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GPS TRACKING
ISAF recognizes the potential in utilising track and trace technology to
enhance the sport, make it easier to understand, and boost its commercial
value, both on television and in its increasing popularity on the
internet. In offshore races, tracking has been used for many years, but it
has taken time for the technology to develop for accurate application to
smaller keelboats and dinghies when in concentration, and with a high
level of accuracy.

With an objective to address the OCS (on course side) issues at the start
of a race, recent tests undertaken have proven conclusive, monitoring
boats to a high level of accuracy, and ISAF is confident a system can be
operated to less than a 30cm range.

Software provides real time tracking of boats throughout a race, not just
on mark roundings. The transponder, which can be linked to a watch, will
transmit data to sailors, including an OCS alarm (both before and after
the start of the race), and other race data to be agreed. The software
package provides graphics and statistics during the race, and enables the
data to be stored for broader analytical work at a later date, such as for
commentating, or for coaches to review the race.

ISAF has a commitment to use the latest technology at key ISAF Events,
with the forthcoming 2006 ISAF World Sailing Games the first event hosting
the software. The 2007 ISAF Sailing World Championships in Cascais,
Portugal will be the next focus, and the Organizing Committee has already
pledged its commitment.

ISAF is working with Swiss Timing, the results and timing providers for
the 2008 Olympic Games, to ensure the technology is utilized during the
Olympic Sailing Competition in Qingdao, China.

ISAF will be seeking tenders from providers of GPS tracking technology to
work with ISAF to develop the hardware and software. ISAF will be issuing
a technology specification and inviting companies to make their tender to
ISAF by 1 May 2005. To express an initial interest in tendering please
contact secretariat@isaf.co.uk

Use of the technology will have ramifications to the Racing Rules of
Sailing and the individual Class Rules, and the ISAF Racing Rules
Committee and Race Officials Committee will be working to address the
consequential changes required.

http://www.sailing.org/