Predicted Log Challenge
"Predicted Log Challenge" is an exercise in navigational skills where the participants predict in advance the time necessary for their boats to complete a predefined course.
It is not a speed contest--each Contestant chooses a speed or engine rpm for their own boat which is comfortable and safe. The objective of the challenge is to complete the course in as close as possible to the predicted time without using a timepiece, and the winner is the boat which has the lowest percentage time error.
Each boat needs an independent Observer onboard to record start & finish times and watch for infringements. Interested to know more, then download the Sailing Instructions & Observer Instructions listed below.
Want to get involved as an Observer or Skipper then watch for Notices here about the next Predicted Log Challenge – open to all Motorboats and Yachts under engine.
Predicted Log Challenges are very popular in North America. Watch this video clip
Plym Yacht Club - H.E.A.T. Trophy
For this season the Heat Trophy will be awarded at the annual prize giving to the PYC skipper achieving the lowest average score over a series of contests held throughout the summer boating season.
The lowest score means that the skipper with the smallest percentage of error between the overall time to complete the course he or she predicted on the entry form and the actual time to run the course wins that individual Challenge. For the Heat Trophy all of the individual Challenge scores in the series will be averaged to determine the Series and Trophy winner. So consistency is the key.