Marine electronics company Vakaros has been appointed as official technology partner of the International Star Class under a new three-year agreement.
As part of the partnership, Vakaros and the Star Class will work together to make Star racing more efficient, fairer, and even more engaging for sailors, race committees, and organisers.
The collaboration will include use of Vakaros RaceSense race management system capable of judging starting lines, finish lines, mark-rounding zones, and providing instantaneous feedback to competitors.
By delivering precise, real-time information directly to the sailors, RaceSense virtually eliminates general recalls, reduces the need for black flags, and removes ambiguity surrounding start timing and line positioning.
It’s so exciting to see a class so steeped in tradition embracing new technology.
Doug Wake
The system was successfully deployed at the 2025 Star World Championship in Split, Croatia, where a fleet of 101 boats was managed efficiently and smoothly using RaceSense technology.
The International Star Class now intends to use RaceSense at its world and continental championships over the next three years.
Beyond race execution, Vakaros will also support the Star Class through continued technical collaboration and the development of new tools aimed at enhancing the racing experience and the delivery of events.
Iconic sailing class
“We are impressed with efficiency and fairness that RaceSense offers our sailors,” explained International Star Class president, Paul Cayard.
“We look forward to additional features such as a live tracker that this technology will surely bring over the next three years.”
Doug Wake, RaceSense director Vakaros, added: “The Star is one of the world’s iconic classes: it’s so exciting to see a class so steeped in tradition embracing new technology.
“We know Star sailors around the world will appreciate fairer, more efficient racing at all their championships.”
