Ocean Rope Brings RaceSense to the Solent
The Solent is home to some of the most competitive one-design racing in the world. From the fast-growing J/70 and Cape 31 fleets to the long-established Etchells and Dragon classes, racing there demands accuracy, efficiency, and complete confidence in the starting line.
Ocean Rope, a Vakaros dealer based in Hamble, UK, is helping bring RaceSense to more sailors, classes, and race organizers across the region. The company combines product knowledge, installation expertise, class-specific guidance, and a direct connection between Vakaros and the sailors using its technology.
“I saw the potential of Vakaros early on and knew it was a great fit for our product line. Not only is the Atlas 2 a highly capable sailing instrument, but I could also see the benefits of RaceSense as it started to be implemented at events,” said Adam Munday of Ocean Rope.
That early interest was reinforced by feedback from professional sailors already using the system at major regattas.
Fleet Level Support
Ocean Rope has played an important role in making RaceSense accessible to UK sailors. Its services include maintaining a local inventory of Atlas 2 units, supplying accessories and technical guidance, and developing mounting solutions for classes such as the J/70 and RS21.
During the winter of 2025-26, that work expanded into a coordinated effort involving the J/70 UK Class and three major Solent yacht clubs: Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal Thames Yacht Club, and Royal Southern Yacht Club.
“We were asked by the J/70 UK Class, which we work very closely with, to help with the implementation of RaceSense in the UK,” Munday said.
“As a stockist in the UK, we worked with three of the major Solent yacht clubs to supply the devices required for running RaceSense. We also supplied Atlas 2 packages for their charter J/70s, including mounting solutions and integration with speed transducers.”
The project depended on close coordination among Ocean Rope, the class, club staff, and volunteers.
“This would not have been possible without tremendous support from volunteer J/70 UK Class committee members and staff from the three yacht clubs,” Munday emphasized.
“So far, feedback from the clubs and sailors has been fantastic.”
The result gives J/70 sailors in the Solent access to the same race-management system they may encounter at major championships and international series.
Opening the Door for More Fleets
The equipment purchased by the three clubs was not limited to a single class. Once the devices were in place and race officials became familiar with the system, bringing additional fleets on board became much simpler.
“The purchase of the RaceSense race-management equipment by the three clubs has already allowed other classes to benefit from RaceSense in the Solent,” Munday explained.
“We recently assisted the Cape 31 UK Class with implementing RaceSense for its UK series. With the clubs already set up and familiar with RaceSense, adding new fleets is really easy.”
For each new class, the remaining steps are primarily at the competitor and class level.
“All that is required is for competitors to buy an Atlas 2 and for the class to approve a standard one-design mounting solution so that the boats are the same.”
This shared model gives clubs more value from their initial investment while creating a practical path for other one-design fleets, including the Etchells and Dragons, to use the technology.
From the Solent to the International Stage
RaceSense is already being used across a growing number of classes and venues. The system has supported championships and race series involving the J/70, RS21, Etchells, Melges 24, Star, VX One, 49er, and J/88, ranging from smaller one-design boats to grand-prix racing programs.
In 2026, the International Dragon Class also announced plans to incorporate RaceSense into its class rules, beginning with the Dragon Grand Prix in San Remo, Italy. The partnership marks another step forward for the technology within one of sailing’s most historic and geographically diverse classes.
The Solent is an important part of that growth. J/70, Cape 31, Etchells, and Dragon teams regularly travel between national circuits, European regattas, and world championships. Using the same system across those events gives both sailors and race officials greater continuity.
“We work with a lot of top J/70 teams that regularly compete at championship-level events,” Munday said. “Having the continuity of using RaceSense at local UK events as well as traveling events is really helpful.”
“Sailors become familiar with the RaceSense procedures, signals, and expectations, which allows them to focus on their sailing at major events.”
RaceSense Proves Its Value
The 2026 J/70 UK National Championship provided one of the clearest demonstrations of RaceSense’s value in the region.
The three-day event brought a wide range of wind conditions, requiring the race committee to act quickly as opportunities for racing developed.
“Based on my discussions with sailors, RaceSense has been a resounding success in the UK,” Munday said. “If I had to pick an event where it really proved its value, it would probably be the 2026 J/70 UK Nationals.”
“The three-day event brought a range of wind conditions. RaceSense provided an effective race-management platform and allowed the race committee to quickly get races away when the conditions were changing.”
Its impact has also extended across the broader season.
“As far as I am aware, the class has not had a general recall all season.”
For sailors, fewer general recalls mean less time waiting and more time racing. For race committees, RaceSense provides another tool for making the most of limited racing windows and rapidly changing conditions.
Local Support
Beyond class-level implementation, Ocean Rope provides UK customers with a knowledgeable point of contact close to the action.
The company understands the fleets, venues, and practical challenges sailors face in the region. From its Hamble base, Ocean Rope maintains inventory for fast dispatch throughout the UK and internationally, helping customers access instruments, mounting systems, accessories, and technical guidance.
That on-the-ground presence makes it easier for sailors and organizers to move from initial interest to practical use on the water.
Looking Ahead to Cowes Week
The next major showcase for RaceSense in the Solent will come during Cowes Week in early August.
The historic regatta will celebrate its bicentenary in 2026, bringing together a wide range of fleets for one of the most prestigious events in British sailing.
“Now we move on to Cowes Week during the first week of August,” Munday said. “This is a very prestigious and historic event in the UK, which will celebrate its bicentenary this year.”
“With so many fleets entered, it is going to be fantastic to see RaceSense used by the fleets that have adopted it. I feel sure that many more fleets will adopt it in the future.”
Building the Future of Racing in the Solent
The Solent has always been a proving ground for competitive sailing. Its strong tides, variable conditions, compressed racing areas, and deep fleets test sailors and officials on every part of the course.
With Ocean Rope providing local knowledge and practical support, more fleets can explore how RaceSense can help them reduce delays and make the most of every opportunity to race.
By connecting local events with systems already being used at major championships, RaceSense is helping create a more consistent approach to race management—one designed to make racing closer, clearer, and more effective wherever sailors meet on the starting line.
