ST. CROIX SAILING CLUB

GREAT SAILORS, GREAT SAILING!

ST. CROIX SAILING CLUB

GREAT SAILORS, GREAT SAILING!

ST. CROIX SAILING CLUB

GREAT SAILORS, GREAT SAILING!

ST. CROIX SAILING CLUB

GREAT SAILORS, GREAT SAILING!

ST. CROIX SAILING CLUB

GREAT SAILORS, GREAT SAILING!

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Racing

Racing events are organized to appeal to sailors of all abilities.  They include several weekend and mid-week racing series, fun races, and special regattas such as the Spring Invitational; the Breaking Waves Regatta and Commodore’s Cup (overnight race/cruise from Hudson to Prescott);  the Carlson Classic; the Labor Day Regatta; and the Autumnal Equinox.

The Labor Day Regatta (now known as the “Fall Regatta” or “Sail and Share”) has brought in sailors from Iowa, Lake of the Woods, Lake Pepin, Lake Waconia, Lake Minnetonka, White Bear Lake, Medicine Lake and Lake Mille Lacs. The festivities begin on Friday night and, after two days of racing, conclude Sunday with the awards ceremony and cocktail party. Saturday’s racing is often followed by dinner and live music.

  • Racing Posts

    • Start Timer Version 4 – Sequences

    This is a proposal for Lighted Sequences.  It supports both Rolling and Non-Rolling varieties.  For simplicity, it only documents RRS26, but can be applied to other sequences quite easily.

    The initial concept was to simply replace two flags (Class # and “P”) with lights.  Turns out, its more complicated than that.  Read our provisional proposal here (it is regularly updated):  Lighted Start Sequence (Google Docs)

    If you have any suggestions for improvement, please let us know!

    Proposed Rule 26 Sequence:

    Minutes before starting signal Flag Signal Light Signal Sound Signal Means
    (any) Class Flags, sequentially ordered. *

    P, I, Z, Z with I, U, or black flag

    		     Defines class order and penalties
    5   Top Light On One Warning Signal
    4   Bottom Light On One Preparatory Signal
    1   Top Light Off One Long One-Minute
    0 Class flag removed * Bottom Light Off One Starting Signal

    * Class and penalty flags for started classes shall be removed prior to the Preparatory signal for subsequent classes.

    The warning signal for each succeeding class shall be made with or after the starting signal of the preceding class.

    Example:

    A competing boat would see something like the following image.  Light colors are to be decided.

        

    All of these lights mean something in the USCG rules, so we added blinking lights – that way our Race Committee shouldn’t be confused with another type of vessel.

    Start Timer Version 4 – Hardware

    Hardware

    There are significant hardware changes for this version of the timer.  Including an upgrade of the processor to the ATMega1284p, the addition of an SD Card, and support for multiple sequence lights.

    Here are a few examples of circuit-board related updates.

    PCB (TOP) From version 2.2 (V4 forthcoming)

     

    Circuit board schematic to date.  Work in progress…

     

     

     

    Start Timer Version 4 – Software

    Software

    The software is undergoing a complete redesign.  We anticipate support of an unlimited number of customizations, including not only sequences, but changes to the lighting patterns and number of lights.  As with all new concepts, we expect to adjust the lights as we gain experience with them.

    One key element to this is the addition of a Micro SD Card reader.  This will permit patches and upgrades to be sent out to customers via email.  Copy the file onto the card, put it in the timer, power it up, and presto:  you have an upgraded start timer.  Support for user-customized sequences may also be possible.

    V4 Class Diagram

    A menu system will be used for configuring the sequences and rolling details.

    Start Timer Contact Form

    Do you have any constructive feedback about this project?  Would you like to learn more or stay in the loop?  Feel free to send our development group a message:

    Automated Start Timer

    Our club uses a custom start timer to run the start sequences.  It assists the Race Committee to time the sequences and honk the horns accurately.  Like many clubs, we are short on volunteers, and automating simple procedures benefits everyone in the club.  The start timer has undergone a few iterations of improvements since its introduction, but the greatest change is proposed for the summer of 2020 – to add lights instead of using traditional flags.

    Version 1

    First version, with one second to go before Prep Flag Up.

    The first version was created around 2013-14.  It featured a handheld box based upon an Arduino Uno.  Self powered, but relied upon horns mounted to the boat and running from the boat battery.  It was completely waterproof, held many different sequences, and the original is still in use today.

    It featured a 2″ tall display, count down timer, automatic horn relay, and supported many sequences.  An onboard switch allowed any two sequences to be run at a time, with additional sequences available by flashing the memory.  A series of led’s and a speaker alerted the Race Committee to upcoming flag changes.  Run time on a 9-volt battery was around 1 month (20-30 sequences).

    The interface is easy to use with a buttons for power, sequence, and a manual horn.  Four LED’s indicate seconds to a flag change (30, 20, 10, 5-1).  A speaker announces each of these time increments so the R/C personnel don’t need to maintain visual eye contact on the timer.

    Version 2

    Version 2, complete with horns.

    Version 2 was developed in the fall of 2018.  It moved away from the Uno and was built around the ATMega128p microprocessor and a custom printed circuit board.  A larger battery was fitted so that an on-board horn system could be added.

    Our local sailing school uses it near downtown Hudson – the horns are so loud that it can be heard inside buildings while shopping!

     

    At 3 minutes. Horn is sounding and an alert light is shown.

    This version included all the features of Version 1, as well as a 9Ah battery, air compressor, and 8 ft of tubing to remotely place the air horns.  The printed circuit board minimized wiring and made the device more reliable.  Switches were added to select from many pre-programmed sequences.

    It is no longer completely waterproof (because air holes are required for the compressor), but can take heavy water spray from just about any direction.

     

    Version 4

    US Sailing article about our idea. Click to open in a new tab.

    This version was born to solve an issue the R/C was concerned about – accurate raising and lowering of the flags.  Our Race Officer had the idea to use bright LED lights to replace the flags, and the new version was born.  It is currently in development, but is expected to be released in the Spring of 2020.  We are grateful to be working with an international group of engineers with a passion for sailing to make this endeavor possible!

    There has been some discussion online about this project.  We hope to make a proposal to US Sailing and World Sailing to include provisions for a Lighted Start Sequence addendum to the Rule 26 sequence.
    https://www.ussailing.org/news/raceofficials-story-racestartlights/

    More information will be added below as the project moves along.

    Fall Banquet

    Fall Banquet & Annual Meeting
    Saturday, November 16th, 2019

    This event honors all sailors with the annual award ceremony! All members are asked to attend to hear from your current board members, and to vote on your future board members and bylaw changes. This event is the close to the sailing season, and we do it in style!

    Location:
    Lowell Inn – 102 2nd St N, Stillwater MN
    Click here for a map.
    Parking in ramp is free with dinner purchase.  Bring your parking slip to the bar for validation.

    Social Hour from 5:00 to 6:00 (cash bar is provided)
    Dinner will begin at 6:00.  Annual meeting at awards at 7:00.

    Buffet dinner selections:
    Roast pork loin with mango chutney
    Italian cheese stuffed shells
    Garlic mashed potatoes
    Seasonal vegetables
    Fresh fruit
    Green garden salad
    Fresh bread

    Price will be $35/person for members who RSVP by EOD Thursday, November 7th.  (People who reserve online can pay online or at the door.)
    Price will be $40/person for non-members or anyone who registers after November 7th.
    Kids under 10 yrs and under will be $15/ea by EOD November, 7th.  $20 thereafter.

    Pay with PayPal or Credit Card
    Pay by Check or Cash
    Submit

    Commodore’s Cup, 2019

    September 28 – 29, 2019

    Race Details

    The Commodore’s Cup will be held this Saturday and Sunday, starting at 11am.  This is our annual voyage down the St. Croix to the city of Prescott!  The race event is open to all boats who are currently registered with SCSC.  Cruisers are very welcome to sail with us and join the party after racing on Saturday evening.

    Saturday:

    There will be two starts, with the Division 3 & 5 sequence beginning at 11am.
    The sequence for Division 1 will begin around 11:20am.

    This is all weather dependent – if there are any significant changes, the R/C will email everyone Friday evening, and by VHF starting at 10:00 Saturday morning.

    Saturday Evening:

    The Prescott City Council has reserved the city docks for us!  This event coincides with a Cruise, and beverages and food will be available after racing at the Hollister Mansion, hosted by the crew and friends of Salacia (see previous messages).  Your boats are permitted to stay at the city docks overnight.

    The docks in Prescott are between the highway bridge and the railroad trestle.  When you are ready to dock, call the “Prescott Highway Bridge” on VHF 14 (or 16) to request an opening of the Highway bridge ONLY.  Please buddy up with other sailboats so we don’t need to open the bridge too many times.

    Sunday:

    There will be one sequence for all boats.  Warning signal will be at 11am, just north of the Prescott Highway Bridge.  We will race to Hudson, or wherever the R/C sets the finish line (if the race is slow).

    Other notes:

    On both days, the finish line may be shortened or the races cancelled if the winds and weather are unfavorable for racing.  The Race Committee intends to have everyone ashore by 5 or 6pm.

    You may declare non-spinnaker prior to the first race (must apply to both days).

    There will be many new crews, boats, and skippers attending the races this year – thank you for coming!  This is one of the most spectacular events our club has to offer.  Here are a couple tips to make your adventure more fun:

    The river is quite high this year so groundings are unlikely, but you can never be too careful.

    All racers should familiarize themselves with the provisions of Section 18 of the SCSC Sailing Instructions regarding procedures relating to the passage of slow no wake areas. You are required to record time spent in the slow no wake areas and you are required to leave slow no wake areas in the same order as you entered them.  15 minutes max per zone.  You must inform the Race Committee of your times at your finish, or on the dock immediately following the race.  If the no-wake marks are missing, use the channel markers (green cans and red nuns).

    Should you elect to retire from racing on either day, ensure that you notify the Race Committee or have somebody notify the Race Committee on your behalf.  The Race Committee will be monitoring VHF Channel 72, or can be reached by phone.

    If the wind forecast looks light, there might be some amount of motoring – please make sure to top off your fuel tanks!

    Commodore’s Cup, 2019

    Saturday Party Details

    Avast me hearties, and ready yer sea legs. The Commodores Regatta is once again upon us.  And once again Maties, this year we have procured the “Hollister Mansion” for an evening of club festivities.  Our wenches arrr preparing linguini with red sauce, alfredo sauce, and white wine clam sauce. Along with garlic bread, salad, and desert. Surely a feast fit for all you Salts, Sea Dogs, Scallywags, and Swabbies.

    Evening Entertainment will be performed by Soloist and our fine Matey, ”Savanna Hall”.

    Let the be warned tho, unless ye wants to be keelhauled at sunrise bring a bottle of wine or rum to share. Beer, Pop, and mixers will be supplied by the SCSC.

    Arrr, and a great bit of thanks to team Salacia who have made this evening possible by kicking out the doubloons and procuring this fine establishment for arrr entertainment.

    Dan & Cindy Prochaska, Kevin & Janice Dalhberg, Luke & Lisa Mathias
    Dacotah Prochaska Mike Mealy Ian & Michelle Ball

    Destination Beercan

    The Destination Beercan will be held this Saturday, September 14th starting at 11am.  It will be a race from north of the railroad bridge to the finish line in downtown Stillwater.  Boats are welcome to sail back to Hudson at their leisure.
    If weather dictates otherwise, listen to the Race Committee on VHF 72 beginning at 10am.  (R/C may change the location if necessary)
    The club will provide beverages and sandwiches in Lowell Park along the Stillwater waterfront.  Please bring a simple dish to pass (chips, salads, etc).

    Docking:  You may dock your boats at the Stillwater City Docks.  They are behind the paddle boats (enter from the North).  Space is limited and on a first-come-first-served basis (we do not have reservations).  You may also tie up along the waterfront (depth permitting).   Anchoring in a star raft on the WI shore is also an option – the Committee Boat can be called upon to shuttle people if required (VHF 72, or call Pat on his cell).

    Cruisers are welcome to join us in Stillwater.

    Many thanks to the 2019 board for coordinating this event and we look forward to connecting with you regarding opportunities for next year’s board.