When developing the SailViewer app, we never anticipated the full range of ways it would be used. Beyond its role as an Olympic to Optimists coaching tool, SailGP high-performance analytics platform, and race report generator, the app has even found applications in bobsleigh and speedboat testing. Now, a new and unexpected use case has emerged.
At the recent J/70 event in Cascais, Portugal, SailViewer played a crucial role in reversing a jury decision and reinstating a boat to its rightful finishing position.
With strong winds and big waves, it’s natural for teams to have differing perspectives on what actually happened during a race. Events unfold rapidly, and with the crew fully engaged in sailing the boat, they can’t always track the precise details of their surroundings.
This led to a protest at the gate mark. The dispute centered on whether an overlap had been established in time. Lacking concrete evidence, the burden of proof fell on the team claiming the overlap. Unable to substantiate their case, they were disqualified (DSQ)—losing not only the race win but also a spot on the overall podium.
However, once the team was provided with detailed race playback, including slides and animations of the mark approach, they successfully reopened the case. The new evidence was so compelling that the jury overturned its initial ruling, reinstating the team as event winners.
We’re pleased with the outcome, as the data clearly demonstrated what truly happened on the water. The team won fairly, and justice was served.
This case has also inspired new features for the app. Soon, SailViewer will introduce:
• Mark zone circles
• Overlap lines
• Precise boat-length grid overlays
• And more advanced race visualization tools
These updates will soon be available for all users, making fairer racing decisions even more accessible.
