Mille Lacs Crossing ideas...

Denis · Post by **Denis** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:33 pm

For the start signal, I was thinking of a huge red flag downwind cause that's where everyone will be naturally looking. The flag goes up at 5mins. When the flag falls, it's go time!

We could use one of those humongous red Slingshot red flags that are 15ft tall...

Uffe · Post by **Uffe** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:37 pm

Huge flag is the best idea for signal, I agree that a horn is not loud enough when the starting area is so big, raise it w/ 5 min to go, then drop it at start would be good, (as long as you see when it goes up)

As far a an upwind rider having an advantage I don't agree, if the line is set right lets say its 400m long, and the downwind part of it is a lot further out then starting at the bottom or middle may be the right spot, if you have clear way and clean wind you will be better off than up by the upwind mark, I think this applies the same as in racing windsurfers or sail boats, being in the right spot and hitting the line timed right should mean more than having the most upwind spot on the line, at least that's what my experience in racing has been. Very rarely will a guy who hogs the boat win the race, more likley to get tangled up and not have clear wind. If our first reach mark is only a mile the angle of the line has to be pretty sharp to make it even.

/ Uffe
USWE 22

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:52 pm

I think the flag location should be out across the wind somewhere. Directly downwind or upwind and the perceived surface of the flag diminishes. Even if it means putting a boat right in the path of all the riders, I think it would ensure it was the most visible.

Of course I like the idea of using the big Slingshot Flag. : )

Lars · Post by **Lars** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 8:34 pm

Great to see the input from kiters planning to be there for the Crossing
Fleet 8 staff checked out the lake yesterday and it is 100% snow covered.
We purchased a large scale GPS map and have prepared a timing poster to better display the race times. It's comforting to know that participants are thinking about how the event could best be run. Let's have a real meeting on Fri.

steveb · Post by **steveb** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 10:59 pm

Uffes spot on, if the line angles right there is no benefit for being upwind, but the line has to be set right, which is why I explained how to recognize the favoured end of the line.
If the angles right the downwind kiters can have the benefit of being able to tack onto shifts earlier, which can make the upwind position a disavantage, depending on the wind.

Kevinousdigian · Post by **Kevinousdigian** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 3:04 pm

10 day mrf shows warm weather with super south winds. Let's hope it holds like it usually does with the 10 day. Even if it slows down by a day there would be wind on Sunday...

http://weather.unisys.com/gfsx/9d/gfsx_500p_9d.html
Kevin

Tighe · Post by **Tighe** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:21 pm

Let's not forget all the great ideas we had following the last Crossing (water)

http://www.windancing.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=7900

JanMarie · Post by **JanMarie** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 11:53 pm

Tighe wrote: If the surface is decent enough how about boardless downwind body drag races?

Tighe, are you serious? I would love that. I could actually win a body drag race! Anyway, I would be very difficult to beat. I can even drag with the kite on the ground.

Today, for the FIRST TIME, I actually kite-skied half-way across lake Shady. Dave says I went at least a couple hundred yards, and he's a fisherman (they are notoriously honest you know). ('8)')
Cool

Janarie