it.

I'm thinking I may "upgrade" to the old school wind-up egg timer (with the bell). Since it's mechanical, it probably doesn't even need to be waterproof. And everyone on the start line will know when my toast is done smile


Jay

Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: ksurfer2] #259450
05/09/13 08:16 AM
05/09/13 08:16 AM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 454
Syracuse, NY Hobie Fleet 204
T
Tom Korz Offline
addict
Tom Korz  Offline
addict
T

Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 454
Syracuse, NY Hobie Fleet 204
Originally Posted by ksurfer2
A couple of things....

3. When it gets close (less than 15 seconds), I worry less about time and more about my position in relation to the other boats on the line. Start listening for the ratchets to start clicking when your within 10 seconds. If you wait too long, your out the back!


+a whole lot!!!!

Get a $25 Ironman or whatever. If you are not sheeted in at 8-5 seconds before the gun (flag drop), your LATE!!

Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259459
05/09/13 12:58 PM
05/09/13 12:58 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 195
White Bear Lake, MN
h17racer Offline
member
h17racer  Offline
member

Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 195
White Bear Lake, MN
I stay focused on finishing first which makes start line positioning far less stressful.

Basic feature Casio with the largest digital readout I can find. Usually in the $20 bucks range.

TG

Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259465
05/09/13 02:42 PM
05/09/13 02:42 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,584
+31NL
Tony_F18 Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Tony_F18  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,584
+31NL
This is absolutely the best watch for starting, perfect when strapped to the boom and very affordable.
It beeps every minute until 0 and keeps on counting after that which is useful for General Recall situations.
http://marinestore.co.uk/Optimum_Time_OS315__Big_Yellow__Sailing_Watch.html
[Linked Image]

Tacktick compasses are not bad as starting watches but are usually mounted halfway the spin pole.
The Velocitek Prostart is probably good too but unfortunately not class legal (GPS).

Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259510
05/10/13 07:28 AM
05/10/13 07:28 AM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 382
SE MI / NE IN
rehmbo Offline
enthusiast
rehmbo  Offline
enthusiast

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 382
SE MI / NE IN
Hmm - looks interesting. I'm in the market for a new timer. Does anyone know if this can be found stateside? My quick Google searches only show UK and AU sites offering it.


Jeff R

H18, C2 USA1193
cramsailing.com
crescentsail.com
Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: rehmbo] #259511
05/10/13 07:38 AM
05/10/13 07:38 AM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 162
Dunedin Causeway, FL
hobiephil Offline
member
hobiephil  Offline
member

Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 162
Dunedin Causeway, FL

Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259512
05/10/13 08:14 AM
05/10/13 08:14 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 932
Solomon's Island, MD
S
samc99us Offline
old hand
samc99us  Offline
old hand
S

Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 932
Solomon's Island, MD
$100 for a watch is a bit ridiculous. Garmin Foretrex 301 is slightly more and provides GPS functionality. I have 2 strapped to my boom most all the time. Won't get into the GPS debate, but the GPS can be disabled and you still have the large screen with a countdown timer. Crew and I generally also wear a watch for backup.

+1 on the kitchen timer that is a great idea.


Scorpion F18
Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: samc99us] #259514
05/10/13 08:40 AM
05/10/13 08:40 AM
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,590
Naples, FL
waterbug_wpb Offline
Carpal Tunnel
waterbug_wpb  Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,590
Naples, FL
Originally Posted by samc99us


+1 on the kitchen timer that is a great idea.


Yes, they all laughed....at first smile


Jay

Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: samc99us] #259516
05/10/13 08:56 AM
05/10/13 08:56 AM
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,355
Key Largo, FL and Put-in-Bay, ...
RickWhite Offline

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RickWhite  Offline

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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,355
Key Largo, FL and Put-in-Bay, ...
Ronstan is worth every penny. As you get older you really appreciate the large digits and sound.
It has some great features. Say you are sipping a water when the Class Flag goes up. You punch the watch, but know you are not right on the money.
No Problem!! When the Prep Flag goes up, click on the Sync Button and you are right on time. Awesome feature.
And you can set it to count down for the start and count up after the start.
Or you can set it to do a rolling count, count down, count down, etc.
You can set it for 10 minutes, 6, 5 3 or 1 minute. I keep mine on 1 minute and simply click the Program button five times for a 5 minute start.
In coaching the Youth sailors this year I also noticed a lot of them had their watch on their left hand. Got them now using the watch on the right hand.
On the left wrist or steering hand with a starboard start, they would have to look back to see their watch.
On the right hand, the sheeting hand, it is right in front of your face.., never have a late start that way.
Rick


Rick White
Catsailor Magazine & OnLineMarineStore.com
www.onlinemarinestore.com
Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259519
05/10/13 09:34 AM
05/10/13 09:34 AM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,451
West coast of Norway
Rolf_Nilsen Offline OP
Carpal Tunnel
Rolf_Nilsen  Offline OP
Carpal Tunnel

Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,451
West coast of Norway
I am going to give the kitchen timer in waterproof bag a try. I just hope the alarm shuts off automatically after a while!

For holder and placement, I'll see if I'll CNC mill a suitable piece of wood laugh

Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: waterbug_wpb] #259520
05/10/13 09:40 AM
05/10/13 09:40 AM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,906
Clermont, FL, USA
David Ingram Offline
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David Ingram  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,906
Clermont, FL, USA
Originally Posted by waterbug_wpb
Originally Posted by samc99us


+1 on the kitchen timer that is a great idea.


Yes, they all laughed....at first smile


Oh no, we're still laughing.


David Ingram
F18 USA 242
http://www.solarwind.solar

"Do or do not. There is no try." - Yoda
"Excuses are the tools of the weak and incompetent" - Two sista's I overheard in the hall
"You don't have to be a brain surgeon to be a complete idiot, but it helps"
Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259523
05/10/13 10:00 AM
05/10/13 10:00 AM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,451
West coast of Norway
Rolf_Nilsen Offline OP
Carpal Tunnel
Rolf_Nilsen  Offline OP
Carpal Tunnel

Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,451
West coast of Norway
Laughing all the way to the finish line, or to the bank?`;)

Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259527
05/10/13 02:39 PM
05/10/13 02:39 PM
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,590
Naples, FL
waterbug_wpb Offline
Carpal Tunnel
waterbug_wpb  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,590
Naples, FL
Originally Posted by Rolf_Nilsen
I am going to give the kitchen timer in waterproof bag a try. I just hope the alarm shuts off automatically after a while!

For holder and placement, I'll see if I'll CNC mill a suitable piece of wood laugh


The one I have does shut off after about 1 minute of really annoying beeping.

But if you can hit it with anything, the button will turn it off..

The egg timer, on the other hand, only rings once... And it looks super-cool sitting on the front beam.


Jay

Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: David Ingram] #259528
05/10/13 02:39 PM
05/10/13 02:39 PM
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,590
Naples, FL
waterbug_wpb Offline
Carpal Tunnel
waterbug_wpb  Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,590
Naples, FL
Originally Posted by David Ingram
Originally Posted by waterbug_wpb
Originally Posted by samc99us


+1 on the kitchen timer that is a great idea.


Yes, they all laughed....at first smile


Oh no, we're still laughing.


Until that nice Ronstan drops off into the water... again..


Jay

Re: So you are starting.. But? [Re: Rolf_Nilsen] #259543
05/11/13 06:40 PM
05/11/13 06:40 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,584
+31NL
Tony_F18 Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Tony_F18  Offline
Carpal Tunnel

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,584
+31NL
Originally Posted by Rolf_Nilsen
Laughing all the way to the finish line, or to the bank?`;)

If you are cheap you may as well go old school:
[Linked Image]

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