Sailing racing is one of the most spectacular and technologically advanced sports.
With the development of satellite navigation and telemetry, it has become possible to track races online, transmitting vessel coordinates, speed, and weather data.
However, professional tracking systems based on satellite communications are too expensive for amateur competitions. This limits the availability of technology for mass sailing.
Project Goal
To create an accessible online yacht tracking service that will allow tracking amateur regattas in real time, combining movement, weather, and route data in a single interface.
Solution
Based on our proprietary monitoring platform, an interactive competition map powered by Flespi was developed.
Key features:
- Display of all participating yachts in real time.
- Layers with weather data and the competition route.
- Information on speed, yacht class, crew, and current position.
- Works in areas without GSM coverage—data is cached and transmitted when the signal is restored.
- A simple and clean interface design, tailored for judges and spectators.
Waterproof GPS trackers with a battery life of up to 6 days were used for tracking.
Results
- The pilot project was implemented on L-6 class yachts.
- Online broadcasting of regattas in the Gulf of Finland became available to a wider audience.
- Judges received a tool for quickly monitoring the progress of the races.
- Spectators were able to watch the competition in real time, with weather conditions and the course overlaid.
The solution made sailing closer and more transparent for spectators, participants, and judges.
Now even amateur regattas can use modern tracking and analytics technologies, previously available only to major international competitions.