Executive Committee Action
June 1, 2026
The Executive Committee acting on behalf of the Governing Board per Lightning Class Constitution, Article XII, Section 1(b), temporarily amends the By-Laws Article VIII - Racing Restrictions per the following position.
This amendment will apply from June 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027. This amendment replaces and supersedes the Amendment to Article VIII posted April 30, 2026.
The portion of Amendment posted on April 30, 2026, as it relates to the change to Document Governing All Sanctioned Lightning Class Championships, North American Championship, Article XIII – Racing Conditions remains as stated on April 30, 2026.
Temporary Amendment:
Amend By-Law Article VIII – Racing Restrictions, 5. Portable Equipment, b) Optional, i) Electronic Equipment, 1) One or more timers A) and B) For the 2026 and 2027 Lightning North America Championship, 2027 Lightning Winter Championship, 2027 Lightning Masters Worlds Championship, and the 2027 Lightning World Championship and any other event approved in advance by the Executive Committee, the Vakaros Edge or Atlas 2 hardware units with a valid Race Sense pass or subscription shall be required equipment. However, the only capabilities that will be enabled are timer, compass and RED/GREEN OCS display. There is no need for an additional compass beyond a Vakaros Unit.
Reasoning:
For nearly 90 years, the International Lightning Class Association (Lightning Class) has historically reviewed and adopted improvements to equipment that enhance the quality and fairness of racing, increases longevity of equipment, and does not drastically increase the cost of participation. Examples include fiberglass hull construction, oval aluminum spars, and electronic compasses, all universal on the modern Lightning.
Recently, several international classes have adopted GPS based starting systems at major events. The most widespread system is the Vakaros Race Sense system, used primarily to assist Race Management in OCS identification. The individual Vakaros units, specifically the Altas 2, have additional functionality, including distance to line, hull speed, and angle of heel data.
Over the past two years, the Lightning Class has performed several tests on the Vakaros Race Sense system and has solicited member feedback, both privately and in Townhall forums. The Executive Committee is still investigating this new technology and is not proposing a change to the By-Laws currently.
However, the Lightning Class cannot ignore the clear enhancement of the quality and fairness of the Race Sense starting system in managing large fleet racing. The Lightning Class is also cognizant that the use of Vakaros units and technology has become more prevalent in the past few years. Accordingly, the Executive Committee is proposing an extended test period as follows:
Through December 31, 2027, the Lightning Class is extending the test period for the Vakaros/Race Sense automated starting system. It is the intention of the Lightning Class to use the Vakaros/Race Sense automated starting system at the following major events: North American Championships, Winter Championship, Masters World Championship and World Championship, at a functionality level described below. The Lightning Class will also consider use of the Vakaros/Race Sense automated starting system at other events if requested and approved in advance by the Executive Committee of the Lightning Class.
By defining a specific testing period with specific regattas that fall within that range, competitors will have clear guidance on the racing conditions and can plan for possible cost outlays. This also allows Lightning Class leadership further time to monitor technological changes and competition within the market.
Functionality Approved
For the events listed above that fall into the extended test period only, the Lightning Class approves the following functionality within the Race Sense system:
Timer, Compass and RED/GREEN OCS display only.
The Lightning Class tested distance to line (DTL) at the 2026 Winter Championship with favorable results. The Lightning Class also conducted a Townhall after the Winter Championship and considered members feedback, including the application of Race Sense outside of major championships. As most Lightning sailing in the near term will use visual line sights (non-Race Sense), Lightning Class leadership decided that consistent racing conditions in all events was an overriding concern. Limiting the functionality also enables more Vakaros models to be able to be used during the date range.
Reminder, outside of the events in the testing period described above, use of the RED/GREEN OCS display on both Vakaros Edge and Altas 2 units, and the additional functionality of the Vakaros Atlas 2 unit (the features outside of Class Compliant mode) are currently illegal and are not to be used while racing unless expressly approved by the Executive Committee.
Rentals and Purchasing
Competitors will not have to purchase any specific hardware or instruments at this time. For the regattas using Race Sense the Lightning Class will ensure units will be available for rental with appropriate links listed in the NOR or associated NOR amendment. The Lightning Class does not recommend any specific Vakaros unit to purchase, as when the prescribed date range is expired, the Lightning Class will review this position and may adjust the position based on competitor’s preference, market changes, new technology, etc.
Nothing prohibits a competitor from purchasing a Vakaros unit versus renting one. That decision remains with the competitor. Based on the Race Sense functionality mode the Lightning Class will be using during the extended test period, both current Vakaros models (Edge or Atlas 2) will be compatible in the Class Compliant mode.
If a competitor plans to use his own Vakaros device at any of the events using Race Sense, competitors will need to purchase a monthly pass at $50 or purchase an annual subscription at $149, both provided by Vakaros. If a competitor is planning to rent a unit at any of the events, the rental fee (estimated at $35 per day) includes the license/pass during that event. No additional subscription is needed.
Reported by
Laura Jeffers
Executive Secretary
June 8, 2026