RaceSense Powers the First-Ever J/70 Mixed Plus World Championship

Last week, RaceSense brought its live starting line intelligence to one of the most exciting one-design events of the season: the inaugural J/70 Mixed Plus World Championship, hosted by Circolo Vela Torbole on Lake Garda.

What began as a forward-thinking format promoting inclusive sailing has quickly grown into a full-scale international success, with 48 teams from 23 nations lining up for five days of competitive racing between June 25–29. The Mixed Plus rule — allowing no more than two adult male sailors per crew and encouraging female and youth participation — delivered a diverse, high-performance fleet and world-class talent.

From Olympic medalists to America’s Cup sailors, the lineup was stacked: Giulia Conti, Torben and Martine Grael, Rob Greenhalgh, Annie Wilmot, Sophie Weguelin, Matteo Ivaldi, and many more took part in a championship that proved both exciting and unpredictable. And for the first time ever in the J/70 Class, RaceSense was there to bring clarity and control to every start.

British Olympian Chris Grube summed it up perfectly: "We’re in Torbole, Lake Garda, and we’ve been really lucky this week because we got to use Vakaros’ RaceSense for our starting. It just makes things so much simpler — every boat knows where they are. When you’re approaching the line, you instantly know how far back you are in relation to both ends. And it’s live — if you’re over, you go back. No surprises. It’s a great addition to the class and it’s definitely made starts more competitive. It’s brought a new element to the racing."

For Italian Olympian and Luna Rossa Women’s team member Giovanna Micol, it was a first-time experience with RaceSense: "The atmosphere here at the J/70 Mixed Plus Worlds was amazing — so many women racing! With this format, at least 50% of each crew must be female, which makes a real impact. It was also my first time racing with RaceSense, and what’s most interesting is that it’s objective. When the red light flashes, you’re OCS — even if it’s just by one centimeter. There’s no hiding behind other boats anymore. It’s fair, safe, and sharp — and we as sailors have to adapt to this new way of starting."

Also experiencing RaceSense for the first time, Italian Olympian Emanuela Sossi was quick to see the value: "This is my first time using RaceSense and I must say, it’s amazing. It’s very useful — everyone has the correct time, you know exactly where you are on the line. It really makes things easier and much fairer for everyone."

From the morning Peler to the afternoon Ora, the breeze played its part. So did RaceSense — helping sailors make the most of every opportunity on the line. We’re proud to have supported the J/70 Class at such a progressive and high-level event, and we’re excited to bring this tech to more one-design regattas worldwide.