Might someone direct me to where I can buy a water bladder that you wear and has sort of a "straw" for drinking. If I am not mistaken, it is called something like a "camel hump?" Getting stuff together for the RTI, and from what I can see, this is a worthwhile investment. Any comments?

Thanks,

Dave

CamelBak is the name of the product.



They've got a webstite--www.camelbak.com



The backpack/fluid bottles are used by mountain bikers, X-country skiiers, etc. They come in different sizes and should be available at outdoor sport outfitters like REI or EMS.

Thank you for the information. It was very much appreciated.



Dave (sailingfools)

The generic term for the products is "hydration packs", although CamelBak has captured a large chunk of the market share. Some of the PFD manufacturers are making hydration packs designed to fit onto PFD's. I own one made by Lotus Designs (the EFT pack) and love it. (They are a subsidiary of Patagonia.)

Are these devices legal for Hobie racing? IHCA class rules state that "water jackets for the purpose of adding personal ballast are not permitted" While the purpose of these devices is to provide drinking water in the process they do add personal ballast. Any thoughts?

In response to your question.........I don't really know. I have never raced under min. crew weight, so I am not familiar with the rules that apply to ballast. Rest assured that someone on this forum will be able to "quote" the rule, or rules, for you. That is what is nice about this forum.



I want the hydration system because there are times that you need to drink water... are trapped out... can't come in... don't want to come in.......and there it is.......at your finger tips!

Dave (sailingfools)

As far as using the water to add to your minimum weight, most design class racing won't permit that, and you'll get restriction weights. But if you're headed to a distance race, it's almost a must for equipment. As you say, I always get thirsty on the wire, and it's not exactly convenient to have to go down and rummage through stuff to find a drink.



A note of advice here. My crew has the smallest "backpack" possible (no extra storage space other than the fluid bladder). This keeps her from getting hung up while tacking. I have a larger one (storage area that is, we have similar fluid capacity - 70 oz) so I can keep a radio and emergency equipment on my person in case I fall off the back or break something. Not to mention it's a good place to put energy bars (crew has to get them out though)..



My 2 cents



Team Katastrophy

Before you go out and buy a camel back or similar product. You might want to check the SI's for the event you are considering racing.

The Racing Rules of Sailing spesificaly prohibit camelbacks for racing except for sailboards. If the SI's permit them they can be used for an event, but only for hydration not balast. Water ballest on a person is illegal for all racing.



""43.1 (a) Competitors shall not wear or carry clothing or equipment for the purpose of increasing their weight.



(b) Furthermore, a competitor's clothing and equipment shall not weigh more than 8 kilograms, excluding a hiking or trapeze harness and

clothing (including footwear) worn only below the knee. Class rules or sailing instructions may specify a lower weight or a higher weight up

to 10 kilograms. Class rules may include footwear and other clothing worn below the knee within that weight. A hiking or trapeze harness

shall have positive buoyancy and shall not weigh more than 2 kilograms, except that class rules may specify a higher weight up to 4

kilograms. Weights shall be determined as required by Appendix H.



(c) When a measurer in charge of weighing clothing and equipment believes a competitor may have broken rule 43.1(a) or 43.1(b) he shall

report the matter in writing to the race committee, which shall protest the boat of the competitor. """



for sailboarding the apendix that covers this is as follows:

Rule 43.1(a) is modified to permit a competitor to wear a container for holding beverages. The container shall have a capacity of at least one

litre and weigh no more than 1. 5 kilograms when full.



eric

Thanks for the input, Eric.

I will contact Randy before I go out and buy one. We are doing the RTI up in the Florida panhandle, and it would be used for hydration since we are a heavy team. We aren't looking to add weight.



Thanks again

I believe these devices are not legal for racing, there is no technical difference between this device and a "water jacket". i.e. you can wear a real big water bag on your back for first upwind leg, then dump out all water at first mark, and cover your opponents. Highly unfair, and ruled out. I believe there is actually a IYRU or USYRU (now US Sailing) appeals case.)

It really p*ss*ed me off, because I have had one salivary gland removed due to tumor, and I get really thirsty when sailing. And, with my unirig, there is no wench onboard to hand me a drink, either!! Wonder if I can get a doctor's note?

Hi Eric,

What does this SI stand for?? Plus, if I'm doing my conversion factor correctly- 8 to 10kg's equals to about 16 to 20 pounds.- that's alot of water. I personnally have a camelbak- The one a have holds 70 oz's. (adding probably 2 pounds to my person.) I have to also say -THEY ARE GREAT!- I would hope that people used them only for drinking (water....) purposes and not abused for adding weight to their person. Thus, there might be a possibility to allow them for racing.

He's saying check the sailing instructions for the race, to be sure t's not illegal to have this type equipment while racing?.

Thanks!- I guess I should of known that one....

Hey SuperDave!



My brand of camel back had a metal zipper. Just ONCE I was slow to rinse it with fresh water and it jammed with salt and corrosion and the little slide ripped apart, effectively killing the bag.



I also recommend trying out several models full of water with your PFD. I had to try a few to get a setup that fit right and didn't hang up on my PFD straps and trap harness. I had to add a line to keep the shoulder strap from sliding down.



It was trouble but I loved it while it lasted.

Eric has a good point - always check with the sailing rules for that race. Obviously, anything with bouys will probably not allow it. Many distance stuff we've been in doesn't specify that you can't race with it, and as someone else said, 70 oz. of water weighs a little over 4 lbs.



My issue is that with the other required gear, I could see this weight going over. I would presume that the max weight varies per race, as EPIRB, radio, flares, drysuit, etc probalby puts close to 25 lbs on me. Maybe I'll switch the flares for the water.....



Just some thoughts...

The point I was trying to raise is that the rules default to not allowing camebacks.



the only time they are legal is if there is something in the rules that permits them.

eric

Water weighs 8 lbs / gal or 32 Lbs / Ft^3 I would just tie a 32 oz water bottle to my vest in a coozy or put cup holders on top of the foot holders on the hull or on the trap line. when you tack grab some water from the cooler and refil the cup holder. and not worry about the rules. you said it was to make it available to drink when you were trapped out right?

Fresh water = 62.4 lbs/ft^3

Salt Water =~ 64 lbs/ft^3

I don't see the problem with camelbacks for distance racing. .

When you drink the water where does it go? A couple pounds of water or whatever isn't going to be the deciding factor in a 100 mile race. Dehydration could be to your health!

Hey....it is the CATMAN,.................. my skipper!

Just trying to be prepared, in case you have me on the wire for 100 miles. See you at the causeway on the weekend. Maybe give you a little spanking, so you won't have to get one at the RTI. lol

Dave