European Championships Human Powered Boats

Wackersdorf 2006

Official Championships Regulations

Description of the races:

100 meters sprint ("speedstrip"):

The 100 meters sprint is a race that shows the top speed of the boats. All participants will have a single flying start, which means that they are allowed to start several meters before the official start, in order to cover the whole distance at full speed.

Slalom:

In the slalom, the participants show the manoevrability of their boats. The boats have a standing start, which means that they all lay still until the moment they start.

Long distance race (about 10 km):

This race measures the efficiency of the boats. All boats will start together from a starting line. The boats have to race a number of rounds. After the first boat finishes its distance, the other boats will finish their actual lap.

Burn Out:

            Two boats start from one line, held by helping swimmers. They accelerate for a distance of 6 m. The faster boat gets to the next round (k.o.-system).

Bollard Pull:

The bollard pull shows the towing force of the boat at no speed. A bollard pull machine is a construction placed on the beach. It consists of a pointer fixed at a post or a comparable electronic measuring instrument. The boat is attached to the pointer with a rope. The contestants cycle as fast as they can and the pointer or display shows the forward force of the boat.

Over All Performance:

The results of all races are summed up. It is not a total Winner, but a rating of all-round features which are equivalent to special features.

 

The participants:

1. Participation in the European Championships of Human Powered Boats is open for teams or individuals from all European Countries.
2. Exclusively boats that are propelled or incited with or through human power (mostly by the legs) are allowed to participate in the championships. The use of prestored energy is not allowed.
3. At the beginning of the regatta the participants form a jury with 5 members. Normally the championship officials decide in all aspects concerning the regatta, especially where the official championship regulations fail. In case of severe protests the officials convoke the jury may overrule the decision of the officials after examining the situation carefully.

The races:

4. The championships contain the following competitive elements:
• a Long distance race
• a Slalom
• a 100 meters sprint (flying start)
• a 6 m acceleration race
• a bollard pull
• an over all performance prize
• special prizes like design etc., decided by the championship officials
5. Every individual race has a winner. The results of the races will be made known as soon as possible after each race.

General regulations concerning the race:

6. All participants must strictly follow the directions of the championship officials.
7. All participants have to have a life vest with them on the boat. They have to wear them if ordered by the officials.
8. The participants may not hinder each other. Participants who endanger other persons, wildlife or other people's property will be expelled.
9. All participants must strictly follow the set course.
10. At request of a participant, a re-start may be scheduled by the officials
• in case of a technical defect right before or during the race
• in case of hindrance by other participants during the race
• in case of other, unforeseen situations

Final note:

11. The organisation of the championships and the German Human Powered Vehicles Association (HPV Deutschland e.V.) disclaim any responsibility for any damage or personal injuries during the championships.