Race 2017 ?

 The Executive Committee for the RTWR has given long and careful thought to the viability of the event for 2017 and beyond. Declining numbers of participants, technical issues with secondary software, increased experience with the known format and it's options have all raised questions of whether the current format can continue. At the same time a basic desire is seen to exist for an ongoing "bigger than average" event that retains the mystique and challenges of years gone by.

In response, the Executive Committee proposes changes for 2017 (and beyond?) that will reduce the burden on teams and individuals as follows:

1. The event will be hard-capped at 48 hours in length, starting on Friday February 17th and ending on Sunday February 19th. (The first to finish wins. If no one has finished at the 48 hours deadline, the teams revert to their last full stop landing and the closest to the finish wins.)

2. The overall circuit will be set up so that minimal strategic planning will be necessary. Accordingly, the routing details will be made available only a few hours before the start time – as was common in the early years.

3. Penalties will be reduced and served by the teams' standing in place in real time.

4. Team events will be altered this year to ease the pressure to field a great number of pilots. However, larger teams will still benefit from having more participants to do the flying.

5. The emphasis will return to "normal racing legs" with only a small number of longer "over-water legs" to be involved.

6. No significant changes are anticipated regarding the well-known allowed aircraft from previous years, although some revised limitations will be required in the adjusted format.

To facilitate these goals the route would be modified and not require a complete circumnavigation of the globe. If the proposed changes result in satisfactory participation and enthusiasm it is conceivable that the circumnavigation would still be accomplished over a multi-year cycle.

Obviously these changes have to receive the support of the community and thus  we are requesting a serious expression of support before we continue with rules development. A thread has been started on the FSRTW Race forum where we would appreciate your yea/nay responses. A decision will be made based on input received by January 16th.
https://www.fsrtwrace.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=196

Thank you for your support.

The Executive Committee