Vakaros, specialising in small boat instrumentation and race management technology, has acquired Sailmon, supplier of sailing instruments, from the North Technology Group.
Vakaros was founded in 2018 by Jake Keilman and Todd Wilson with the goal of turning the instrumentation market on its head.
The company is known for its Atlas 2 magnetic compass and Atlas Edge instruments which are used by a wide range of classes, from TP52s to Optis.
The company’s RaceSense product is used in sail racing by more than 50 classes to automate OCS (on course side) calls, timing, and pings, and has been used at hundreds of events and for more than 50,000 start line determinations worldwide.
Sailmon was founded in the Netherlands in 2014 by Olympic sailor Kalle Coster, Enno Romkema and Peter Houtzagers.
The company’s technology originated from super yachts and grand prix racing yachts with Sailmon mission to make the latest technologies such as data processors and its online platform available to all sailboats to improve the on-water experiences of sailors.
We’ve worked adjacent to the brand for years and witnessed their innovations on the water.
Jake Keilman
The company was acquired by North Technology Group in 2023.
Under Vakaros, Sailmon’s existing MAX customers will continue to receive customer support, with North Technology Group also continuing to support all Sailmon ELEMENT products under Synapse, a Future Fibres brand.
“We welcome the Sailmon community to our family,” said Vakaros co-founder Jake Keilman.
“We’ve worked adjacent to the brand for years and witnessed their innovations on the water. Sailmon customers are passionate sailors, and we look forward to ensuring they’re well taken care of for the foreseeable future.
“We look forward to being stewards of North Technology Group’s efforts to elevate the Sailmon brand and use data to drive sailing forward.”
North Technology Group originated with worldwide sailmaker North Sails in 1957.
The company was founded by Lowell North in San Diego, USA, and now incorporates ten other brands including North Sails Apparel, Doyle Sails, Quantum Sails, Southern Spars, Future Fibres, Hall Spars, and RigPro and Yacht Scoring.
