So you are starting a race, fighting for a good position on your end, striving to be at the front of the line but not over the line and it is all a moment of pressure and confusion.

What do you use to keep track of the time?


I lost my old watch after having batteries replaced and the watchmaker messed up the seal.. Now I am in the market for a new device. What is good out there? Are there any devices giving more value than just a countdown? Waterproof house for a smartphone and a regatta app?

I like the big Ronstan on the boom. Easy for both to see and has count down beeps.

+1

A couple of things....

1. Big ronstan watch on the boom
2. Crew counting down time and distance to the line for me
3. When it gets close (less than 15 seconds), I worry less about time and more about my position in relation to the other boats on the line. Start listening for the ratchets to start clicking when your within 10 seconds. If you wait too long, your out the back!

Anybody tried one of those GPS units telling you the distance to the line, favoured end etc?

I do have some starting experience, but I an wondering about any new devices on the market after we sold the T 5 years ago. Surely the world has moved on

not sure if the GPS enabled starting devices are legal for buoy racing...

I use a $4.00 (USD) digital kitchen timer in a waterproof bag strapped to the boom.

It's annoyingly loud, has a huge display (digits are perhaps 1.5 inches tall) although doesn't give the 10-second beep countdown that the $100 USD Ronstan watch does...And it doesn't have a "Sync" feature, but you can't beat the price...

Given how many expensive devices I've donated to the fishes, if I lose this kitchen timer I don't think I'll have to re-finance the house to replace it.

I'm thinking I may "upgrade" to the old school wind-up egg timer (with the bell). Since it's mechanical, it probably doesn't even need to be waterproof. And everyone on the start line will know when my toast is done

+a whole lot!!!!

Get a $25 Ironman or whatever. If you are not sheeted in at 8-5 seconds before the gun (flag drop), your LATE!!

I stay focused on finishing first which makes start line positioning far less stressful.

Basic feature Casio with the largest digital readout I can find. Usually in the $20 bucks range.

TG

This is absolutely the best watch for starting, perfect when strapped to the boom and very affordable.
It beeps every minute until 0 and keeps on counting after that which is useful for General Recall situations.
http://marinestore.co.uk/Optimum_Time_OS315__Big_Yellow__Sailing_Watch.html


Tacktick compasses are not bad as starting watches but are usually mounted halfway the spin pole.
The Velocitek Prostart is probably good too but unfortunately not class legal (GPS).

Hmm - looks interesting. I'm in the market for a new timer. Does anyone know if this can be found stateside? My quick Google searches only show UK and AU sites offering it.

Catsailor OnLine Store

$100 for a watch is a bit ridiculous. Garmin Foretrex 301 is slightly more and provides GPS functionality. I have 2 strapped to my boom most all the time. Won't get into the GPS debate, but the GPS can be disabled and you still have the large screen with a countdown timer. Crew and I generally also wear a watch for backup.

+1 on the kitchen timer that is a great idea.

Yes, they all laughed....at first

Ronstan is worth every penny. As you get older you really appreciate the large digits and sound.
It has some great features. Say you are sipping a water when the Class Flag goes up. You punch the watch, but know you are not right on the money.
No Problem!! When the Prep Flag goes up, click on the Sync Button and you are right on time. Awesome feature.
And you can set it to count down for the start and count up after the start.
Or you can set it to do a rolling count, count down, count down, etc.
You can set it for 10 minutes, 6, 5 3 or 1 minute. I keep mine on 1 minute and simply click the Program button five times for a 5 minute start.
In coaching the Youth sailors this year I also noticed a lot of them had their watch on their left hand. Got them now using the watch on the right hand.
On the left wrist or steering hand with a starboard start, they would have to look back to see their watch.
On the right hand, the sheeting hand, it is right in front of your face.., never have a late start that way.
Rick

I am going to give the kitchen timer in waterproof bag a try. I just hope the alarm shuts off automatically after a while!

For holder and placement, I'll see if I'll CNC mill a suitable piece of wood

Oh no, we're still laughing.

Laughing all the way to the finish line, or to the bank?`;)

The one I have does shut off after about 1 minute of really annoying beeping.

But if you can hit it with anything, the button will turn it off..

The egg timer, on the other hand, only rings once... And it looks super-cool sitting on the front beam.

Until that nice Ronstan drops off into the water... again..

If you are cheap you may as well go old school: