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Sailonline manual

Manual

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Diff Summary
Title Sailonline manual Sailonline manual
Date 2011-05-23 14:46:55 2011-05-24 18:29:25
Editor Jeroen RainbowChaser
Tags

2011-05-23 14:46:55 by Jeroen
2011-05-24 18:29:25 by RainbowChaser
12**A manual in French is available as well** [here]12**A manual in French is available as well** [here]
> (https://docs.google.com/View?id=dzvskgc_0fz5z6fc> (https://docs.google.com/View?id=dzvskgc_0fz5z6fc
>7)>7)
1313
1414
15Getting started15Getting started
16------------16------------
n17*Step 1.* [Register  here](http://www.sailonline.on17*Step 1.** [Register  here](http://www.sailonline.
>rg/accounts/register/ ) to create a user account. >org/accounts/register/ ) to create a user account.
>Your user account will be used in all races you ch> Your user account will be used in all races you c
>oose to participate in. >hoose to participate in. 
1818
19*Step 2.**  Go to the the [list of active races](h19*Step 2.**  Go to the the [list of active races](h
>ttp://www.sailonline.org/races/all/)  and click "E>ttp://www.sailonline.org/races/all/)  and click "E
>nter race now" on the race you wish to enter.>nter race now" on the race you wish to enter.
2020
21The client (your tool for steering the boat)21The client (your tool for steering the boat)
22--------------------------------------------22--------------------------------------------
4040
41At the end just cross the finish line anywhere you41At the end just cross the finish line anywhere you
> like. When you do that your boat will be "glued" > like. When you do that your boat will be "glued" 
>to the position where you crossed the line. Your f>to the position where you crossed the line. Your f
>inish time will also be announced in the leaderboa>inish time will also be announced in the leaderboa
>rd. >rd. 
4242
43Steering43Steering
44----------44----------
n45The basic way of steering is to either set at consn45The basic way of steering is to either set at cons
>tant compass course (CC) which simply means that t>tant compass course (CC) which simply means that t
>he boat will go in a "straight line". The other st>he boat will go in a "straight line". The other st
>eering mode is to set up the boat to keep a consta>eering mode is to set up the boat to keep a consta
>nt angle to the wind, to keep the true-wind-angle >nt angle to the wind, to keep the true-wind-angle 
>(TWA) constant. This means that if the wind change>(TWA) constant. This means that if the wind change
>s in direction, the boat will change its heading t>s in direction, the boat will change its heading t
>o maintain the wanted TWA. You can set any TWA in >o maintain the wanted TWA. You can set any TWA in 
>the range from 0 to 180 degrees where TWA=0 means >the range from 0 to 180 degrees where TWA=0 means 
>that the wind comes from straight ahead, TWA=180 m>that the wind comes from straight ahead, TWA=180 m
>eans that the wind comes from behind and TWA=90 me>eans that the wind comes from behind and TWA=90 me
>ans the wind in from starboard side. Negative TWA >ans the wind in from starboard side. Negative TWA 
>means wind in from port side (port=left). You can >means wind in from port side (port=left). You can 
>choose to steer directly or to delay the effects o>choose to steer directly or pick a course on the m
>f a command by the use of delayed commands. You si>ap with the steering heel button. U preset a comma
>mply set up the steering as described above and th>nd by the use of delayed commands. You simply set 
>en state how many hours the command should be dela>up the steering as described above and then state 
>yed. Delayed commands is a neat feature that lets >how many hours the command should be delayed. Dela
>you attend business meetings and wedding dinners w>yed commands is a neat feature that lets you atten
>hile helming a 60-foot single handed catamaran in >d business meetings and wedding dinners while helm
>a full gale!  >ing a 60-foot single handed catamaran in a full ga
 >le! 
4646
47The chart and the race bounds47The chart and the race bounds
48-------------------------------48-------------------------------
n49The shorelines are supplied by the US National Geon49The shorelines are supplied by the US National Geo
>physical Data Center (NGDC). Resolution may vary d>physical Data Center (NGDC). Resolution may vary d
>epedending on the race type. Important to notice i>epedending on the race type and zoom level. Import
>s that what you see is what there is. Be aware of >ant to notice is that what you see is what there i
>small islands but all water is deep and sailable. >s at normal and high zoom. If you zoom out further
>Your boat can naturally only sail on water. If you> the resolution will drop adn give you a more wide
> collide with land the boat will stop, be pulled o>r view. Be aware of small islands but all water is
>ut from the coastline some distance and be somewha> deep and sailable. Your boat can naturally only s
>t damaged. The damage is expressed as a certain dr>ail on water. If you collide with land the boat wi
>op in boat speed (performance). This loss in perfo>ll stop, be pulled out from the coastline some dis
>rmance is temporary and will vanish in a number of>tance and be somewhat damaged. The damage is expre
> hours. Since the boat has stopped you need to sen>ssed as a certain drop in boat speed (performance)
>d a new command to set the boat on a new course.  >. This loss in performance is temporary and will v
 >anish in a number of hours. Since the boat has sto
 >pped you need to send a new command to set the boa
 >t on a new course. 
5050
51Cutting corners51Cutting corners
52-------------52-------------
53Due to the implementation on the server, (that boa53Due to the implementation on the server, (that boa
>ts are moved in steps) a boat may actually cut a l>ts are moved in steps) a boat may actually cut a l
>ittle land corner that was smaller than the step. >ittle land corner that was smaller than the step. 
>It can happen to all boats but is nothing to rely >It can happen to all boats but is nothing to rely 
>on. Since small islands in SOL are called Sneaky L>on. Since small islands in SOL are called Sneaky L
>ittle Islands (SLI) this phenomena is called SLI-j>ittle Islands (SLI) this phenomena is called SLI-j
>umping. SLI-jumping is allowed.>umping. SLI-jumping is allowed.
5454
55The boat performance55The boat performance
56----------------------------56----------------------------
n57The boat performance is expressed in the so calledn57The boat performance is expressed in the so called
> polar curve, which is visible to you. The polar c> polar curve, which is visible to you. The polar c
>urve state the boat speed as a function of wind sp>urve state the boat speed as a function of wind sp
>eed and TWA. Take time and study the plot to learn>eed and TWA. Take time and study the plot to learn
> how to sail the boat efficiently. Different wind > how to sail the boat efficiently. Different wind 
>speeds are shown with different colored curves. Fo>speeds are shown with different colored curves. Fo
>r a certain wind speed follow the corresponding co>r a certain wind speed follow the corresponding co
>lored curve for all various TWA:s around the boat.>lored curve for all various TWA:s around the boat.
> For a certain wind speed and TWA you can read the> For a certain wind speed and TWA you can read the
> corresponding boat speed as represented by the di> corresponding boat speed as represented by the di
>stance from the origin to the colored curve. The p>stance from the origin to the colored curve. The p
>lot does not differ negative from positive TWAs si>lot does not differ negative from positive TWAs si
>nce our boats are symmetric. Your boat generally p>nce our boats are symmetric. Your boat generally p
>erforms at the polar curve boat speed (=100% perfo>erforms at the polar curve boat speed (=100% perfo
>rmance in the polar window) but there are two ways>rmance in the polar window) but there are two ways
> of loosing performnce. If you hit land you loose > of loosing performance. If you hit land you loose
>quite a lot of performance. After changing TWA you> quite a lot of performance. After changing TWA yo
> also loose some percent of performance. Performan>u also loose some percent of performance. Performa
>ce loss is always temporarely. Depending on condit>nce loss is always temporarely. Depending on condi
>ions you will regain 100% after a while.>tions you will regain 100% after a while.
5858
59Race types59Race types
60------------60------------
61There are basically two kinds of races, fleet-race61There are basically two kinds of races, fleet-race
>s and timed-races. >s and timed-races. 
6262
6464
65**Timed race:** In a timed race you may (within li65**Timed race:** In a timed race you may (within li
>mits) start at any time you like. The time of exec>mits) start at any time you like. The time of exec
>usion of your first command will be your start tim>usion of your first command will be your start tim
>e. This means that a start using a delayed command>e. This means that a start using a delayed command
> is possible and the start time will be the time w> is possible and the start time will be the time w
>hen your boat starts moving. Complete the course a>hen your boat starts moving. Complete the course a
>nd your total sailed time will be compared to othe>nd your total sailed time will be compared to othe
>rs in the leaderboard. Once you have finished the >rs in the leaderboard. Once you have finished the 
>course you may register a new boat and go for anot>course you may register a new boat and go for anot
>her try. >her try. 
6666
67Weather67Weather
68--------68--------
t69State of the art high resolution forecasts by  [Wet69State of the art high resolution forecasts by  [We
>athertech](http://www.weathertech.se) is used as t>athertech](http://www.weathertech.se) is used as t
>he sailing environment. The resolution in both tim>he sailing environment. The resolution in both tim
>e and space varies depending on the race. The fore>e and space varies depending on the race. The fore
>casts are true in the sense that we are in the sim>casts are true in the sense that we are in the sim
>ulator sailing in authentic weather. All boats sai>ulator sailing in authentic weather. All boats sai
>l in the wind forecasts at the 10 meter level. Usu>l in the wind forecasts at the 10 meter level. Usu
>ally, the client give you access to seal level atm>ally, the client give you access to seal level atm
>ospheric pressures also. The forecasts are typical>ospheric pressures also. The forecasts are typical
>ly updated once or twice per 24 hour period. Updat>ly updated once or twice per 24 hour period. Updat
>es are fairly immediately and normally phased in d>es are fairly immediately and normally phased in d
>uring an hour or so. Note that in some races new f>uring an hour or so. A notice will be shown when t
>orecasts show up in the middle of the night... >he client picks up the new weather, but there can 
 >be some time between when the new weather is ready
 > and the client picks it up. Note that in some rac
 >es new forecasts show up in the middle of the nigh
 >t and can mess with you carefully programmed route
 >... 
7070
71The actual sailing71The actual sailing
72------------------72------------------
73The boats actual sailing is done in the central se73The boats actual sailing is done in the central se
>rver at sailiport and NOT in the users computer. T>rver at sailiport and NOT in the users computer. T
>he client is only used for viewing and manipulatio>he client is only used for viewing and manipulatio
>n of your boat. Hence, you can disconnect and shut>n of your boat. Hence, you can disconnect and shut
> your computer down and your boat will still sail.> your computer down and your boat will still sail.
> The boats are moved forward (integrated) stepwise> The boats are moved forward (integrated) stepwise
>.  The length in time between the steps varies dep>.  The length in time between the steps varies dep
>endent on the server workload etc but is usually k>endent on the server workload etc but is usually k
>ept under 30 seconds. >ept under 30 seconds. 
7474

Races

Next Race: 00d 00h 00m

Current Races:

Tyger Memorial Race 2025

Dear Robert Neilson, gone too soon, but, a volunteer crew having brought his Tyger home in our first Ocean Race of 2025, here is a further opportunity to remember him and his great contribution to Sailonline, by blasting around an 80nm triangle on his home waters of Port St Philip Bay in spanking-new-to-SOL very-Robert very-macho, grind-greedy Cookson 50s. Tell tales of his derring-do in Chat or add something for posterity to his Tyger IN MEMORIAM Forum page. Sail on, SOLer.
Race #1891
INFOby brainaid.de
Cookson 50 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: SYC
Race starts: Feb 08th 06:00 Registration Open!
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Sinbad by Balloon 2025 - Dondra to Toamasina


Above you see a stratospheric balloon, that if only we had gribs at that altitude would get blasted along quite rapidly and predictably. Alas we just have our SOL balloon that sails rather lower to the sea and that we have crossed the Atlantic in, west to east, last year for the first time in the southern hemisphere. So much fun was had by all, that this year we will attempt the Indian Ocean, but in four legs. Another great piece of fiction, the voyages of Sinbad By Balloon not magic carpet, although you may need a bit of magic to make any progress at times. Pack your wicker basket full for your first leg of at least 2300nm from Sri Lanka to Madagascar; it’s not a picnic hamper, you could be in the air for longer than you hoped!
Race #1883
INFOby brainaid.de
SOL Balloon PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: SYC - SBB
Race starts: Feb 05th 11:00 Registration Open!
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Barbados to Tristan da Cunha 2025

Sailonline is proud to present to our virtual sailors, an all new series RWW 2025 (Round our Water World). Sailing from remote island to remote island with forever only a faintly curving line between sea and sky on the horizon. "Dry land is not a myth". The series ranking uses best 7 from 8 races for scoring, and this first race, from Barbados to Tristan da Cunha, a 4000nm leg into the Southern Atlantic, will be sailed in ex-Volvo OD65s (version 3). The race is also part of the OCCH 2025, ranking best 10 from 12 races.
PRIZE: SMPF
Race #1889
INFO by brainaid.de
OD65v3 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: OCQ1 - RWW - OCCH - SUPSOL - SYC
Race starts: Feb 03rd 11:00 Registration Open!
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Seychelles Circuit Sprint 2025


Nothing better than a winter break in The Seychelles, and especially if there is a fleet of X-332’s available to charter and to race round an impromptu course of c 21nm taking in some of the archipelago's granitic islands. Tarry awhile before and after, but beware the navy and the pirates, mind!
Race 1895
INFO by brainaid.de
X-332 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking:
SPRQ1 - SPRCH - SUPSOL – SYC
Race starts: Feb 02nd 03:00 Registration Open!
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Race to Up Helly Aa 2025

A-OI!!! The fiery spirit of Shetland’s Up Helly Aa festival is here, and Sailonline’s much-anticipated annual race to Lerwick is back! Spanning 383 nautical miles from Aberdeen, this exhilarating event pays homage to Europe’s largest fire festival. Piloting our Dehler 46s, designed by Judel/Vrolijk in 2015, our SOLers will navigate the challenging waters, competing for glory as flames illuminate the Lerwick skies in celebration.

SAILING NOTE: Gruney may be approached from any direction but must be passed for rounding purposes as indicated on the chart.

Will you master the course, outmaneuver the competition, and claim victory? The challenge is on—join us!
Race #1880
INFO by brainaid.de
Dehler 46 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking:
SYC
Race starts: Jan 30th 15:00 Registration Open!
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Africa by Sea 2025 - Port Said to Tangier


Back in the 7th C BCE, pharaoh Necho II may have commissioned Phoenician sailors to explore south down the Red Sea and if possible return north via the Straits of Gibraltar. Herodotus was inclined to dismiss the story as it included reports of the sun standing in the north, which had to be nonsense. Silly old Herodotus, but who cares, 2800 years later we will repeat the feat, but we’ll go the other way round, and not in a galley but in different modern sailing yachts, beginning with the comfort of an IY 14.98 for the first leg of 1900nm from Port Said to Tangier.
Race #1854
INFOby brainaid.de
Italia 14.98 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: SYC - ABS
RACE CLOSE: Sunday,
February 9 at 2300 UTC.
Race starts: Jan 22nd 17:00 Registration Closed
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Aden to Goa 2025


Europeans are primarily acquainted with the historical narrative of how spices reached their continent from distant regions. However, the spice trade from Goa to Aden predates the modern era, as detailed in this article. Sailonline is now reversing this route, organizing an eastbound yacht race of approximately 1700 nautical miles across the Arabian Sea for our 21st-century Archer 78 yachts. Wishing you fair winds and may the enticing aroma of spices guide you safely to your destination!
Race #1887
INFO from brainaid.de
Archer 78 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking:
ARQ1 - ARCH - SUPSOL - SYC
RACE CLOSE: Monday,
February 3 at 2300 UTC.
Race starts: Jan 20th 17:00 Registration Closed
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Vendee Home - Cape Horn to Olon 2025

Welcome to our 2025 Ocean Race Championships starting off with the classic 6900nm drag race from Cape Horn back to the coast of Brittany leading or following the boats of the Vendee Globe fleet. A new polar from the board of the BNH Design Partnership is being made available to you for this one, in the hope that aboard her you too will be able to cover 600nm in a day when the conditions are right! It's winter outside, so like the IRL sailors, enjoy and stay inside!
PRIZE: SMPF
Race #1874
INFO by brainaid.de
IMOCA 60 Foil v2 PARTICULARS
WX Updates:
0430 / 1030 / 1630 / 2230
Ranking: OCQ1 - OCCH - SUPSOL - SYC
RACE CLOSE: Saturday,
February 8 at 2300 UTC.
Race starts: Jan 06th 11:00 Registration Closed
▶ Flash
GO TO RACE

Go to race archive

SYC Ranking

  1. Sailonline Yacht Club Member WRmirekd
  2. Sailonline Yacht Club Member vida
  3. Sailonline Yacht Club Member FreyjaUSA
  4. Sailonline Yacht Club Member CriticalHippo
  5. Sailonline Yacht Club Member rafa
  6. Sailonline Yacht Club Member Satori
  7. Sailonline Yacht Club Member Kipper1258
  8. Sailonline Yacht Club Member Sax747
  9. Sailonline Yacht Club Member Patrick70119
  10. Sailonline Yacht Club Member BRENTGRAY

View full list

Series

Mobile Client

SYC members have the benefit of access to our mobile/lightweight web client!

The mobile client