Is it time for a technology re-think?

One design classes rely on equipment regulations to keep the emphasis on the sailor rather than the boat. Class leadership is historically conservative when making changes to these rules, particularly when it will increase the cost to compete.

However, the emergence of electronic starting systems is testing precedent and pocketbook. To use an automated race management system – which detects early starters and notifies both competitor and race committee – requires a bite on the bank account.

Founded in 2018, Vakaros has developed the RaceSense starting system along with instruments that can also provide extensive performance data to drill. It is not a stretch to say this has changed one design racing, but it does require the race committee and every entrant to buy their gear.

Elite coach and competitor Andrew Palfrey shared his opinion on this topic to an Etchells UK group chat:

During the Miami winter of racing in Etchells, J70s, and Star boats, I have participated in or coached approximately 80 races. All were raced under the RaceSense system.

From my perspective, I strongly support the use of RaceSense for the Race Committee in larger events. The racing is fairer and the days are far more efficient and enjoyable with no general recalls. However, I am concerned that we are losing a key skill that I always enjoyed when racing small one-design boats – that is starting the boat without the use of technology.

Our lives are ruled by screens. I feel we have followed other classes into full functionality (no data restriction) but it is time to have a re-think. I suggest we revert back to not having Metres-to-Line displayed for a few events and conduct a survey/ review after that.

In my view, the starting quality in all the classes I observe (with full functionality) is diminished. The dynamic is different due to there effectively being a start line painted on the water surface.

Yes, there is still skill required to accelerate effectively at the right time in order to get off the line nicely – I understand that – but I feel we are losing something that was a fundamental and challenging skill before these devices came along.

I think the OCS feature on the device is great, but contend we should trial switching off Metres-to-Line for competitors.

Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News:
I agree with Andrew, but question whether you can have it both ways. I do worry about replacing traditional skills with instruments, but that genie is out of the bottle. More so, using these instruments has become a skill, and likely an addiction. When the RaceSense system was first promoted, it was brilliant to offer a rental option. Once people got a taste, they would be in, and now the pressure will rise to use them constantly. While low key events may not have a buy-in, the trickle-down effect is flowing.