Race Sense: A Game Changer?

As promised, and while awaiting the survey results (if made public) from the Miami regattas (Bacardi and Don Q), here is my feedback after testing the Vakaros units and Race Sense system last weekend.

My immediate feedback is positive, although I do have some comments and minor reservations.

Don Q 2025

• Approximately 30 boats participated (a medium-sized fleet).
• The Organizing Authority (OA) provided one Vakaros unit per boat.
• Each unit came with a mount and instructions (published on the Official Notice Board – ONB).

Legality & Authorization:

• It should be noted that electronic devices are generally illegal under Snipe Class Rules.
• The Race Sense was permitted and authorized for testing purposes only by the SCIRA Technical Committee, following a specific request from the USA National Secretary.

Positioning & Dimensions:

• Placement: The Vakaros must be positioned in the same spot normally occupied by the compass.
• Size: It is significantly larger than a Tactic compass.
• Modification Needed: Elastic cords (bungees) must be rigged to prevent jib sheets from snagging on the unit during tacks.

How It Works (Snipe Class Configuration):

• Restricted Features: The Snipe configuration disables many potential functions like speed, distance-to-line, and “time-to-burn”.
• Displayed Information:
  • Upper part: Bearing.
  • Lower part: Countdown (pre-start) / Timer (post-start).
• Operation:
  • A switch on top turns the device on/off.
  • Other buttons along the left vertical side are not used during racing.
• Critical Installation Note: It is crucial that the device is mounted in the exact same position on all boats and is not deliberately moved. Its configuration relies on defining the hull’s perimeter relative to the device’s fixed location.

Interaction with the Race Committee (RC):

• The RC places two sensors at the ends of the starting line (one under the orange flag on the RC vessel, one under the orange flag on the pin end boat).

Starting Procedure:

• Sailor Action: Snipe sailors generally do not need to do anything specific (apart from the exceptions noted below).
  • No need to “ping” the line ends.
  • No need to press a start button to initiate the countdown.
• Activation: Simply turn the device on when leaving the dock or approaching the race course.
• Countdown: Automatically activated by the Race Committee.
• Flags & Sounds: Traditional flags and sound signals become supplementary/courtesy signals.
• Flag Implications: With this system, the “P” flag is theoretically the only one needed. “Black Flag,” “Z,” and “U” flags become obsolete.

The Start & OCS (On Course Side) Handling:

• Clear Start: At the starting signal, green lights illuminate on the top edge of the device if the start is valid.
• OCS Start: If OCS, a large (and intimidating) “OCS” message appears prominently on the lower part of the screen.
• OCS Recovery Protocol:
  1. An OCS boat must bear away, respecting the Rules of Racing.
  2. The OCS boat must recross the starting line from the course side back to the pre-start side.
  3. Once the boat is correctly back behind the line, the green lights on top will illuminate.
  4. The boat can then resume racing.

My personal Feedback

1. Sailing Skills Remain Unchanged

• Standard small boat racing techniques and tactics are not altered.
• Essential skills are not eliminated or diminished, including:
  • Estimating distance to the starting line.
  • Understanding the favoured end/area of the starting line.
  • Optimal positioning relative to competitors.
  • Analyzing risk vs. reward.
  • Knowing when to trim sails and accelerate.

2. Current Device Functionality (As Used)

• With the current device configuration, the only additional information provided is AFTER the start: confirmation of whether a boat was On Course Side (OCS) or not.
• The game would be fundamentally changed if the device provided further pre-start information (like distance-to-line or time-to-line).
• Crucially: This additional pre-start information is NOT desired.

3. Advantages of the Current OCS-Detection System

• Indisputable OCS Calls: If the electronic device is accurate and reliable, OCS calls are definitive.
• Immediate Awareness & Fairness:
  • Boats that are OCS know it instantly (I was OCS in a race; and I had a couple of OCSs boats in front of me in another race).
  • They can promptly ease the sails and bear away and re-start, avoiding disruption to legally starting boats throughout the race (making the race fairer).
• Elimination of Race Committee Errors: Reduces unintentional mistakes such as:
  • Incorrect or confused sail/hull numbers (leading to fewer redress requests).
  • Missing OCS boats hidden by other boats.
  • “Delayed” OCS calls made well after the start signal, only when a number becomes visible in a pack (when this boat might have simply accelerated better).
• Reduced Recalls: General recalls become less likely, diminishing the need for “draconian” measures like Black Flags, “U” flags, and “Z” flags to control the fleet.

4. Potential Disadvantage: RC Complacency (“Laziness”)

• Question: Could the RC become lazy in setting the starting line? (It was not the case in Miami, where they did a great job)
• Opinion: Yes, this is possible and depends on the RC’s diligence.
• Reasoning:
  • A well-set (square) line normally encourages better fleet distribution, reducing the chance of multiple OCS boats.
  • With reliable electronic OCS detection, the RC might be less meticulous about achieving a perfectly square line, knowing OCS boats will be caught regardless.
• Negative Consequences of a Poorly Set Line:
  • A heavily biased line can negatively impact general compliance with Right-of-Way rules (encouraging overly aggressive behaviour).
  • It typically limits tactical and strategic options after the start.

5. Practical Issues Encountered (in Miami)

• Countdown Failure:
  • Incident: In the first race, the countdown failed to start on approximately half the fleet’s devices (after that the RC displayed the “R” flag and consequentially many boats restarted their devices). Time-to-start was unknown for these boats.
  • Personal Experience: Unable to use a wristwatch effectively, leading to a very approximate start.
  • Consequence: The race was arguably unfair and should have been abandoned and restarted.
  • Resulting Questions:
    • What caused the malfunction?
    • Was the RC aware half the fleet had issues?
    • Should there be a way for boats to signal device problems (e.g., flag, whistle, authorized radio)? (Note: Radio use is typically illegal unless specifically authorized)
    • Do RCs need technical/electronic training, or should manufacturer technicians be present?
• Countdown Usefulness:
  • Aside from the initial failure, the RC-initiated countdown (when functional) is extremely useful.
  • Eliminates the need to constantly stay near the Committee Boat.
  • Allows sailors freedom between races (testing, tuning adjustments, eating …) without fear of missing signals. (RC sometimes announced 15 mins to start)

6. Conclusions & Future Considerations

• Necessity: This type of system is essential for races with large and competitive fleets (e.g. Snipe major international championships).
• Provision in Miami:
  • The Vakaros units and Race Sense system was provided by the organizers, thanks to a well-known Class benefactor who purchased a large number of devices.
  • Thanks are due to the benefactor and the Organizing Authority (OA) for making them available.
  • Eventually devices were offered for sale at a discount.
• Cost & Availability Questions:
  • What is the rental or purchase cost per unit?
  • What would the total system cost be for the Class or an OA?
  • Would these costs be passed on via entry fees?
  • Are there competing manufacturers, or does Vakaros hold a monopoly? (I express a preference for free markets and competition over monopolies).
• Potential for Device Simplification/Adaptation:
  • Could the device be improved or tailored for Classes (like the Snipe Class), whose rules Vakaros once described (perhaps inelegantly) as “antiquated”?
  • Clarification: The rules aren’t antiquated; their purpose is to preserve the nature of the sport (“our game”) while potentially enhancing fairness.
  • Suggestion: Since features like boat speed, distance-to-line, time-to-line etc. (common on bigger boats) are not desired or needed, a much simpler device, with a smaller screen, could suffice.
  • Alternative: Perhaps just the standard digital compass (already common) paired with a very small, separate unit showing only a green (clear start) or red (OCS) light.

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