Morse code Pt 2 (discuss please)!

[TheBoatman]

The reason for my asking the original question about morse is that we have a member that is hell bent on bringing the Morse system into race management. We currently use flags as our primary race starting system, but also use lights (3)to back up the flags. We operate a 5-4-1-GO system, so at 5 minutes all 3 lights on, at 4 mins, 1 light out, 1 minute 2nd light out, all lights out @ GO. The system is operated by computor and also has a klaxon sound signal.
He is now suggesting that we use Morse to automate the remaining signals.
I won't say at this point whether I'm in favour or not as I would like the forum to discuss the merits (or otherwise) of introducting such a system taking into account ability to see lights on a start line, average racers ability to decypher morse etc.
The signals would cover all classes i.e each class to have its own morse signal and every event to have its own signal i.e preparatory, individual recall, gen recall etc. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[graham]

I think that it will cause confusion.In the stress before the start all signals need to be very simple to understand as people have an awfull lot going on in there heads allready.

 

[plombier]

Strikes me that the member is seeking his 5 mins of fame by being the person to introduce the system.

Might be worth asking him how many sailors today can read Morse (sadly, very few I feel) and, if so, be able to do it accurately in the heat of a race start.

Does he propose lights or sound signals - if lights then one crew would have to be delegated to watch the lights and if sound, then a dot or dash could be missed over the noise of a flapping or tacking set to sails.

 

[ianwright]

Bad idea. I can (just) read morse, or at least I could once but, no, to complicated.
Anyway, if I need to check a particular dit or dah I don't want to be digging for the RNLI tea towel on the Old Gaffers start line.

ianw

 

[AndrewB]

There already is an approved system of sound signals for yacht racing (see here). Personally I'm all for sticking to the standard rules unless there is a very good reason why not. However, if this guy is really convincing your race committee that this would be worth trying, it would be interesting to hear how it works out.

 

[peterb]

Morse is limited in time. You don't need to actually see the flag hauled down to know that a class has started, but if you miss (or misread) a Morse signal then there's nothing to tell you what it was. May not matter to the experts up front, but to those who habitually arrive at the starting line a bit late it could be quite important. Still, I suppose it could be an extra incentive to be on time ............

 

[ribrunt]

You didn't mention if it was dinghy or cruiser racing...if cruiser there is the option of using that replacement for Morse ... VHF!!! Count out the guns, recalls, etc. - you will have a very well behaved fleet.

Works for dinghies too if you can get a couple of ribs with decent speakers to weather of the fleet.

HTH

Ribrunt.

 

[TheBoatman]

We start all classes at 10 min intervals, wayfarers, squibs, fast h/cap, slow h/cap, dragons, sonata's and cruisers a & b.
Peter. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[BrendanS]

Given that information, then no, morse is not suitable. In a quiet club, given a chance to brief and educate everyone (unlikely, even then) you might stand a fighting chance. With that sort of activity, forget it, unworkable, as you probably already know

 

[TheBoatman]

Brendan
Thanks for the input, in fact thanks everyone for your input. For my part I am totally against Morse as it will cause to many problems. I have a sailing committee meeting to go to next week where we will discuss the merits (or otherwise) and it has always been my intention to vote NO.
The answers I have received only confirm that decision.

Thanks

Peter.

PS
I don't think your a crabbit old git. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif