Accuracy Matters. The US Sailing Sailing Leadership Forum (SLF) has wrapped up, and what an incredible event it was! The forum brought together leaders from across the sailing community to discuss the future of the sport, share insights, and explore innovations that will help shape the next generation of sailing.
We were honored to be part of an excellent panel discussion on technology and race management, with a particular focus on the role of RTK GPS in modernizing race management. Our discussion covered how high-accuracy GPS is transforming the way races are run, enhancing efficiency and fairness on the water. The engagement from attendees was fantastic, with thoughtful questions and valuable perspectives that underscored the importance of embracing new technology in competitive sailing.
Outside of our panel discussion, we had a memorable conversation was with a veteran race officer who recounted how race management tools have evolved—from stopwatches and air horns to Ollie boxes, and now to advanced systems like iStart and SailBot. Smart horns have reduced the burden on race managers by synchronizing sound signals, eliminating human error, and ensuring a fairer start for all competitors. Similarly, our RTK Pucks and race management technology are bringing America's Cup and SailGP-level accuracy to a broader sailing audience—enhancing line calling for race committees and providing sailors with real-time Distance to Line and start timer data. It was inspiring to see so much enthusiasm for these advancements and exciting to be part of the conversation about how technology is shaping the future of sailing.
During the panel—and at 57:15 in the video below—we received a great question about how our RTK starting system works with different pin buoys, given that the start line is defined by the flag on the signal boat and the course side of the pin buoy. This is an important consideration: pin buoys can rotate, and not all are symmetric. With our RTK Pucks, which have two-centimeter accuracy and built-in orientation tracking via a high-accuracy compass, gyroscope, and accelerometer, we can program the exact pin buoy geometry into the race management system. Accuracy matters, and with this level of accuracy, race officials can ensure a fair and consistent start every time. Exciting times ahead!
However, the solution we implemented with NYYC at the IC37 North Americans was far simpler. In the Sailing Instructions, the starting line was defined as follows (full SI's linked here). Coincidentally, a similar definition was used at the America’s Cup for its RTK starting system:
The starting line will be a digital representation of the line between a staff displaying an orange flag on the starboard end signal vessel and a staff displaying an orange flag on the port-end starting mark.
For those who couldn’t attend in person—or for anyone who wants to revisit the conversation—we’re excited to share a video of our panel discussion. Watch the full session below to gain insights into the latest advancements in race management and how RTK GPS is being integrated into the sport.
A huge thank you to US Sailing for organizing such a great event and to everyone who participated in the discussion. We’re looking forward to continuing the conversation and working towards a future where technology enhances the experience for race organizers, competitors, and fans alike.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push the boundaries of race management innovation!
Accuracy matters.