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Thank you to all who answered my impromptu survey last issue! If you meant to respond but haven't had a moment, please do send answers my way. I greatly enjoyed reading the responses I've received. 😊
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1. Seattle-based Vakaros marks milestones with second generation of GPS device
Seattle-based Vakaros recently released the Atlas 2, a sailing instrument in the now-familiar form of a tablet computer. The 5-person company’s software product, RaceSense, allows for a fleet equipped with the Atlas 2 to race without race committee or marks, creating a virtual course on the water.
For a competitive sailboat, the Atlas 2 can provide heading, speed, heel and trim. It counts down and displays the GPS location of the start line, a perpetual uncertainty for racers of previous generations.
The Seattle region is better known for its software development than hardware, which can be a daunting undertaking. However, when successfully executed, new hardware products can make a splash from the iPhone to FitBit. These are the exceptions though and it’s more common to hear “hardware is…hard.”
The second generation Atlas 2 includes an extended battery life, wireless charging, internal and optional external sensors, and a display designed for sun and the outdoors. It takes a sailing environment into account and is more rugged than the typical tablet.
The small startup already noted some wins this year:
- Vakaros began shipping its Atlas 2 devices, a crucial part of a product launch but especially in the ongoing era of supply chain complications.
- The British and New Zealand Olympic sailing teams announced they will use the Atlas 2 while training for Paris 2024.
- SAIL magazine, which has documented the evolution of sailboat electronics since 1970, included Atlas 2 and RaceSense in its 2022 Pittman Innovation Awards.
Vakaros is part of a trend making products that apply varying degrees of technology and automation to sailboat racing. This may be driven by a lack of regular volunteers but also likely due to the increased application of sensors, GPS and data.
With smartphones in hand, sailors also demonstrate a greater openness to adopt new products, not only at the America’s Cup but among local fleets as well.
MarkSetBot, a Detroit company that makes robotic race marks, automation software and app-based tools for race committees is also reducing the role of volunteers in race management. As previously reported by Future Tides, MarkSetBots are used by local Seattle fleets on Lake Washington and Puget Sound with plans to adopt additional technology from the same company in the future.
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2. Four small steps to boat safer this spring
Emerging from an intensive offshore sailing safety course, I began to consider how to share these new learnings in applicable, digestible bits. Extrapolating from lesson plans taught by passionate instructors and my personal experience, consider these small steps before boating this spring:
1. Visually inspect all safety equipment.
Time flies, especially since you might have checked safety gear including horns, PFDs, throwables and radios. The Pacific Northwest is particularly damp which can compromise equipment. Give the gear you’re counting on in crucial moments a good look over, preferably with someone you boat with regularly so more than one person knows the location of safety equipment, what is up-to-snuff and that you follow through on what needs to be replaced.
2. Consider your boating plans and what kind of safety equipment they will require.
Safety requirements and recommendations scale up when you go from short trips on the lake to coastal cruising, all the way to going offshore. Meeting USCG requirements is one step but an important follow up is ensuring safety gear and protocols match accordingly to how you are boating.
3. Make a safety briefing routine before departing the dock.
Future Tides reader Tim Hagan reminded me of the importance of going over the locations of safety equipment and communication with those not familiar to his boat before departure. These briefings are also invaluable with regular crew to share updates, reinforce safety plans and create a moment to acknowledge the inherent dangers of being on the water. It’s also a good exercise for the person leading the briefing, demonstrating forethought and preparedness.
4. We are all thinking about safety more.
This step does not require action but instead awareness. US Sailing Safety at Sea organizers noted that attendance in safety courses has increased along with a broader shift in the boating community’s mentality, comparing it to the adoption of seat belts.
There is a wealth of boating safety information available online and through maritime organizations. A crucial step is investing time to learn and practice these teachings. Consider this list a starting point or a sign to dive in more.
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