According to Bea Woodget, a review of the initial qualification races in the 2008 World Fizz Cup reveals that some skippers are using “pumping and rolling/rocking” to increase their average lap speed. Director Woodget thinks this is clearly illegal, though not explicitly covered in the present Rules set. What’s “Pumpin’ and Rollin’,” you ask? Well… read on…

The Flying Fizz mantains boat speed for two seconds while a skipper steers to adjust course. A skipper moving upwind can take inappropriate advantage of this feature by accelerating on close haul and then turning sharply windward toward the mark while flipping the tiller back and forth (hitting the left/right arrow keys). This potentially allows the boat to continue toward the mark at the same high velocity even though the boat is “in irons.” The same thing happens sailing downwind; a sailor can sail at 19m/s with a 100° apparent wind, even when running downwind with a 180° true wind.

Bea has referred this issue to the Fizz Cup Committee for a definitive ruling, but for the present qualifying races she has decided:

1°) Although this issue can be easily fixed with a Fizz upgrade, the ongoing cup races will continue with the current boat version (which is Fizz v2.02).
2°) Bea will write a notecard fully documenting this issue, so all competitors have the same knowledge base. In her opinion, the tactic described above is prohibited by at least two ISF Rules.
3°) Bea will mention this problem before each event during the qualification phase, but will not establish a new rule covering it. In her opinion, using the ‘pump and roll‘ technique is illegal, does not constitute ‘sailing,’ and is an example of poor sportsmanship. Bea will “call for fair behaviour” and request skippers not use it. She will talk with the two or three sailors presently using this strategy.
4°) As the cup committee comes to a decision and the finals phases begin, the rules pertaining to this and other questionable strategies may change and be more strictly enforced.