Yacht Racing Timers

[x25dave]

Hi all, I currently use an app on my smart phone as a race/start timer. This is an excellent app, as it even speaks the time at the crucial moments. I am however quite worried that my phone, in it's waterproof bag, will at some point be lost over the side, during a race, when things can get a little hectic.
I have seen a few watches which have differing race/start timer functions, and would appreciate advice on which are the best watches/timers for sailors.

Merry xmas to you all,

Dave

 

[chrisbitz]

I use a tesco digital kitchen countdown timer, for boiling eggs or something..

What features would a race timer have in addition?

 

[x25dave]

Now that's an interesting thought ��

 

[Leighb]

Race timers usually have a number of special features. Normally, assuming a standard 5-4-1-Go sequence, they will beep every minute, but give an extra beep at the 4 minute and 1 minute, and then beep every 10 secs until 30 secs and then every sec to the start with a different sound at the start. Not all I have encountered have exactly this pattern but similar. They can also be set to Count Down and then Count Up, useful when starting a handicap race when you need to record finishing times, or, to Repeat the 5 min sequence, useful if you are starting a series of classes at 5 min intervals.

 

[oldsaltoz]

I used a yacht racing starters watch that was presented to me by Rollie Tasker (sp) for many years so they must be available.

Good luck and fair wins.

 

[scottie]

Race timers usually have a number of special features. Normally, assuming a standard 5-4-1-Go sequence, they will beep every minute, but give an extra beep at the 4 minute and 1 minute, and then beep every 10 secs until 30 secs and then every sec to the start with a different sound at the start. Not all I have encountered have exactly this pattern but similar. They can also be set to Count Down and then Count Up, useful when starting a handicap race when you need to record finishing times, or, to Repeat the 5 min sequence, useful if you are starting a series of classes at 5 min intervals.

Optium time series 3 yacht racing watch is ideal for this I have used this when driving a start boat doing several starts (6-10) and whilst racing it has an option that allows you to fix it to surface or even the end of a boom in a dinghy and does all the the start sequences
I does look a bit OTT at times though

 

[scottie]

Optimum Time Series 3 Jumbo Sailing Watch

Developed from the iconic Optimum Time Big Yellow Yachting Timer, the Optimum Time Sailing Watch is easy to use in the harshest of marine conditions.

Its water- and shock-resistant construction as well as an elasticated strap for wearing over sailing top sleeves means this watch will be at home in the marine environment.

The Optimum Time Sailing Watch has 16-mm LCD digit height and a display window of 38 x 20 mm so checking the time is easy even in heavy seas. Included is a boom/mast mounting bracket for a boat-mounting option.

Features

Single-row display plus icons
16-mm LCD digit height display
Display window 38 x 20 mm
Large size (65-mm diameter) but comfortable to wear
Easy-to-use labelled buttons on top of watch case
5, 4, 1, 0 ISAF start sequence pre-programmed with audible warning signals (with silence option)
5-minute, 3-minute and multiples of 1-minute countdown
Alarm
Water resistance 5 ATM (50 m)
Shock resistant
Adjustable viewing angle
Boom/mast mounting bracket included
Countdown and count up
Countdown and repeat
SYNC button for instant synchronisation if race gun is missed
Positive click buttons
Low-battery indicator
Elasticated strap for wearing over sailing top sleeves

 

[Ricd]

Believe it or not I have an Optimum series 3 and a series 2 both of which I no longer need as I packed in dingy sailing a couple of years ago. The Series 3 I had just bought before stopping racing and is still in original box. PM me if you are interested in it a a very very reasonable price?

 

[Daydream believer]

I had an optimum which leaked after a couple of swims.
fair doos to optimum they replaced with a more modern one it FOC but it took 2 months
Whilst waiting I bought a WinDesign which has the annoying habit of advancing one mode stage every time I press the illumination button. I prefer the optimum.
Before that I had a dedicated digital stop watch which lasted 1 year & i only used it on my cruiser mainly for timing buoy flashes
The problem i have with all these watches is the operation. To reset to a start gun one has to stop, reset then start - although one of my watches has a synchronise feature which is handy. The method of setting the alarm takes a computer mind to remember as does the different count down options when one changes clubs with different start times throughout the season.
What I really want is a stopwatch with a fast reset button & which has easy read numbers, big buttons so I do not have to look at the watch to see if it has actually started. So far I have not found anything.
In my younger days I used to buy analogue stopwatches which had a rubber case for waterproofing. They only lasted a season but were preferable to modern ones as far as operation is concerned

 

[x25dave]

Thank you every one. All truly helpful replies