We are thrilled to announce that Velocitek’s founder and CEO, Alec Stewart, will be a panelist at the 2025 US Sailing Leadership Forum in Coronado, California. Joining Alec on the panel will be Stan Honey, Lynn Lynch, Tom Duggan, and moderator Beau Vrolyk. Together they’ll lead a discussion on Technology and Race Management: Five Lessons Learned About GPS enabled RC Tools Through Two Years of Premier Events at NYYC The New York Yacht Club, working closely with Velocitek, incrementally deployed a start automation system at its premier events over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, culminating in the first use of a high-accuracy RTK GPS race management and tracking system outside of SailGP and the America's Cup.
As someone who has dedicated his career to innovating in the sailing space — from the creation of the ProStart to the latest RTK GPS race management system — Alec is uniquely positioned to offer valuable insights into how technology is transforming the way we organize and experience races. Automated starting technology has become the norm at the America’s Cup and SailGP. A similar revolution is about to take place at other premier events, and could be coming to a regatta near you sooner than you may think.
Why the Leadership Forum Matters
The US Sailing Leadership Forum is an opportunity to exchange ideas, build connections, and foster innovation in the sailing community. This year’s focus includes sustainability, diversity in the sport, and advancements in technology—topics that are critical to the growth and inclusivity of sailing. And we’re excited to be a part of it!
At Velocitek, we’re deeply committed to supporting race organizers and sailors by developing intuitive, cutting-edge tools that make the sport more accessible and enjoyable. The Leadership Forum provides a perfect venue to share our vision and learn from the experiences of others in the community.
Technology and Race Management Panel
Saturday 2/8/2025
10:30 - 11:30 am
Commodore B
During the panel, Alec will share the story behind the development of our race management tools and discuss the broader impact of technology on the sport. Expect to hear about:
- Enhancing Race Quality: How accurate line calls result in fairer, more competitive racing
- Streamlining Race Operations: How tools like the Velocitek RTK system can help race committees run more races
- Future Innovations: Insights into where race management technology is headed and how it can continue to support the sport’s growth.
Click here for the full SLF full agenda.
Join the Conversation
We’re looking forward to engaging with sailors, race officials, and industry leaders at the forum. If you’ll be attending, make sure to stop by the panel discussion to hear Alec’s insights and share your thoughts on how technology can better serve the sailing community.
Stay tuned for updates from the Leadership Forum, including highlights from Alec’s panel and exciting developments in our work at Velocitek. Let’s chart the course for the future of sailing together!
If you're at SLF but cannot make it to our panel, Alec is planning to attend the following seminars:
The Foiling Pathway: How We Got Here and Where We're Going
Thursday 2/6/2025
11 am - 12 pm
Commodore D
Scoring 101: Scoring Methods for Offshore Racing
Thursday 2/6/2025
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Commodore E
Regatta Management and Race Official Town Hall
Thursday 2/6/2025
3 - 4 pm
Aurora Room
How Wingfoiling Can Save Sailing
Friday 2/7/2025
10:30 - 11:30 am
Commodore B
Impact of Technology on Offshore Racing
Saturday 2/8/2025
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Commodore B
Bring the Fun Back to Sailing Using Innovative Regatta Formats
Saturday 2/8/2025
4 - 5 pm
Aurora Room
See you in Coronado!
Can’t make SLF but want to race with Velocitek RTK? Get in touch here!
About the moderator:
A lifelong racing and cruising sailor, John R. "Beau" Vrolyk is a retired technology and investment professional. Currently racing and cruising his Alden schooner, he has served as a Race Officer, Judge, Board Member of ORA, past US Delegate to ORC, and is a past Commodore of the St. Francis YC.
About the other panelists:
Stan Honey is a legendary sailor and engineer who developed the RTK GPS-based television graphics and race management technology for the 34th America’s Cup, and the NFL virtual first down line. As a navigator, Stan has won the Volvo Ocean Race and set multiple transoceanic and circumnavigation records.
Lynn Lynch is the NYYC Sailing Director and World Sailing IRO. Hailing from Chicago, Lynn has worked in the sailing industry in a variety of roles for more than 20 years. Prior to NYYC Lynn was the Race Director for St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco, CA as well as the On-the-Water Director for the Chicago Yacht Club.
Tom Duggan is one of the most accomplished Principal Race Officers in the world. Tom was selected as PRO of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games by World Sailing. He is a certified International Race Officer and was Chair of the World Sailing Race Management Sub-Committee. He is on multiple committees with both US Sailing and World Sailing and is highly respected by one design sailors around the world.