RaceSense Debuts at the San Pedro OCR: A Milestone for ILCA Racing
The San Pedro Olympic Classes Regatta, July 19-24, marked a major milestone for the ILCA class as the first major ILCA event to implement the RaceSense starting system. Set against the stunning backdrop of San Pedro, California, the event took place at one of the venues preparing to host sailing during the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. It provided the perfect stage to showcase how technology can enhance the racing experience.
RaceSense is designed with one goal in mind: making racing fairer, faster, and a better experience for sailors. The World Sailing-approved system removes much of the uncertainty surrounding race starts, allowing competitors to focus entirely on sailing rather than wondering whether they have crossed the line too early.
The system works by connecting every part of the starting procedure. Two Vakaros units are positioned at either end of the starting line, while each competing boat carries its own Atlas device. All of these are linked to the Principal Race Officer's tablet, creating a real-time picture of each boat's position relative to the line.
When the starting signal is given and the line is "open," RaceSense instantly identifies any boats that are OCS. Instead of a general recall affecting the entire fleet, only the sailors who started early are notified. They can return, clear the line, and restart, while the rest of the fleet continues racing uninterrupted.
The result is a smoother, more efficient starting sequence that reduces delays, minimizes unnecessary recalls, and rewards sailors who execute clean starts. Rather than wasting time on the water to repeated general recalls, competitors can spend more time doing what they came to do: race.
For race officials, RaceSense provides a powerful decision-making tool backed by precise positional data.
“Using an automated race management system for starting two fleets of 63 ILCAS was a game changer in event management,” declared Fred Hagedorn, SPOCR Event Director and President of Pan American Sailing Federation. “Can you imagine a large ILCA regatta with no Letter Scores associated with starting? Can you imagine an ILCA Regatta with no General Recalls?”
“This was our reality at the San Pedro OCR - the final stop in the Sailing Grand Slam Series, and the first permitted to use ARMS for the ILCAs. We had 15 boats over in one start, and all were properly cleared and restarted in under 12 seconds!”
“Vakaros supplied the system and full support, and were extremely easy to work with! I can’t thank Vakaros enough for their support and leadership. With 5 years in the field, the system was rock solid!”
With San Pedro serving as an important testing ground ahead of LA2028, the successful implementation of RaceSense at this event demonstrates how innovative technology can support the future of Olympic-class sailing. The feedback throughout the regatta was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting both the efficiency of the system and the confidence it gives competitors on the start line.
What the Sailors Had to Say
Marie Barrue, FRA
"RaceSense is really impressive. One of the things that stood out immediately was how clearly race management information is displayed. If a race is abandoned, the device shows it instantly. If the race committee posts an AP, 'Race Postponed' appears prominently on the screen. It means sailors no longer need to rely on flags or sound signals, you simply look at your display and know exactly what's happening. It makes race management much more efficient and gives sailors immediate clarity on the water."
Mari Erdi, HUN
"It was an interesting venue to try it at, with the race course being so right-hand-side favoured and the starts being super important. I did get two OCSs, and it was a grind to get back through the fleet, but it was great to have the option to clear the line and keep racing. I'm looking forward to testing the units more at different venues."
Fabrizio Lazzerini, ITA
Coach of Mari Erdi
"RaceSense definitely gives a different perspective on the starting process. It will be interesting to train with it and see how it influences racing over time, but overall I only have positive things to say. Eliminating general recalls means racing moves along much faster, which is a real benefit for both sailors and race officials."
Filip Jurišić, CRO
"I like it a lot, it is definitely a game changer. I'm looking forward to racing with the Vakaros RaceSense system more in the future."
