Augmented Race Management Systems

Advances in digital positioning, communications and real-time data systems have already been deployed at leading events such as the America’s Cup and SailGP, and are increasingly used by a number of World Sailing Classes.

World Sailing is now moving to provide a structured and governed pathway for their adoption within Olympic Classes.

On board devices using high-accuracy positioning and integrated race management interfaces can assist race officials and competitors, and provide valuable data to enhance broadcast presentation and storytelling. One of the primary areas of focus is start management, with the objective of reducing OCS incidents, minimising general recalls and improving scheduling reliability. Clear and immediate notification to competitors, combined with reliable and objective determinations, has the potential to deliver cleaner starts and greater fairness, directly supporting the objectives of World Sailing’s Olympic Vision Project.

World Sailing has approved a Policy establishing a Recognition Framework for these systems. The Policy applies to Olympic Classes and Organising Authorities of Olympic Class events and gives World Sailing the authority to categorise systems, benchmark them across functional areas and recognise them for defined purposes and event levels. A central objective of the framework is to ensure that any systems used at Olympic Class events are fit for purpose and meet clearly defined technical and operational requirements, giving athletes confidence that World Sailing maintains appropriate oversight, auditing and inspection capability where required.

Applications and Draft 2026 Categories

  • Starts and finishes
    Objective line definition, OCS identification and accurate finishing order capture to support fair and efficient race management.
  • Tracking
    Real-time fleet tracking to enhance identification
  • Live telemetry and broadcast integration
    Structured data outputs that support broadcast graphics, performance metrics and enhanced storytelling.
  • Race Committee communications
    Interfaces to support clear, controlled communication between race management and competitors where appropriate.
  • Category 0 ARMS: a system that is recognised for testing purposes only.
    System used solely for evaluation, controlled trials or limited demonstration. Outputs from the system shall not be used to determine race outcomes or rule compliance and are not determinative.
  • Category 1 ARMS: a system that is recognised for use as a decision-support tool.
    System used to assist race officials by providing objective, real-time information. Final race management and rule decisions remain with the relevant race officials. Outputs from the system may be used as evidence or guidance but are not determinative.
  • Category 2 ARMS: a system that is recognised for use as a rule-determining tool.
    System used to make specific rule determinations automatically. Outputs from the system may be determinative for designated race management or officiating decisions, requiring changes to the RRS via the NOR/SI.

Draft World Sailing Recognised Augmented Race Management systems for Starts and Finishes

For 2026, World Sailing will recognise systems endorsed by the Olympic Classes and any equivalent system considered fit for purpose, enabling structured testing and development.

At the same time, World Sailing is developing clearer technical and operational requirements to define benchmarks for different intended uses, class-specific needs and event tiers in the years ahead.

Vendor: Vakaros
Models: Atlas 2, Atlas Edge
Recognition Category:  Categories 0 and 1.

Vendor: Vakaros
Model: Atlas HALO RTK
Recognition Category: Categories 0 and 1. Under assessment for Category 2

Vendor: Velocitek
Model: RTK Puck
Recognition Category: Categories 0 and 1. Under assessment for Category 2

Vendor: Sailteck
Model: SK02 GPS Compass
Recognition Category: Categories 0 and 1. Under assessment for Category 2

Vendor: other – tbc
Engagement from vendors, developers and any parties seeking recognition under the framework is welcome: technical@sailing.org

Event application overview:
Event iQFOiL IKA-Formula Kite 470 Nacra 49er/FX ILCA
2026 Other events CAT 0 & 1
CAT 2 at OA discretion		 CAT 0 & 1
CAT 2 at OA discretion		 CAT 0 & 1
CAT 2 at OA discretion		 CAT 0 & 1
CAT 2 at OA discretion		 CAT 0 & 1
CAT 2 at OA discretion		 CAT 0 & 1
CAT 2 at OA discretion
2026 Class World Championships CAT 1,
CAT 2 TBC		 CAT 1,
CAT 2 TBC		 CAT 1,
CAT 2 TBC		 CAT 1,
CAT 2 TBC		 CAT 1,
CAT 2 TBC		 CAT 1,
CAT 2 TBC
2026 Olympic Qualifiers n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a TBC
2027 Other events TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC
2027 Other Olympic Qualifiers TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC
2027 World Sailing Championships TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC
2028 Other events TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC
2028 Olympic Qualifiers TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC
2028 LA28 Olympic Games TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC TBC