Ever since taking the helm as President of the ILCA, I have been a proponent of thinking outside the box as it relates to embracing new technology, new equipment, new construction materials, new designs, new ideas. Make no mistake, if we want to thrive well into the future as a leading one design class, we must embrace technology. Our future U32 sailors will demand it or will eventually leave. They will choose to sail other types of boats, likely more progressive classes.

The Lightning Class took a big step forward at the St. Pete Winter Championship by testing Vakaros RaceSense technology. It was my first time using RaceSense. Although the benefits have been explained to me, until I witnessed it firsthand, I did not fully appreciate the positive experience. Here were some of my highlights: 1. In Class Mode, all competitors are reading the same information on the Vakaros compass. 2. Time countdown to start from @ 15 minutes (this can be set to any count down time). This was nice to know while we were doing pre-race warm up, getting numbers, current info, etc. 3. Red and Green lights at start. If Green, you are clear and racing. If Red, it will display the dreaded OCS. However, the genius is as soon as you return to the starting line and clear yourself, the compass immediately says Clear and the lights turn Green. No waiting for the RC to call bow or sail numbers. Brilliant. 4. Once racing, the compass digits are large and only the compass heading is displayed. 5. The days of General Recalls could become extinct using this technology. 6. Race Committees/ PRO's seem to love it.

Huge shout out and sincere thanks to Doug Wake and the Vakaros Team for supporting the Lightning Class and providing their products and services at no charge to the sailors. That was huge!

Next steps....remember this was a test. We can always make a temporary amendment to class rules to try new things. It is important we continue to do so. Our future depends on it! What is next? Let's keep moving forward.....