New project...Your thoughts

[artbyjody]

Here is the update:

I am using web 2.0 features to generate course maps online now.

With geo coding and satellite overlay - we get to see where markers are and general idea of landmarks to look for. Charts are great and all but usually difficult to manage with limited crew on a boat like mine.

So - the map is appointed with the markers using the associated flag assigned. A printable version is in the works and thus - using a laminated copy - (or photo paper which resists shredding when water hits it), as flags are called you can simply draw point to point and your course is known for the race.

An example of this is here (link)

May not work for everyone - but at least for me, anything that can be done to make things easier for crew that have no idea what it all means - is priceless.

Otherwise have just been polishing things up and fixing issues as they appear...

[sailingdog]

Jody-

Might want to add graphical images to the key, since not everyone is fluent in signal flags...

[Perithead]

I agree with SD, it looks good and all but I have no idea what the different flags mean (I just haven't memorized the flags yet, and dont know if it is needed).

The site is coming along though.

[artbyjody]

P, that's the reason for just the flags.

Normally in the races - the committee boat gets to the area - analyzes and then decides the course.

The mapping is to allow whom ever that has the binoculars - to see the flag and draw lines on it (when in printed form) and from seeing it online knows where on paper it should be as well.

This way no need to know what each flag means in terms of the alpha designation - just order of flags and draw point to point. Clicking on the icons on the online version - brings up the location and in brackets [] - the flag alpha code for those that want to know.

It is quicker and alot easier to map the course when what you see on the committee boat as being flown - as soon as you try to plot the course - seeing a visual of what you saw - versus, looking at a chart and then trying to find L,M,N etc and then back to the map to find the corresponding point.


Printed version, I'll have the [alpha] next to the flag just to have that associative learning thing happen....

Thanks for checking it out and the comments...

Currently working on the new events module - which btw will allow skippers to place their boat on the schedule etc. When I am done with this - it can be used by Yacht Clubs, Groups, etc under their own domains to help manage races / cruises and other events (there is a long term strategy here but I can use my boat and experience to build upon it)...

Thanks again for spending your time to visit and give great feedback - much appreciated!

[AboardIndigo]

Looks good Jody.

When you're getting ready to expand to include other boats/crew, you may find some ideas that you'd like to incorporate into your site at the Ontario Sailing Crew Bank site.

This boat/crew matching site may have already been discussed elsewhere on SailNet, but I'm honestly too lazy to look rather than just post this link to it:

Crew Bank

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by AboardIndigo

Looks good Jody.

When you're getting ready to expand to include other boats/crew, you may find some ideas that you'd like to incorporate into your site at the Ontario Sailing Crew Bank site.

This boat/crew matching site may have already been discussed elsewhere on SailNet, but I'm honestly too lazy to look rather than just post this link to it:

Crew Bank

Nice link and thanks for sharing ... I had never seen it before and will look into how they do it a bit more...

[captainmidnight]

My favorite skipper once told me,"as long as you have to ask people to race with you you'll never win much, once people start calling to sail on your boat then you'll win your fair share." Not sure how this applies in the age of computers but I will be interested to watch HG's progress.

[artbyjody]

Originally Posted by captainmidnight

My favorite skipper once told me,"as long as you have to ask people to race with you you'll never win much, once people start calling to sail on your boat then you'll win your fair share." Not sure how this applies in the age of computers but I will be interested to watch HG's progress.

Ya know - your not to far off. Building a rep is one of those things that takes time.. it not just the boat but the skipper and whom the crew is with ... its kinda dynamic. And you stated it well. You can have one of the three but when you get the 2/3 down - kinda golden...

nice insight thanks for sharing..