International Star Class to utilize Vakaros Racesense
by ISCYRA 2 Apr 2025 15:26 BST
98th Bacardi Cup © Marina Semenova
The International Star Class is taking a significant technological step forward in race management by implementing Vakaros RaceSense for the 2025 Star World Championship in Split, Croatia.
This marks a pivotal advancement in accuracy, efficiency and fairness in race officiating for the venerable class.
A leap forward
Vakaros RaceSense represents the latest technology designed specifically to increase the accuracy of race officiating and the overall on-water sailor experience. Using enhanced GPS location data, real-time data processing, and a resilient communications protocol, RaceSense tracks exact positional data for every boat, mark and the starting and finishing lines, all in real time.
Importantly, this automated system eliminates the delay and uncertainty surrounding "On course Side" (OCS) calls by delivering an instantaneous OCS indication to infringing yachts. RaceSense also virtually eliminates time consuming "general recalls", required when there are large groups of unidentifiable OCS infringing competitors, as well as penalty flags such as the Black and U Flag. Unlike traditional methods, reliant on visual observation from distant committee boats, RaceSense increases fairness and transparency for all.
How Vakaros Racesense works
- Each boat, as well as every mark, is equipped with a Vakaros Atlas 2 device, which continuously tracks its position with sub-meter accuracy.
- Competitor devices receive live location data from ends of the start line, eliminating the need to "ping". Likewise, timers are automatically started for all boats by the race committee.
- The system monitors the starting line in real-time, instantly detecting if a boat crosses early.
- Sailors receive immediate feedback via their onboard device, reducing confusion and ensuring compliance without the need for verbal recall signals over the radio.
- All of this is done on a display most Star teams already race with, which also displays magnetic heading, speed, heel angle, DTL, and more.
Elevating Star Class racing
By integrating RaceSense, the International Star Class reaffirming its commitment to high quality race officiating. The 2025 and 2026 Star World Championships will showcase how technology can improve and refine race management, further ensuring that victories are decided by sailing skill.
Quotes:
"Employing RaceSense will significantly improve the quality of our championships, especially in our 100 boat fleets. We are committed to providing our members with the best possible race management, and this system ensures a higher level of accuracy and fairness.", said Paul Cayard, International Star Class President.
"We are thrilled to see Vakaros RaceSense deployed at the Star Worlds. This is a major step in modernizing race officiating, giving both sailors and race committees the confidence that every start is judged with absolute precision, and ensuring competitors are afforded the best data possible when racing", Douglas Wake, Vakaros RaceSense Director
2025 Star World Championship Website: worlds.starchampionships.org