GPS Rules
 

Can we review the GPS rules?

During a conference call two years ago it was agreed, and determined, that a boat could run a "back up" GPS in case the main GPS failed.

The Back Up GPS could ONLY be read if the Main GPS failed.

The Back Up GPS was not supposed to be used during a protest if the Main GPS showed a breakout.

This is how I understood the rules. Unfortunately it cost one racer a first place finish, and a high point championship. I'd respectfully request a clarification of the GPS Rules.

Bob,

To the best of my memory, those rules were applied and the winner was determined correctly. What cost that racer the national title was incorrect scoring(application of points) in the OC race and Tawas race and the scoring not being fixed to date....

Disclaimer: The points results of those 2 races were not protested or brought to the attention of the staff by the class affected after those 2 races and bluntly wasnt realized until there was a tie in the final standings. In reality should they be amended and fixed this far afterwards?????

Trent,
OK-lets for get about the points for a minute (that is a whole other issue). Are the rules that I outlined above correct??
Thanks,

There is nothing in the rulebook that specifies what you are saying, however in the literature concerning ATTI it states the following:

Racer Resource Section: oparacing.org
We have been working very hard at making sure we have the latest in technology for reading speeds for breakouts in our 5 official OPA GPS classes. These classes are Class 100 to Class 600. (Excluding SuperVee's) In these 5 classes that OPA runs today, we are making sure that everyone understands the rules of engagement with GPS units. It is the racers responsibility to make sure that the ATTI GPS unit is working properly at all times. We are allowing a second GPS as a backup in case your PRIMARY unit fails. It is the OPA's discression to examine a boat when it comes out of the water after the race to inspect what was initially setup before you hit the water at the begining of the race. Anyone deciding to not get that check if OPA has decided your boat is in question will be given last place with last place points. So please be careful and pay attention if Race Control asks you to remain in the water for inspections. Now, on to the new GPS units that are available and what you can expect this year with regards to GPS'.​
There is a new WIRELESS GPS unit available that the OPA officials have decided to use moving forward this year and the following years. We do expect anyone that is currently purchasing a new GPS unit to buy the new wireless one. We do understand that the economy is not the best right now so OPA has decided to use the J2 tracking unit as a backup only. Anyone that currently owns a J2 tracking unit will be grandfathered in. The J2 is no longer available through ATTI for OPA use. The cost of the new wireless unit is $425 which includes the Premier Tracking unit, GPS antenna, and the ignition wiring cable harness. The model number of this unit is STPremier. You will also need to put this unit into a pelican box that can be permanently mounted to your boat. See the cost below for the foam insert needed, and the clear lid for GPS visibility.
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The only mention in the rule book pertaining to GPS'

Page 35
19. Any boat caught breaking out of their speed bracket will receive last place points and will start the next race in the outside lane. GPS units will track this. GPS units are mandatory in each race boat, otherwise they will be disqualified.
20. In the event of a GPS malfunction, the Chief Referee will then refer to the prop calculation and will sea trial the boat in question. The sea trial is done to determine if the boat falls within the parameters of the said class it was registered and approved as.
21. It is the racers responsibility to install the GPS unit correctly and to make sure that the GPS unit and antenna is securely mounted.

However I have been instructed as to exactly what you are saying verbally

I believe you have the rules correct. Your assumption regarding the first place finish being taken away because the use of a backup GPS in a protest is off the mark.