Ardsranger - 3-11-2006 at 09:01 AM
Sorry if this post is already out there but i did not find it.
Im looking for a complete set or rules for racing. Please post a link if ya know where i may find the detail.
I want to know if there are any restrictions on kart spec’s , Line length, and general guidelines for racing. I want to start racing and im the only
person in this part area i know of that has a buggy. I just want to make sure when i get to a event my equipment is setup to spec's.
God Bless Bob
action jackson - 3-11-2006 at 11:25 AM
Specs heck just show up at NABX and run there is NO racing commission in the USA. Hell i run races in reverse with npws on handles........aj
DON321 - 4-11-2006 at 05:21 PM
DONT HOLD ME RESPONSIBLE !!!! I FOUND THIS SET OF RULES AFTER SEARCHING FOR USA BUGGY RACING RULES/REGULATIONS, I DONT THINK THEY HAVE RACING RULES
AT NABX OR ANY OF THE OTHER EVENTS , BUT THIS MAY GIVE YOU WHAT YOUR LOOKING FOR, ILL POST IT BELOW:
DON321 - 4-11-2006 at 05:22 PM
THIS IS FROM THE AKA ITSELF:
AKA TRACTION COMMITTEE’S
Buggy Racing Rules
PART ONE: SAILING RULES
ARTICLE 1 - FUNDAMENTAL RULES
(1) APPLICATION: These rules are applicable in all circumstances wherever the
sailing of kite buggies take place.
ARTICLE 2 - GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
(1) LICENCE: Each pilot must present a membership issued by AKA
(2) INSURANCE: When kite buggying (sailing or racing) pilots must be covered by
third party liability insurance. On request the pilot has to produce a valid certificate
of insurance. (Note AKA membership covers this.)
(3) HELMET: The wearing of a crash helmet is mandatory when kite buggying.
(4) RESPONSIBILITY: All pilots take personal responsibility for their competence
to master and control their kite buggies under the prevailing buggying conditions.
ARTICLE 3 – KITE BUGGY
(1) DEFINITION: A kite buggy is a vehicle with at least two wheels powered by a
kite. The kite is controlled by the pilot but it’s not fixed to the kite buggy.
(2) IDENTIFICATION: Identification number of the pilot must be placed on both
sides of the sides of the kite buggy and in the center of the rear side. The figures can
be preceded by one or more characters indicating the country of origin.
DIMENSIONS (max dimensions)
2.1 Length
11 feet 6 inches maximum long, all included
2.2 Width
9 feet 10 inches maximum width, all included
2.3 Wheels
The wheels cannot be bigger than 26 inches diameter, pneumatic tires cannot be
inflated over 29 psi the width of the pneumatic tire is not restricted. The spoke
wheels (wire wheels) must be shielded with hard material.
2.4 Direction
There are no limitations to the angle of turning ability the kite buggy has.
2.5 Weighting
You are allowed to add weights on the kite buggy, the maximum add on weight
allowed is 44 lbs, the weight must have a rounded shape without sharp corners. The
added weights put on the kite buggy cannot be movable while the kite buggy is in
motion. No additional weights are allowed on the pilot themselves.
KITES AND LINES
3.1 Lines Definition
Fly lines are those lines that connect the handles to the bridle system of the kite.
3.2 Connection
Fly lines must be directly connected to the handles and the kite, with nothing
between.
3.3 Length Lines
The maximum length allowed is 164 feet, the length is measured between the
handles and the back of the last kite.
3.4 Material
Fly lines made of Kevlar, metallic, or similar alternatives, are not allowed...
PILOT EQUIPMENT
Harness system must be of the opened type (for example: wind surf hook) or with a
mechanical quick release system on it. It must be a non captive harness system.
(Right-Of-Way)
ARTICLE 4 - MEETING
MEETING HEAD-ON: When two yachts meet head-on they must both bear to the
right and leave sufficient space between them.
ARTICLE 5 - CROSSING
MEETING: When two kite buggies are coming from different directions, the one
coming from the right has the right of way. The kite buggy which does not have the
right of way must move aside or slow down. Forcing a kite buggy which has right of
way to alter its direction or to slow down in order to avoid a collision is an
infringement of the rules.
ARTICLE 6 - OVERTAKING
(1) ENGAGEMENT: The overtaking maneuver is engaged as soon as less than 6
feet separating the extremities of the overtaken kite buggy from any extremity of
the overtaking yacht.
(2) DISENGAGEMENT: The overtaking maneuver is accomplished as soon as more
than 6 feet separates the extremities of the overtaking kite buggy from the
extremities of the overtaken yacht.
(3) RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANEUVER: The pilot of the overtaking kite
buggy is responsible for the maneuver.
(4) THE OVERTAKEN :
(5) The overtaken kite buggy must, if sailing in a straight line, maintain its course or
move aside, and if turning, proceed with a normal maneuver. Nevertheless the pilot
of the overtaken kite buggy may, when meeting an obstacle, carry out a turn, in
order to avoid it.
(6) THE OVERTAKER: The overtaking kite buggy must avoid the course of the
overtaken. It is an infringement of the rules to force the overtaken kite buggy to
change its course or slow its speed in order to avoid a collision.
BEHAVIOR RULES IN RACING
1.1. KITE POSITION
When crossing, overtaking or passing the upwind pilot must to raise his kite, the
downing pilot must lower his kite. The overtaking kite buggy must show kite position
consideration to the overtaken kite buggy.
1.2. RELAUNCHING KITES
Taking off or landing kites in such a way as to cause an obstacle and/or obstruction
to other pilots is strictly forbidden. Once the kite is at the top edge (azimuth) and the
pilot has "air" then they must be considered an obstacle. Once seated in the kite
buggy, normal priority rules apply. When the pilot’s kite and lines are on the ground
they are considered obstacles, help from outside is permitted, the other pilots must
avoid these obstacles. Pilots may launch their kites only when this will not cause an
obstruction to others pilots.
1.3. GYBE / TACK
Gybing and tacking pilots accept responsibility in the event of an obstruction to the
other pilots, whether with priority or not. The turning pilot has to look to the other
pilots and shout "Gybe" or "Tack" so that the other pilots know what he is about to
do.
1.4. DOWNWIND PRIORITY
The sailing master can authorized during the race downwind priority. He will indicate
during the briefing.
1.5. DANGER SIGNALISATION
An orange flag warns of danger, all pilots must be careful and slow their speed and if
necessary stop.
ARTICLE 7 - FAIR PLAY
(1) FAIR PLAY: All the rules must be observed in a spirit of fair play.
PART TWO: RACING RULES
ARTICLE 8 - COMPETITIONS
(1) GENERAL DEFINITION: `Event’: when the kite buggies race to establish the
best pilot. The event may comprise one or more regattas. Each regatta may
comprise one or more races.
(2) CATEGORIES OF COMPETITIONS: Competitions are classified according to
criteria defined in the rules of the event.
(3) PASSENGERS: are forbidden except when expressly specified in the racing
program.
(4) ADVERTISING: Advertising is allowed on all kite surfaces. No pilot or yacht
owner may be forced to display advertising. On the other hand all pilots must abide
by the publicity laws of the country in which they are sailing.
(Annex 15) 2.3.3. Decision to race
The race officer remains the sole judge in the decision to start the race and to use
the yellow flag to cancel the race.
ARTICLE 9 - PILOTS
The pilot must be sitting in or lying on the kite buggy steering it. The pilot must not
be enclosed by the structure of the kite buggy and cannot anyway be fastened to it.
Foot straps are allowed on foot pegs but they must be flexible and not metallic. The
stops on the foot peg must be rounded with no sharp corners.
(1) AFFILIATION :. All racing pilots must be members of the American Kitefliers
Association.
(2) PILOT'S AGE: The minimum age required is specified in the particular rules of
each competition. Pilots under 18 years will present a written statement made by
their parent(s) or guardian(s) taking the responsibility and authorizing them to enter
competitions.
(3) TRANSFER OF A PILOT: A pilot may race for a country other than his/her own
on condition that:
- he/she is a member of the AKA.
- he/she is selected by the other country and has raced in 3 events that have been
organized by that country
ARTICLE 10 - REGISTRATION
(1) ENTRIES are accepted by the organizers on a registration form, and within the
time limits specified in the program. Registrations are binding and should specify:
- name, forename, address and date of birth of the pilot.
- Buggiers number
(2) ACCEPTANCE OF THE RULES: Pilots, through their entry competition, agree to
the particular rules in the racing program.
ARTICLE 11 - RACING PROGRAM
(1) THE RACING PROGRAM; should specify:
- the organizer
- object of the event
- category of pilots admitted to the event
- last date of acceptance of entries
- cost of entry
- particular rules of the event
- time of the first briefing
- name of the sailing master
2) ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PROGRAM: The racing program should be
announced one month before the event.
3) AMENDMENT OF THE PROGRAM: From the time of the first briefing, only the
Sailing Master has the authority to amend the program. He or she must justify this
decision at the briefing when he or she will advise pilots of any modifications to the
program.
ARTICLE 12 - COMMITTEE
(1) THE COMMITTEE should be composed of:
- Sailing Master
- Jury
- Scorers
- Stewards
(2) IMPARTIALITY: No member of the committee may help a competitor during
the race except when the latter is in danger or could be a danger for a third party.
(3) SAILING MASTER He or she is responsible for the implementation of the race
program based on the rules and on the special rules of the program. He or she will
appoint sufficient scorers and stewards.
(4) SCORERS: at the marks (or buoys) and at the finishing line are solely qualified
to determine the number of laps carried out and the finishing order of the
competitors.
(5) STEWARDS: help the sailing master.
(6) JURY: Minimum three members are necessary to form the Jury and if more than
three they will be an odd number. The Jury chairperson is elected by a majority vote
of the members. The members have to be recognized by the responsible authorities.
They must attend the race site. They make sure the regulations and particular rules
specified in the program are strictly applied. The Jury relies on the rules in settling all
disputes. Decisions are reached by a majority vote. Should a Jury not be appointed,
the Sailing Master and two assistants form the Jury. The Jury has an active role, and
must punish or otherwise sanction any infringements of the rules which it
establishes.
(7) ORGANISER'S INSURANCE: The organizers must hold an insurance policy
against third party liability to cover corporal and material damage that they might be
held responsible for as organizer on the occasion of and during the races. (AKA
Sanctioning covers this requirement)
ARTICLE 13 - COURSE
(1) DEFINITION: The course is the place where the competition takes place;
limited by the start and the finish.
(2) OBSTACLES: There are parts of the course where a kite buggy may not sail
safely. Examples of obstacles are: posts, pools, patches of soft sand, gullies, and kite
buggies brought to stop or being pushed. These obstacles may be marked by such
means as flags or cones, or hazard warning tape.
(3) CLOSED CIRCUITS: The circuit must have at least two turning marks and the
Sailing Master must design the most technical and challenging circuit in respect to
the pilots and spectators safety. For example, an ideal circuit has 3 turning marks,
with at least one leg upwind incorporating and one leg directly down wind.
(4) TURNING MARK (BUOY): On a closed circuit at least two turning markers
must have "orange zones".
(5) RUNNING OVER A MARK: It is forbidden to run over flags or course marks
GENERALITIES AND CIRCUIT RULES
2.1. CIRCUIT RULES
2.1.1. Technical Zone
The Technical Zone is a restricted area established by the sailing master where the
pilots during the event must put their equipment (kites, kite buggies, bags etc.) and
where they have to make preparations and repairs during the racing time. This area
must be located at a safe distance from the circuits and public but connected to the
race circuit. All pilots must use a section of this area with respect to all pilot’s usage.
The SM enforces the respect of this rule.
2.2. CIRCUITS AND RACES
2.2.1. Type of Races and time racing
All races will be timed when they are on a closed circuit. In the case of a closed
circuit, the minimum time is 20 minutes and the maximum is 40 minutes. In the
case of long distance or endurance races the minimum time is 1 hour and the
maximum is 2 hours. However during a one day session the total maximum racing
time is 4 hours. Before the start of the races, the Sailing Master will announce the
time of every race.
ARTICLE 14 - SIGNALS
(2) SAILING MASTER’S FLAGS:
- red flag hoisted: stop sailing - return immediately to the start.
- red flag lowered: signal for the start of the race.
- green flag with yellow diagonal: briefing.
- yellow/blue flag requires the pilot for whom it is hoisted to stop immediately: the
Sailing Master considers the pilot to be a danger to him or to other competitors. This
stop may be temporary.
- green flag: means that the duration of the race is reduced. This flag is raised on
the finishing line as the leading yacht goes by to signal that the leading yacht is
starting its last lap.
- yellow flag: cancels the race (to be raised to all pilots) - return to the starting line
- checkered flag: signals the finish of the race. It is raised when the leading kite
buggy crosses the finishing line. All the kite buggies are flagged in the same way.
ARTICLE 15 - TURNING MARK (BUOY)
The turning marks should be single marks.
Markers on the circuit. It’s forbidden to run over flags, with kite buggy, lines or
kites.
4) TURNING MARK (TM) is marked by a cone.
5) DIRECTION OF THE CIRCUIT: in the absence of instructions from the Sailing
Master, the turning marks are rounded counter-clockwise.
ARTICLE 16 - RACING PRELIMINARIES
(1) BRIEFING: A green flag with yellow diagonal calls for the immediate gathering
of the pilots near the Sailing Master. It is compulsory for all the pilots to attend the
briefing. The Sailing Master gives the layout of the course, the duration of the race
and the time left before the start. If the Sailing Master decides to run a trial lap he or
she will announce it at this point.
(2) POSTPONEMENT OR CANCELLATION OF THE START: In case of
postponement or cancellation of the start, the briefing is held at the time provided in
the program. The Sailing Master gives the reason of postponement and the exact
time of the next briefing or informs the pilots about the rest of the program.
ARTICLE 17 - THE START
THE FLYING START
1. GENERAL
1.1. DEFINITION:
The flying start is a possible starting procedure. The kite buggies must be moving
under kite power before the start.
1.2. BRIEFING
The Sailing Master will hold a briefing before each race, signaling it with the briefing
flag raised and a prolonged sound signal. All the pilots must be present at these
briefings.
1.3. FUNDAMENTAL RULES
The rules applies from the moment the warning signal is given. Only the visual signal
has validity.
THE FLYING START WITH ONE LINE
3.1. ORGANISATION
3.1.1 Start Line:
The start line is one straight line determined by two marks at either end.
3.1.1 Length and Safety:
The length of the start line must be long enough to allow all competitors to start
safety.
3.2. LOCATION OF THE LINE
The start line can be positioned at about a 45 degrees angle in respect to the
direction of the wind. The kite buggies must cross the start line in the up wind mark
direction.
3.3. CONDUCT OF THE RACE
3.3.1 Signals:
The signals are given by the Sailing Master or steward at one place. An audible signal
may accompany it, but solely the visual signal is valid.
3.3.2 The warning signal:
The warning signal is given at the end of the briefing 15 minutes before the start.
The briefing flag is lowered.
3.3.3 The 5 minutes signal
At 5 minutes to the start, the sailing master gives the 5 minutes signal a loud sound
signal and a shout. After the 5 minutes signal the pilots are forbidden to cross the
start line, in case of crossing, the pilot must return behind the start line passing
through the markers at the ends of the start line without causing trouble to the other
pilots and without any right of way until this pilot crosses the start line correctly.
3.3.4 The 1 minute signal:
At 1 minute to the start, the Sailing Master gives the 1 minute signal with a loud
sound signal and a shout.
3.3.5 The preparatory signal:
The preparatory signal is given 10 seconds before the start. The start flag is raised
and the Sailing Master shouts the count down.
3.3.6 The starting signal
The starting signal is given 15 minutes after the warning signal. The red flag is
lowered.
PREMATURE DEPARTURE AND CORRECTION
When one part of a kite buggy crosses the line before the signal to cross is given, the
kite buggy is considered as not having crossed the line. To start the kite buggy must
return behind the line by crossing the end of the main line (in the case of
preparatory zone, it's the start line) without causing trouble to other pilots and
without any right of way until this pilot has crossed the start line correctly.
ARTICLE 18 - RACE VALIDITY
(1) CONDITIONS OF VALIDITY: A race is valid if two conditions are fulfilled:
- The WIND SPEED must be above 4 mph for a minimum of 3 minutes to have a race
started. After the start, the Sailing Master remains sole judge of the quality of the
race and of the use of the yellow flag.
(2) CANCELLATION: Only the Sailing Master is entitled to cancel a race, that is,
stop a race, once started, with the yellow flag. However the jury may disregard the
results of a race and may invalidate the race. In this case the jury must justify its
decision in writing. The Jury's decision is officially posted up.
ARTICLE 19 - MEANS OF PROPULSION AND PUSHING
(1) PROPULSION: Pilots may not push their kite buggies continuously or
systematically.
(2) PUSHING INTO THE WIND: A yacht shall not be pushed directly into the wind.
(3) RESTART: When a kite buggy comes to a stop, whatever the cause, the pilot is
authorized to effect repairs so long as this action is not a systematic repetition. Pilots
may carry breakdown material with them and may help each other. They may be
freely helped out, so long as this does not interfere with the normal running of the
race.
ARTICLE 20 - CHANGE OF YACHT
1.6. CHANGING EQUIPMENT (KITES, LINES AND BUGGYS ETC.) DURING
RACES
Pilots may change equipment (kite buggy, kite and lines etc.) only in the Technical
Zone or out of the circuit, in any case this operation must not obstacle / obstruct
other pilots. The exchange of equipment (kites, lines, kite bug, harness etc…)
between pilots during a race forbidden.
ARTICLE 21 - FINISH
The finish line is clearly identified by two marks, one of which is usually one of the
marks of the marks of the circuits The Sailing Master is at the finishing line with the
finish flag. Usually the start and finish line is in the same place, the Race Officer may
decide on a different position. The Sailing Master lowers the checkered flag when the
leading kite buggy comes in after the race time announced at the briefing has
elapsed. All the yachts are flagged in by the same flag. Each pilot must cross the
finishing line on board his or her kite buggy. It is forbidden to stop on or re-cross the
finish line.
ARTICLE 22 - PREMATURE STOPPING OF THE RACE
Should the course threaten to become unsuitable and necessitate the stopping the
race before the race time announced at the briefing has elapsed:
a) The race is valid if at least 2/3 of the briefed time has elapsed. The finish is
signaled with the checkered flag after the green flag has signaled the shortening of
the racing time.
b) The race is cancelled if less than 2/3 of the briefed time has elapsed. The yellow
flag is used to signal the cancellation of the race.
c) This rule does not apply in the case of insufficient wind.
ARTICLE 23 - CLASSIFICATION
(1) RESULTS OF A RACE: For each race the competitors are classed according to
the number of laps they have completed and the order in which they passed through
finishing line at the end of the race. To be scored a pilot has to complete at least one
lap.
(2) POINTS ALLOTTED PER RACE :
a) Pilot's score: the first or leading pilot is credited with `0' points and the following
pilots are award a number of points equal to their finishing position. Pilots who
abandon the race or break down are positioned behind those pilots who completed
the race. When two competitors cross the finishing line at the same time they are
credited with the same number of points. The following pilots receive the number of
points corresponding to their arrival order.
b) Unclassified pilots: Disqualified, non-starter and pilots having completed less than
one lap are credited with a number of points equal to the number of entries to the
event or regatta, plus one.
(3) TOTAL POINTS IN AN EVENT OR REGATTA:
a) If three or less valid races are kite buggied (sailed), the total points of a pilot will
be the result of the addition of the points gained by the pilot in each race.
b) If more than five races are valid the worst race result will be discarded.
c) If more than seven races are sailed, there are two discards.
In all three above cases any penalty points awarded are added to the total points to
obtain the resulting points. The winner is the pilot who has the least points, and the
other pilots are classed in order.
(4) GENERAL CLASSIFICATION:
The winner is the pilot who scores the least points - the second the least but one and
so on. Should two pilots be even (equal resulting points as (3) above) they will be
separated by the highest number of first places. If they should still be even the
highest number of second places and so on (taking into account only those race
results retained by each pilot i.e. not discards) (Art.23-3). Should they still be equal
they will stay equal in the final score.
(5) PUBLICATION:
After the last race of the day the results will be posted, mentioning the hour of
posting. Pilots wishing to lodge a protest must do so within 1 hour of posting of the
results.
ARTICLE 24 - INFRINGEMENTS
1. PENALTIES :
Pilots are penalizes by :
- stopping at the boundaries of the race zone (preparatory zone)
- pushing their yacht during the start procedure
- stopping in front of the start line
During an event infringements of the rules are liable to penalties. The first
infringement will be punished with one penalty point, the second with two points, the
third with three, and so on. Infringements involving a collision and / or
compromising the race are liable to double penalties or disqualification. The Sailing
Master may impose penalties.
(2) DISQUALIFICATION OR EXCLUSION FROM ONE RACE: Any pilot crossing
the lateral boundaries of the race zone is liable to disqualification (preparatory zone).
On top of penalty points inflicted in accordance with ART 24 - (1) any pilot who
disobeys the following articles will be disqualified or forbidden to start :
-Art. 2
-Art. 3
-Art. 8(3)
-Art. 8(4)
-Art. 14(2) - yellow/blue flag ``stop immediately '' - not respected
- red flag ``no sailing''- not respected.
-Art. 16(1) [1]
-Art. 17(1)
-Art. 19(2)
-Art. 20.
(3) BEHAVIOUR: The Jury and the Sailing Master are entitled to require fair play
from the pilots. Should pilots misbehave they may impose an immediate sanction on
them, such as warning, exclusion from a race or competition or suspension. The
decision must be justified in writing.
(4) SUSPENSION: On receipt of a report by an AKan decide to ban a pilot from
participating in one or several international competitions. The F.I.S.L.Y. decision
must be justified in writing. F.I.S.L.Y. will inform the pilot's organization N.F and CA.
National Federations (AKA) also have the same power but must inform FISLY.
ARTICLE 25 - PROTEST TO THE JURY
Protests must be lodged with the jury within one hour of the finish of the last race of
the day, and in any case the pilot who protests must warn the Race Officer verbally
immediately after the end of the race concerned.
(3) JURY DECISION: No sanction may be taken before the pilot concerned has been
summoned and informed so that a defense may be conducted. The decision of the
Jury has to be taken the same day, justified in writing and posted. Should a member
of the Jury disagree with the decision he/she may request a second and final vote.
The Jury decision must be based on specific articles of these rules and reached by a
simple majority vote.
ARTICLE 26 - APPEAL TO AKA Traction Committee
A competitor who has lodged a complaint as in Art. 25 and is not satisfied with the
decisions may make an appeal to the AKA Traction Committee on the following
conditions:
- address the appeal in writing to the AKA Traction Committee at the latest within 8
days of his protest. In that case the Chairperson of the AKA Traction Committee will
see to it that a reply is given within two months of its receipt. The decision of the
AKA Traction Committee is final.
COUNTRY; CHARACTER
1) NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION LETTER.
2) CHARACTERS
The identification numbers
must be: (Annex 2, F, Art.
5)
At least 5 ½ inches (14
cm) high and 2 inches (5
cm) large, Stripe : ¾ inch
(2 cm)
In black color set on white
background, and
Proceeded by the
identification letter of the
Country of the pilot (for
example the number 15
German pilot must have
this identification : G15).
Algeria : AL
American Samoa :
ASA
Andorra : AND
Angola : AN
Antigua : ANU
Antilles Netherlands :
HA
Argentina : A
Aruba : ARU
Australia : KA
Austria : OE
Bahamas : BA
Bahrain : BH
Barbados : KBA
Belarus : BLS
Belgium : B
Bermuda : KB
Brazil : BL
British Virgin Islands :
KV
Bulgaria : BU
Canada : KC
Chile : X
China : CH
Chinese Taipei : TA
Colombia : CB
Costa Rica : CR
Croatia : CRO
Cuba : RC
Cyprus : CP
Czechoslovakia : CZ
Denmark : D
Djibouti : DJ
Dominican Republic. :
DR
Ecuador : EC
Egypt : AR
El Salvador : ESA
Fiji : KF
Finland : L
France : F
Germany : G
Grand Cayman :
CI
Great Britain : K
Greece : GR
Guam : GM
Guatemala : GU
Hong Kong : KH
Hungary : M
Iceland : IL U.S.
India : IND
Indonesia : RI
Ireland : IR
Israel : IS
Italy : I
Jamaica : KJ
Japan : J
Kenya : KK
Korea : RK
Korea DPR : DK
Kuwait : Q
Latvia : LAT
Liechtenstein : FL
Lithuania : LIT
Luxembourg : LX
Malaysia : MY
Malta : MT
Mauritius : MRI
Mexico : MX
Monaco : MO
Morocco : MA
Myanmar : BR
Namibia : NA
Netherlands : H
New Zealand : KZ
Norway : N
Pakistan : PK
Papua New Guinea :
KP
Paraguay : PY
Peru : PU
Philippines : PH
Portugal : P
Poland : PZ
Puerto Rico : PR
Qatar : QA
South Africa : SA
Rep. Romania : RM
Russia : RUS
San Marino : SM
Senegal : SE
Seychelles : SEY
Singapore : KS
Slovenia : SLO
Spain : E
Sri Lanka : CY
Sudan : SUD
Sweden : S
Switzerland : Z
Tahiti : T
Thailand : TH
Trinidad Tobago : KT
Tunisia : TN
Turkey : TK
Virgin Islands : VI
Ukraine : UKR
United Arab Emir. :
AE
United St. America :
US
Uruguay : U
Venezuela : V
Zimbabwe : ZB
DON321 - 4-11-2006 at 05:26 PM
I know somebody will ask......... NO, I DIDNT TYPE ALL THAT IN.......:duh:
hope this helps just dont be to concerned with alot of it, after reading it, i have never heard of half this crap,
Pablo - 5-11-2006 at 12:12 AM
Interesting, some good info there, Only real question I get is what insurance or memberships will be needed to be allowed to race. Am I going to need
to joint the AKA or anything like that or just show up.
Also do you need to have the upwind turns nailed or can you just sail past the marker by a bit so your out of the way and do a downwind turn and head
back. This would be turning around a marker that starts an upwind leg, possibly passing it on the downwind side and heading far enough past it to
catch it on the upwind side on the way back.
jonesing4wind - 5-11-2006 at 08:06 AM
I have never raced, but I think it would be really helpful to be able to do a proper tack. They really are not that hard, just raise the kite to dead
overhead (slowly enough not to get yanked out) then turn quickly around. I think it is easier in lower winds with a larger kite cause there is a
period where you cannot see the kite and the larger kites move slower, staying where you put them a little longer. Like anything, practice practice
practice!
Seany
Pablo - 5-11-2006 at 11:21 AM
I hear you there, doing 180's and 360's on wet grass yesterday with a small kite, got the rotations good, but almost every time when I came around the
kite was 1/2 way through a loop.
khooke - 7-11-2006 at 10:25 PM
The Parakart Association (PKA) in the UK use Landsailor Class 8 rules, which I think are the same used across Europe.
Their rule list is here:
http://www.pka-online.org.uk/information/rules.html
most of it is common sense.
I've never heard of any restriction about 'upwind turns only' - that seems to be more of a personal choice if you ask me. I used to race with the PKA
in the UK (only informal club races, not their National series), and I think I only saw someone do an upwind turn *once* - and I was amazed that it
worked out... gained a lot of ground upwind compared to a downwind turn. This was back in late 90s, so maybe people racing are more brave with upwind
turns nowdays. Have to say though, if you can pull it off then good for you since you'll gain a bit of ground on the next guy who choses the downwind
turn....
awindofchange - 8-11-2006 at 12:44 PM
As far as insurance...
The AKA does not provide insurance for buggy events. This has been a topic of discussion for the last couple years now with the AKA. The AKA has
been working on trying to get coverage for buggy events but to my knowledge this has not yet been achieved. The AKA at one time did cover buggy
events but because of some claims that were put in at one of the SBBB events several years ago, the insurance was cancelled.
Its just like the insurance company to happily take your money until you put in a claim and then they turn and run! 
Hopefully something will work out in the future and we can once again have event coverage. For now I recommend personal insurance.