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Rationale for eliminating GPS-processing devices C.5.1g

Hi Ron,

Cameras are permitted as they provide a valuable and effective source of media promoting the Class and helping its growth.

Simple waterproof watches or timing devices are cheap to buy and can last a long time.

I had not noticed that Gerard’s post that I shared to report on Day 1 of the German Champs included GPS info. I have deleted the share and will remind him of the Class Rule.

The Class Rules do explicitly state,’ No device may process or display any information relating to GPS….’

'No device' includes compasses, watches, cameras, etc. and any other device.

Please do not post copies of old out of date Class Rules, that can be very misleading to readers, creating confusion and misunderstandings.

13/07/2025 21:59:00
Posts: 0

Really interesting points all around

To me, it isn't about trying to eke out some sort of loophole advantage. I am interested in long term data collection. I am trying to collect a lot and then analyze. I want to see what dinghy polars look like! I just wish I could use the device in a compliant way and bank the GPS data bc that's a lot of racing data I won't be able to collect.

For smart watches we've always been reliant on each other to self-enforce the rules. I don't worry about them much bc good luck sailing well while trying to look at your watch.

GoPro and similar cameras have GPS. So if you can have a camera on board you still have GPS to review. That negates the argument about not wanting ppl to be advantaged over a multi day event.

But Peter clearly answered my question and pointed out what I was missing - it is primarily an issue of affordability.

I get it on principle - and I appreciate it. I happen to consider the Aero NOT very affordable. (Affordability being obviously totally subjective)

but a digital compass is 500$ and an Atlas Edge is 750$. Kind of wild to cut off that whole avenue over $250.

13/07/2025 21:07:00
emilywagner
Posts: 3

This is interesting.

I would observe:

- 2018 class rules allowed GPS (provided not available in the boat) ;

- 2025 rules C.5.2. allows Organising Authority supplied GPS (not available in boat) ;

- 2025 C.5.1.(g) allows camera recording viewable ashore - this footage could allow advantage to a boat not available to other sailors, including both coaching improvements, and maybe even protest evidence? ;

- smart watches are not expensive, and now worn by lots of people in their daily lives;

- requiring someone to buy a non GPS sailing watch actually causes more expense for some sailors;

- some smart watches can give health warnings/alerts, and also send requests for help in emergency situations including location, is this disallowed?

- Peter Barton has in the last day shared a post from the German Nationals where it appears that the Sailor is using a GPS capable Polar Smart Watch including a "speed" chart tab that uses GPS;

- in that sailor's defence (as someone with 30 years professional employment in Administrative Law) , I would observe that:

- the current RS Aero GPS rule is under the heading "portable equipment";

- the current Equipment Rules of Sailing explicitly define Portable Equipment as excluding Personal Equipment, and defines Personal Equipment including personal effects carried or worn. A watch is personal equipment, whether GPS capable or not;

- if GPS smart watches are to be banned, the class rules need to be amended to state this explicitly (or you may end up on appeal to the international appeals body which is a very bad look for the Class, no matter the outcome).

- some smart watch apps allow display of GPS information, some do not (e.g. Garmin "Dinghy Race Timer" operates like a sailing timer watch while in boat, vs "Dinghy Racer".

- I've tried using the GPS display type app when training, I found it totally unhelpful, boat on boat sailing eyes out of the boat incomparably better;

- sailing is a self regulating sport, where we rely on the honesty of the sailor. If the measurer / race committee has doubts, they can investigate.

13/07/2025 05:24:00
RonF 'Delphine'
Posts: 47

Hi Emily,

Thank you for your perspective.

In reality there is no new news here. There is no recent change as GPSs have not been allowed on board for our past several RS Aero World Championships. The point is picked up in World Sailing's ‘Changes' document this year, as an old draft of that rule crept back erroneously into World Sailing's edit of our Class Rules in between our World Championships. That was corrected again before that years' World Championship.

The ethos of the RS Aero has several key principles; affordability, consistency/equality, simplicity, reliability and minimal weight. Whenever a design point or Class Rule needs considering it is vital to consider and protect those key principles that make the RS Aero excellent, accessible and inclusive. Enabling expensive tech devices conflicts three of those principles.

Whilst many GPS sail race devices do have a compliant mode to disable GPS visibility afloat it is impractical for Class measurers at our main championships to be familiar with the operation of each brand and type and it would be impossible to enforce the rule that no GPS visibility afloat was adhered to. Even in compliant mode, with no access afloat, there remains an advantage were over a long regatta of several days GPS data could be analysed ashore providing an advantage for similar later days in the series.

Not everyone can afford the tech so there is an inconsistency in equipment and an advantage. The RS Aero has done very well in recent years spreading to new countries with many new youth fleets growing rapidly. The level of the entry price into the Class has proven to be sensitive and maintaining best affordability is critical to successfully grow new fleets, especially of young sailors. Adding the extra entry level cost for competitive racing would stifle that and form a barrier to Class entry that is best avoided. Much better that sailors' funds go towards buying their RS Aeros, new sails when necessary and competing in events.

I believe the RS Aero can be described as a ‘budget' sail boat, certainly in performance race sail boat terms. Once you have entered the Class with a new or used boat the upkeep costs are relatively low with minimal maintenance cost and replacement new sails are relatively affordable. Creating a necessity for keen racers to expend on a tech device would be detrimental.

Automated race management systems rely on every boat using the same compatible device. With different brands and functionality available that is very hard to achieve. The enforced chartering of compatible matched devices at events would add considerable expense to that event cost when competitors are already stretched with the expense of supporting our events. High event fees are already particularly an issue at major Championships when an International Jury and Measurer needs funding. Whilst the RS Aero itself is affordable to own, event costs are proving to be barrier affecting number participating with the cost of travel, accommodation and entry fees all adding up. Adding to that should be avoided where possible.

Permitted GPS usage afloat would then create competitors crowding at the start line ends to ping the ends of the start line and then starting by GPS screen reading, rather than 'eyes out of the boat'. Even with automated race management systems you still have that 'starting by screen’ approach, even without the end pinging. Many of our sailors go sailing specifically to get away from screen-time. Being able to operate effectively without reliance on screens and tech devices should be encouraged in our young sailors.

I am all for RS Aero sailors using a GPS for their fun, interest and training. You can enjoy using a GPS in your general sailing, training and maybe local home racing by agreement. Just not at our major championships where it is divisive regards affordability, equality and simplicity.

11/07/2025 19:23:00
Posts: 0

Please can David Rickard respond to this thread, addressing::
- Rationale for removing the provision re GPS?
- Class / Sailor / other consultation supporting this?
Previously, rule expressly allowed GPS, essentially, provided the data was not available "in boat" and only accessible ashore.
Why would this no longer be allowed when had been expressly allowed in previous rules?
Has there been some incident or systemic problem that you are trying to fix?
Many thanks,
Ron

09/07/2025 12:38:00
RonF 'Delphine'
Posts: 47

I believe the rationale is: devices that give speed and vmg data is regarded as cheating as per most classes and therefore give an unfair advantage to sailors who do not have or can't afford them. Unless all classes adopt them it gives an unfair advantage to those that would use them

08/07/2025 19:16:00
Mark1654
Posts: 24

I know we all have opinions, but curious about the actual rationale used to make the following change:
REMOVAL OF C.5.1(g) - allowing boats to carry a GPS-capable device provided it not dispay GPS derived data to a sailor while racing, only record the data for later review ashore.

I was surprised to see the class shy away from the evolution in instrumentation for these reasons:

Aero prides itself on being the "modern/technical" single-hander.
The class (until now) has maintained a progressive ethos, appealing to sailors who appreciate development of the sport.
Increasingly widespread adoption of GPS-capable systems by other classes - both modern AND legacy.
Ability to use modern race management - RC and competitors enjoy the system, get better starts & more races off.
The devices can readily be limited - and verified - to display class-legal data only.

I can certainly understand that there are other considerations...
COST. Not a mandatory purchase. If automated race management system will be used at an event, and devices ARE required, device charters can be arranged. While purchasing may be a big expense to some and pocket change to others, I'm not aware that the Aero has ever been labeled a "budget" boat.
CHEATING. "Class compliance mode" limit display to only class-legal data. If there are questions, sailor can proivde verification of device settings to RC. When the automated race management system is used at an event, all instruments are automatically placed in class compliant mode by the RC.

It seems there were 3 options in regards to this topic:

MOVE FORWARD. NO RULE CHANGE & ADOPT MODERN CAPABILITIES
- Create an official Class Compliance Mode profile.
- Allow use of automated race management systems at select events with device charters available.
- Allow sailors to continue using GPS devices in a compliant mode.
STATUS QUO. NO RULE CHANGE
- Allow sailors to continue using GPS devices in a compliant mode.
- Leave door open for future adoption of modern capabilities.
STEP BACKWARD. RULE CHANGE TO DISALLOW GPS ENTIRELY
- Actively closes the door on potential to adopt increasingly popular race management systems (without a major rule reversal)
- Deincentivizes sailors who from joining the Aero class
- Potentially loses Aero sailors to other popular classes that are adopting GPS
- Penalizes early-adopters

I'm struggling to understand why the class took option 3. Why go with the nuclear option? I'd appreciate if someone who is familiar with the decision process could tell me what factors were considered and how much weight each was given.

I'm trying to understand the rationale, but no matter how I look at it, I just can't get there. Perhaps I'm missing something.

I also sail Sunfish - very different classes and I love both for different reasons. Sunfish isn't adopting this stuff anytime soon, or ever, but that makes total sense for Sunfish. But for Aeros? It shocked me to see Aeros go full luddite here. Especially with all the competitive classes that are going for it.

08/07/2025 18:21:00
emilywagner
Posts: 3

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Rationale for eliminating GPS-processing devices C.5.1g

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