Further to the AGM decision, IFA is publishing a position paper and survey on GPS-Assisted Race Management Technologies
The Finn Class has always embraced innovation where it improves the quality, fairness and integrity of our racing, while preserving the essential character of the boat and the sailor-driven nature of competition that defines Finn sailing.
In recent years, we have seen GPS-assisted starting technologies adopted by a number of international sailing classes at major championships and events. These systems have primarily been used to assist Race Management teams with starting line management, OCS identification and recall procedures, while also aiming to improve consistency and confidence in race administration.
Some of these emerging devices also have the capability to deliver significantly more information directly to sailors. Depending on the system and level of integration, this may include data such as speed, heading, heel or inclination, and — when connected to additional sensors — information such as control line loads (for example vang or mainsheet load in a Finn), together with true or apparent wind angle and other performance-related metrics.
It is important to emphasise that the Finn Class is NOT considering the use of these types of performance or tactical data systems for racing.
The current investigations are focused solely on externally managed race management applications associated with starting procedures and race administration for MAJOR Finn events.
As part of this broader discussion, the International Finn Association (IFA) has been investigating whether such technologies may assist in maintaining and potentially improving the integrity, fairness and consistency of racing at Finn events.
At this time Members are reminder GPS-capable devices remain prohibited from use (and if carried on board they must be sealed in a buoyancy tank) onboard during Finn racing under the current Class Rules. CR 5.5.2.(b)(2)
Any solution must preserve racing fundamentally driven by sailor judgement, timing, positioning and ability. Internally, this concept has often been affectionately referred to as a “Red Light / Green Light” approach. We are not contemplating giving sailors any additional start line data – solely accurate identification/notification of whether a competitor was course side or started correctly at the start signal.
There are several possible approaches regarding how notifications could be delivered to competitors. These range from immediate notification at or shortly after the start signal, through to post-race notification, or notification following a recall where multiple sailors are identified as OCS under a Black Flag start.
While such technologies may assist in reducing the number of general recalls and improving confidence in starting procedures, they are unlikely to eliminate recalls entirely.
At present, there is effectively only ONE manufacturer operating at meaningful scale in this area. While that product has been adopted by some sailing classes and events, its use within the Finn Class would likely require sailors competing at major events to purchase a dedicated device (or rent one) together with and purchase annual “licence” subscription. In addition, Race Management teams and organising authorities would need to become familiar and proficient with the technology, while also obtaining the necessary hardware, software access and subscriptions required to operate the systems effectively.
Outside of the current market leader Vakaros, there is significant activity from other technology providers, including companies such as, Sailteck, Garmin, K-Tool, Velocitek and others, who are actively developing similar race management and tracking solutions. There is a whole group of experts at World Sailing also looking at this in some detail. However, many of these products are either still under development, not yet widely deployed at major events, or have not yet reached a level of maturity suitable for broad Class evaluation and testing.
Proceeding down any GPS-assisted race management pathway would also require the Class to undertake a number of significant regulatory and operational changes. These would include amendments to Class Rules, the establishment of appropriate measurement and equipment control procedures, and agreement on operational protocols such as thresholds and processes for recalls, OCS identification and related race management actions.
Importantly, any decision to proceed would also require the Class to effectively select or endorse a particular technological solution. Under the current market conditions, this would mean that every IFA member wishing to compete at major events where such technology became mandatory could face additional expenditure associated with purchasing the required device, together with any ongoing subscription or software access costs attached to these systems.
Given all of these factors, at the recent AGM, it was agreed that the Class would pause any further formal evaluation or testing of these systems until there are at least THREE credible and commercially available solutions operating within the market that can be properly assessed. The view of the meeting was that it would be inappropriate for the Class to move toward any form of adoption or structured trial process while the market remains heavily concentrated around a single provider. Greater competition and broader market maturity are seen as important factors in ensuring fairness, accessibility, cost control and long-term flexibility for sailors, organisers and the Class itself.
These financial, practical and philosophical considerations are central to the Class’s current review process. Before any future recommendations, testing or implementation is contemplated, the IFA wishes to consult broadly with members around the world regarding the potential benefits, concerns and implications associated with GPS-assisted race management technologies.
The Finn Class remains committed to maintaining fair, competitive and sailor-driven racing while ensuring that any future developments are carefully considered, transparent and aligned with the long-standing values of the Class.
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To better understand the views of the championship sailors in the class there is also a quick questionnaire here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1O54b8UkPO1_197_O0en8WEWELAR65JZ8P4FdDifCGalg3A/viewform
