Time Trialling
Our season starts on 8th May 2010 - Go to the Program Page to see what dates we are time trialling and info on the events being held
WHAT IS TIME TRIALLING??
Time trialling is a boating activity run by yacht clubs on the Swan River and available to any members with a craft capable of navigating at a speed between 5 and 15 knots under engine power. Family participation is possible, there are a lot of husband and wife teams, and it provides an excellent opportunity to :
- Use your boat during winter season.
- Learn the local waters.
- Learn the navigational marks and hazards.
- Learn the capabilities of your boat.
- Familiarise yourself with the local waters.
- Enjoy new friends.
- Opportunity to compete as a family team.
- Gain confidence as a boater.
A time trial event involves sailing and accurately maintaining a predetermined course between fixed marks onthe river at a nominated speed.
Sailing Instructions are available prior to the event and courses must be followed at the speed nominated by the competitor.
After starting at a given time, time checks ar taken on each competitor at the start, finish and at a number of undisclosed checkpoints around the course. One point is lost for each second a competitor is early or late at these checkpoints, and penalities can be applied for obvious changes in nominated speed or diversions off course. Time errors are cumulative, being early at one check is not cancelled by being late at another. The winner is the competitor with the least points lost, according to the rules.
Equipment required for the event is a timing device (clock) and sailing instructions that include a course sheet and possibly a chart if you do not know the course.
The variation in weather, wind, tide and the wash from other boats cause a never ending change to conditions under which events are conducted. To those participating regularly, a challenge is provided to master these variations, and indoing so, improve their boat handling and navigation skills.
The fellowship of other competitors, particularly in interclub events, adds considerably to this further enjoyment of power yachting.
Sailing instructions are available prior to the event and courses must be followed a the speed nominated by the competitor.
TIME TRIALLING IS FUN..... there is really no secret to it. You do not have to be a mathematical wizard or genius. You do not need 100,000 miles of experience in your boat and reams of figures. All you really need is the desire to join in with a fine group of yachtsmen like yourself as you enjoy using your boat during the contest and sharing in good fellowship afterwards at the trophy presentation.