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Special Class for SUPs

(11 posts) (3 voices)

Started 4 months ago by Chief
Latest reply from Chief

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Chief
Coastal Vagabond

A question was asked in the Facebook site about having a special class for SUPs like we have for Hobies. I answered that we have to have a minimum of 10 SUPs registered in an event before I will consider a special class. Then the point was raised that Core Sounds have a special class and they never had 10 registered for any event.

That is true. But there have been over 50 Core Sounds in WaterTribe events. Note that not all of them used the Core Sound class. Many show up as Class 4. But it was over 50 boats. In addition the folks that run B&B Yacht Design have sponsored WaterTribe Challenges and Events. Not with cash, but with lots of help and their location. I made the decision on my own to have a special class within class 4. They did not ask me to do it. I consider the Core Sound boats the quintessential WaterTribe Class 4 boat so it made sense to me.

I do agree that it would be nice to have a special class for SUPs within Class 2. But we have had very few SUPs sign up and even fewer start. We have had a few finish which is an amazing accomplishment. But in order to have a special class I need to have at least 10 SUPs on the starting line.

Posted 4 months ago #
Conchistador
Member

I'm good with that. I look forward to being on that beach and trying to be the first sup to complete twice. Thanks for letting us even attempt. A after all we really are racing against ourselves and the course so class really isn't that critical.

Posted 4 months ago #
Chief
Coastal Vagabond
If I was a betting man, I'd place a bet that you will finish.

At this time we have 3 SUPs entered in the EC2019 and 0 in the UM2019. Two SUPs are entered in Class 2 and one is in Class 1. I'm going to assume for the sake of this discussion that the Class 1 SUP does not plan to have a downwind sail and therefore should move into Class 2.

Because I am a Benevolent Dictator I will agree to the following:
1. I will make a provisional SUP class within Class 2 (just like the Hobies are in Class 5 and the Core Sounds are in class 4.
2. All Class 2 rules apply. For example no sails or outriggers or dagger boards or centerboards. The small fins typically found on SUPs are allowed and they can be placed in the aft section or the mid section depending on the design of the SUP. Many existing Class 2 kayaks have tail fins and/or rudders so this is not an issue.
3. Any SUP that has a sail of any kind will not be in the provisional SUP class and instead will have to go into Class 1, Class 3, Class 4, or Class 5 depending on other factors.
4. I will change the minimum necessary for this provisional class to 6 SUPs and they can be in either the EC2019 or the UM2019. If we don't meet that requirement by Inspection Day, the SUPs will revert back to Class 2.
5. If we meet the minimum of Six SUPs at the Start and if we have at least one finisher in the EC, the provisional class will become permanent. If we meet the original minimum of Ten SUPs at the Start, the provisional class will become permanent even if we have a very tough year and none finish.
I will update existing registrations within the next 10 minutes.
Posted 4 months ago #
Chief
Coastal Vagabond

I have updated all three SUPs currently in EC2019 to the new, provisional SUP class.

I forgot to mention that if this provisional class becomes permanent, I will go back and update all previous events and move the previous SUPs into the new class.

Posted 4 months ago #
Conchistador
Member

Benevolent indeed. Thanks chief. Thanks for all you do to make this special event happen.I just spent 2 days crossing Florida Bay from Flamingo to the keys and back so my training had officially begun.

Posted 4 months ago #
Chief
Coastal Vagabond

Conchistador, you need to get your workouts posted in the Derby. Get your SPOT registered and start racking up points. Of course, you've got a long way to go to catch up with WaterScout. That guy is going nuts!

Posted 4 months ago #
Conchistador
Member

too confusing for my simple mind. i'll just show up and race. not sure how many points i would get but I have paddled more than 3400 miles this year - on my way to a goal of 3650. not planning on trying that again next year.

Posted 4 months ago #
ChesapeakeTJAM
Member

This is great news, thank you Chief. Now we have to rally a few more twisted individuals who want to compete. Been hitting the gym regularly and excited my new Drysuit arrived yesterday. Now I just have to hope the bay doesn’t freeze

Posted 4 months ago #
Conchistador
Member

We now have 5 SUPs who have stated intent. Still a long ways to the beach but things are looking good.

Posted 4 months ago #
Chief
Coastal Vagabond

I agree! I really hope we can get a permanent SUP class going within Class 2.

I also want to invite anyone interested in doing this on a SUP to attend the Bootcamp at Fort Desoto on January 11 to 13. In addition to focusing on Sea Kayaks, Hobies and other small craft, I will address SUPs and things you need to know when packing for and doing these events.

If we get some SUPs to RSVP for this Bootcamp, I will have a SUP expert on hand.

Posted 4 months ago #
Chief
Coastal Vagabond

I got an email asking if the Hobie SUP is included in the new SUP class. YES!

Posted 4 months ago #

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