Search found 411 matches

by RoyL
04 Jan 2005, 23:36
Forum: General IOM
Topic: IOM etiquette
Replies: 5
Views: 6628

Nick: I'm having a little trouble understanding your position. You live in Australia; you are building a site to promote Australian r/c yacht designers and its not like there are thousands of guys to call. Why then the hesitation to pick up the phone/e-mail and ask for permission to publish design i...
by RoyL
04 Jan 2005, 18:24
Forum: General IOM
Topic: IOM etiquette
Replies: 5
Views: 6628

In all cases, the only "decent" thing to do is to ask permission of the designers. If they say "No" respect their wishes.

Simple example--a mystery novel is published and sold to the general public. Do you think it is therefore ok for you to put up a website giving away the plot and the ending?
by RoyL
03 Jan 2005, 23:24
Forum: General IOM
Topic: Specification weight and measures required for oziomz site
Replies: 6
Views: 7431

I've always felt a particular respect for the guys who spend their time, effort and energy in boat design. I am also very much aware how very little return anyone sees from model yacht design and development. So a web site that promotes the work of model boat designers to me is a very good thing. Ho...
by RoyL
21 Dec 2004, 04:35
Forum: General IOM
Topic: Multiple Fins and Rigs
Replies: 7
Views: 24746

Multiple Fins and Rigs

There is an interesting trend developing in the class. Under our existing rules it is permitted to have multiple fin/bulb combinations of different depths and weights. It is also permitted to have multiple suits for each rig cut to minimum and maximum dimensions and each made out of different materi...
by RoyL
18 Dec 2004, 04:17
Forum: General IOM
Topic: What is the best IOM Boat????
Replies: 11
Views: 17348

Couldn't agree with Lester more. And the list of competitive boats is pretty long. I've seen Ericca's and Discos and Cockatoos do well in light and heavy air. Sometimes it is the combination of the boat and sailor that click together to win races. Asking for a poll of the best boat is like asking wh...
by RoyL
15 Dec 2004, 22:36
Forum: Events and Event Management
Topic: Distances for IOM courses.
Replies: 17
Views: 22273

We have been talking about this in the US for a while. Basically, IOM races should be a sailing, not a "visual' competition. Races where most of the competitors essentially need binoculars to see their boat and the competiton are just not acceptable. Putting marks at the limits of visibility leads i...
by RoyL
11 Nov 2004, 01:14
Forum: General IOM
Topic: Are Lithium Polymer batteries safe for use in a IOM
Replies: 18
Views: 18503

My understanding from talking to some lithium battery suppliers is that the packs are designed for use for electric motors, not to power servos and receivers. Apparently, lithium packs like a constant current draw. I was told that in order to use them for receivers and servos you need to buy a volta...
by RoyL
08 Oct 2004, 06:59
Forum: Class Rules
Topic: Snails trails
Replies: 14
Views: 15582

The provision regarding textured surfaces can be understood in its historical context. When Dennis Connor won back the America's Cup in 12 meters, Stars and Stripes was covered with a grooved 3M film that was claimed to enhance the flow of water over the hull surface and reduce drag. The change in t...
by RoyL
19 Aug 2004, 18:16
Forum: Class Rules
Topic: Moveable ballast & class rules
Replies: 12
Views: 16575

I assume that the concept of the "keel" being able to be removed and reattached means that it must be reattached in the exact same place. As to the issue of moving batteries, I would guess that as part of event measurement, battery packs could be weighed and/or stamped and a position for the battery...
by RoyL
30 Jul 2004, 00:13
Forum: General IOM
Topic: Instructions for a thunder tiger Voyager
Replies: 13
Views: 14096

I think Ron has this one right. I would add that even if the boat technically qualifies as an IOM, I wouldn't put too much money into the project. Thunder Tiger is very good at making mass produced product to a price, but its not up to the current level of performance IOMs. Of course it doesn't mean...
by RoyL
20 Jul 2004, 07:08
Forum: General IOM
Topic: Canadian IOM
Replies: 10
Views: 11871

Its a very sensitive topic asking for opinions about the performance of one design versus another. Most people are reluctant to say that a design is not up to par or that one person's work is worse than another. If the plan is to purchase a new boat with the intention of racing, it is always a good ...
by RoyL
11 Jul 2004, 19:16
Forum: Class Rules
Topic: Arm winch and separate sheets
Replies: 18
Views: 20959

I agree with Ralph 100%. Simpler is better.
by RoyL
12 May 2004, 22:51
Forum: Class Rules
Topic: TEXALIUM
Replies: 47
Views: 54031

Funny, how many areas this touches on. Let me raise one other question that this discussion rasies. It would seem to me that the issue of how fittings, materials and methods are currently deemed acceptable or not under the IOM rules is problematic. To use the example of Texalium, it would seem that ...
by RoyL
20 Apr 2004, 02:03
Forum: Class Rules
Topic: TEXALIUM
Replies: 47
Views: 54031

Based on all the prior posts it would seem that "Texalium" is "glass fibre reinforced plastic with a thin coating of aluminum on the surface of the fabric". I have no idea then if this is allowed under the IOM rules. On the one hand, the overall concept in the IOM Rules is that anything not specific...
by RoyL
13 Apr 2004, 23:43
Forum: Class Rules
Topic: Jib Pivot and IOM Class Rules
Replies: 12
Views: 15905

The jib swivel "situation" as recounted by the Chairman would seem to raise a number of questions as to how to proceed: 1. Is the new language of the jib swivel rule currently in effect? 2. If it is in effect, how should measurers treat boats that do not have a "swivel" attached to the boom (for exa...
by RoyL
04 Mar 2004, 00:56
Forum: General IOM
Topic: The Forest vs The Trees
Replies: 20
Views: 21840

The Forest vs The Trees

I wonder if we are perhaps losing sight of the overall path that the IOM class should follow. It is my belief that the IOM class should encourage growth in numbers of boats, sailors, suppliers and designers. It is my desire that this class become the first choice for those racing r/c yachts. I also ...
by RoyL
19 Feb 2004, 01:56
Forum: Events and Event Management
Topic: Summary from European Championships (Allocations)
Replies: 35
Views: 39964

It has always been my understanding that at any major multi-country race there are more people who wish to attend than the number of places available.
by RoyL
18 Feb 2004, 00:29
Forum: Events and Event Management
Topic: Summary from European Championships (Allocations)
Replies: 35
Views: 39964

US IOM Nationals

I have now spoken to the US class secretary and the race director for the 2004 US IOM Nationals. For those who are unable to gain a place at the European Championship (and also for those who would like to participate in a major race in the US and the Europeans), we would welcome entrants from around...
by RoyL
18 Feb 2004, 00:24
Forum: Events and Event Management
Topic: US National Championship
Replies: 0
Views: 3611

US National Championship

The United States IOM National Championship will be held June 18-20, 2004 in New London Connecticut. IOM sailors from around the world are welcome to join us in this race and all efforts will be made to accomodate those who are willing to travel to participate.
by RoyL
23 Dec 2003, 23:19
Forum: Class Rules
Topic: Sail Shape Indicator Stripes.
Replies: 25
Views: 27163

I think things wandered a bit here. I would assume that we all agree that if someone took a white or clear sail and colored an enitre panel (say with a marker or paint) that it would violate the draft stripe rules?
by RoyL
17 Dec 2003, 00:34
Forum: Class Rules
Topic: Sail Shape Indicator Stripes.
Replies: 25
Views: 27163

Since the current rules are very explicit about the number and size of draft stripes I would think that anything that doesn't conform (like a fourth stripe on the main) has to be prohibited. Fact is extra or larger draft stripes make it easier to read your sails--to me a clear performance advantage....