The rule change allows for instruments that have the currently prohibited capabilities to be used provided those capabilities “can be disabled”. It seems that some Ensign owners are financially fortunate enough to own two racing sailboats and they would like to use the instruments from the “other boat” while racing in a Nationals or Regionals. Cost is given as the justification for the rule change. That seems odd as the owners in question already have the financial resources to own to race capable sailboats.

The rule change is one that is not easily verifiable by other competitors. How does one boat really know that another boat is using prohibited capabilities in its instruments? 

Perhaps the new rule,, if passed, should have more requirements too avoid abuse. For example:

1. All such instruments will be disabled in the presence of the PRO prior to the Skippers Meeting at the beginning of the championship

2. Should it be determined that the instrument was turned on at any time during the entire duration of the championship regatta, the offending boat will be disqualified from the regatta for that year. And, the skipper and crew of the offending boat will be disqualified, as skipper or crew, from any ECA event during the remainder of that season and all of the next year’s season.

This rule is difficult to police, unnecessary, and goes around the spirit of Ensign sailing as it has been since 1962. VOTE NO!

Bob Conkey SEA III

The rule right now reads:

Electronic compasses and instruments are permitted as long as they are:

1. Not interfaced or integrated with another on-board electronic component.

2. Not able to have the location of marks (starting line, course, or other) inputted.

3. Not able to display on board velocity made good (VMG) or position.

The GPS features if the current Tacktick Race Master break "2." above. e.g. Line end pinging, This is similarly not allowed in may other dingy classes. Thistle, Lightning, etc. Bob's right, there is no way to insure that anyone is using the feature or not or check if it is turned off with the current Tacktick Race Master.

The Vakaros products have two features that are different.

1. They have a log that allows inspection to see if illegal features are turned off or on, so Class electronic rule compliance can be checked.
2. Race Committees are using the Vakaros Race Sense technology for Starting Line Over Early calls at large regattas to avoid general recalls and line calling errors. But that also means everyone HAS to have a Vakaros. Thistles and Lightings did trials in '26 at regattas where Race Sense was used and I understand from my RC & Judge friends the classes were very impressed and are seriously considering making the instrument a requirement for regattas like Nationals and Midwinters. They offer rentals for those regattas, but at a couple hundred an event, it just makes sense to buy.

I personally like the Vakaros. The display numbers are really big and my old eyes can see them. Other classes with restrictive rules just like Ensign already allow them. I'm not sure we should require them, but I expect more and more large event RC's will be pushing to adopt them. I see & understand the advantages.

I haven't bought anything, but if we vote "yes" to this class rule change, both of the Vakaros models will be legal with the GPS features locked out.

Mike Vining

USA 101

Second Chance

I’m an engineer, I like data. It seems this rule change is specifically about this piece of hardware. Do your own research. Here.

https://www.vakaros.com/products/atlas-edge

Mike Vining

USA 101

Second Chance

Mike Vining's post regarding data got me thinking about this more. We've had many many rules discussions about devices that should or should not be allowed and the current proposed rule change is another device driven discussion. But perhaps we should start thinking more about the data. What I mean is that you can get a Navionics subscription for about $50 per year on your phone that will give you your location on a chart and a lot of GPS data, way points, SOG, COG, VMG etc. If it were legal you could literally put your phone in a water proof case, velcro it to the bulkhead and have your crew monitor it for not much $'s. If it were legal I'd put in in a place where as a driver I can't read it as it would likely be too distracting for me but the crew, if they are up for it, could monitor it.

The top boats are already doing so many things right, really good starts, great driving and boat handling, solid crew work and tactically calling the shifts and lay lines accurately. I do not see it helping those guys much. But it might help others figure out what is fast (or it might distract them, as a competitor it's all good). One of the many cool things about Navionics is that you can record your track for review later and it would show if you did you any penalty turns, important for protest committees

Another aspect is that there are Ensigns that race in PHRF fleets and by making much of the naviagation data unavailable, or needing a specific device to access only the data that the class allows, we are making it harder for the PHRF racers to race their boat to the rating as other classes do not have as many or any restrictions like we do.

Having said all that I still do not know if I am voting yes or no on this :-). leaning to yes but I don't think this solves the core issue for us yet...

Great discussion!

Robin

Bud Brown

281.468.6909 cell and text

A lot of Class Fathers whom I respect are weighing in here, ...against. I'm a newbie...

Bud I agree in general with your statements. And I'll bet you have some electronic compass on your boat. The instruments we allow don't change much for good Ensign sailors. Adding a Vakaros Atlas won't change it either, for anyone. And I have a handheld GPS or an iPad with Navionics that is a must when our local Ensign Fleet does the 3-5 Club distance races a year.

But what about someone who has nothing (like USA 101 at the moment) and has to buy something? My opinion is the Vakaros Atlas is the best instrument for the money on the market. The two models of Vakaros instruments are the current state of the art, and the best bang for the buck. My opinion is both Vakaros models with the advanced features turned off comply with the CURRENT Ensign rule and we really don't need this rule change. Further, for an Ensign owner in fleet 29 that isn't as fortunate as me to have multiple navigation possibilities, the fully featured Vakaros works for both Ensign Fleet racing AND for Club distance races. A relative deal.

The Vakaros is transportable, works well and is easy to read. I already told my son who is an avid Thistle sailor, he can borrow mine for Thistle Regattas, where the Vakaros is a requirement, if we change the rule. The facts I think I see are:

1) this piece of kit is going to get more widespread, not less

I wish I could order a well thought out Ensign specific mount from Ensign Spars

2) Other very conservative fleets (Thistle & Lightning) already allow it. We are NOT breaking new ground at all.

3) It in fact has a mode that is compliant with the current rule and trackable for compliance

4) It's simply the best instrument bang for the buck at the moment

I will make a simple prediction, (Frank, its a bourbon bet, winner picks) We will be discussing within 3 years with some PRO, the need to have the rentals available for some Ensign Regatta so the fleet can use Race Sense.

I think my vote and my money for USA 101 are a yes. Even if the Class votes this down, in the restricted mode it complies with our current rule.

Respectfully,

Mike Vining

USA 101

Second Chance

Thanks Bud!

Here is cost information for those racers who choose to use instruments, it proves for those who are simply looking for heading and speed data that the Vakaros Edge is the most cost effective option....plus the Vakaros units have way more capability than a dial compass and speed puck for those who sail in other less restrictive one-design classes or on other smaller keel boats. What I did not factor in is the cost of a digital watch for start timing. And for those seat of the pants sailors....I am not sure how much you spend on your pants, or lifelong calibration of said seat. Sailing on...

I am supporting the rule update, 11.13.B and Ensign Class allowing the use of the either Vakaros unit because they can be set to class compliant mode for racing where other competitors, PRO's, judges etc can can verify class compliance if there is a question. Any cheaters can be appropriately disqualified as they should be if they break any calls rules. I currently have (at the moment) a Micro-Tacktik digital compass from 1997. Every spring since 1997 it shockingly wakes up and I realize one spring it won't wake up. For those who don't know me, I am newer to the Ensign Class (as is Mike Vining) and I race in various one design classes and would like to only purchase one device instead of multiple devices for the boats I compete on. I am not after the class to allow all the "fancy features", require Race sense, or others boats to upgrade the instruments they already have.

The Vakaros when in class mode would offer no competitive advantages over the dial compasses or Micro Tacktik compass when used with a knot meter or speedpuck. The Vakaros, in class mode can be made to meet the class rule, whereas (in my interpretation) the Race-Master does not have a way to limit functions and is not class compliant.

I feel the Ensign Class allowing the use of a Vakaros does not change Corinthian, historic nature of racing Ensigns since it can be made complaint to the class rule, can be verified in compliance, and is the most cost effective ALL IN ONE Instrument.

I am sure based on this thread that there will be more discussion on this topic during the annual meeting. I am a YES for this change.....unfortunately I will not be on the zoom meeting because of a family commitment but will cast my proxy vote yes.

Respectively,

Jeff Hagman

Starlight Express

1478

 West Marine $ 549.99

https://www.raymarine.com/en-us/our-products/marine-instruments/racing-instruments/t060-micro-compass

Features: Start timer and Compass

 West Marine $924.99

https://www.raymarine.com/en-us/our-products/marine-instruments/racing-instruments/t070-race-master-compass

Features Compass, Wind, Line Bias, Timer

Dial Compass w/ Speedpuck $775.00

RayMarine Micro Tacktik w/ Speedpuck $ 1,050.00

RayMarine Tacktik RaceMaster w/ Speedpuck $1,425.00

Vakaros Atlas 2 $1,249.00

Vakaros Edge $750.00  

***** Both units can be set to class compliant mode, offering start timer, compass heading and speed all in one unit. 

**** Both units offer more functionality for sailors who race in other fleets. Feel free to check out the capability of each unit on their website: https://www.vakaros.com/

From Vakaros Website:

Mar 11, 2025

What is Class Compliance?

We get it - different classes have different rules. Some allow a full range of functionality from an instrument, including pinging, GPS readouts, and connecting external sensors. Some are locked down to just a compass and a timer, or perhaps even less. 

At Vakaros, we never tell a class what to allow - but we do always strive to make our instruments comply, either by letter or spirit, with any given class rule. Want to learn more? Read on for three important lessons about class compliance.

The Atlas 2 and Atlas Edge have Fully Scalable Capabilities

How can you take the same device from a Lightning regatta to a J/70 event? Scale what capabilities are allowed at a given time on your Atlas. Any feature, including GPS input, DTL, external sensor connectivity, and even magnetic heading, can be turned on or off. And, when a sensor is turned off, any Atlas 2 or Atlas Edge creates a locked log file showing what functionality was available for a given time period. So, if questions ever come up, you can ensure that a given feature was not available when you say it wasn't.

Some Classes have Verified Class Legal Profiles

In most cases, our class compliant profiles aim to comply with the published rules for a class. And in most cases, that's no issues. But, in some popular classes, we offer class compliant profiles verified by those class's measurers. These include the Lightning, Thistle, Dragon, Melges 15, and more. If you want to verify your class, put us in touch with your class measurer or technical chair - we're happy to make sure everything is squared away!

ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR CLASS MEASURER

Some classes have antiquated rules, or rules that the Atlas 2 or Atlas Edge may never meet. So, in any feature-restricted class, we always recommend checking with your class measurer or TC to determine if your device can be used while racing. The Atlas 2 or Atlas Edge are never legal for sanctioned racing, unless expressly permitted in classes including the ILCA, Snipe, 420, 470, 49er and FX, and Nacra 17. And, if the answer is that no, you cannot use your Atlas, start the discussion about legalization in your class - there's no reason you should have to own multiple devices to offer the same set of functions!

I just have to say I have learned a ton about the data and devices available and what other classes are doing or not doing from you all in the last few days which is fantastic! Thank you so much!

Robin

Given the amount of messages that circulated on the Forum since my initial post, it looks as if there is a lot more to understand about this potential rule change. If the people on the Forum are just learning about the potential for electronic devices to be used at Ensign Regional and National Championships, perhaps we need a pause. More investigation as to how such devices could help both skippers and race committees seems appropriate.  

This rule change should be tabled for now. The Rules Committee can investigate the technologies available to draft a new rule that may better address current concerns and needs along with future opportunities. I recommend tabling this proposed rule change and bringing it back to the ECA membership after a more thorough analysis.

Bob Conkey Sea III

Bob,

IMO the rules committee (volunteers I might add...thankyou!) did a great job of writing the proposed rule change for 11.13.B to align with the current Ensign rule on electric compasses and instruments. The proposed rule change only allows newer digital compass and instruments, regardless of the brand to be used legally when limited and in Ensign Class Complaint mode while racing which essentially allows start timer, heading, heal angle?? and speed....all other features must be deactivated while racing. The newer units (Vakaros) save a data log to produce as evidence of compliance should someone be thought to cheating during racing times. The data log has date and time stamps of what mode (ensign class, thistle class, Lightning class etc) that the unit was operating in for the day / time of racing. Like I shared, the current Ensign rules allow any rule infringement to be challenged via a protest being filed and hearing being held. Again this could be for any rule that a boat, skipper or crew is alleged to be breaking while racing Ensigns in local, regional or national events.

As per Steve's contribution, I do not believe anyone pushing for this rule change is asking for the rule to be changed to allow for "advanced features" such as pinging the start line, VMG, race sense or other features. Please note, I do agree with you that the class could set up a committee to look into the new technology, investigate the more advanced features for possible future use in our regional and national class regattas. Why??? I have heard many positive stories, read stories etc of how much easier it is to get races off in larger fleets. PRO officers find it helpful so they can log more races instead of recalled starts. The start timer can be started by the race committee and sent to all boats, plus skippers are notified right away if they are over the line early...all which make for better racing.

I recommend passing the proposed rule as it is written at this time since it offers no competitive advantage over what is currently allowed. If required, a data log can prove it was in Class mode or not during racing. Should anyone be found guilty of breaking the rule, then a DSQ is appropriate for the races involved. Hopefully it would take only one disciplinary action to correct the issue, but if not, repeat offenders can face harsher penalties from the class. As my cost analysis showed, for the same data input (heading speed and timer) the Vakaros is the most cost effective instrument package available. Also newcomers to the Ensign class who might already have a Vakaros from other boats they race should not be burdened to invest in alternate technology just to race Ensigns when the unit they have can be made compliant, and proven to be compliant. I agree with Steve, lets get more racers, especially competitive racers, racing Ensigns. Additionally people who sail in other one design classes would be able to utilize one tool across the variety of boats they might sail.

Thank you to the Rules Committee for this rule change consideration, they did a great job of keeping the current rules regarding compasses, speedos, instruments intact while recognizing there are newer digital options available when set to comply with the Ensign class rules. This rule change does not force anyone to spend money upgrading their boat if they don't want to and it does not put anyone at a competitive advantage/disadvantage. I for one want to keep the Corinthian, historic one design aspect of the Ensign Class to be maintained and this rule change, as currently proposed does nothing to harm Ensign Racing. I ask everyone consider voting yes.

Jeff Hagman

Starlight Express 1478

There's been a lot of good discussion about the proposed rule update regarding electronic devices. I thought I'd provide the perspective on the Rules Committee thinking. I'll use the first person, because although the committee agreed on all the rule change proposals, I don't want to speak too much for the other members. FIrst, I see the primary mission of the Rules Committee to be ensuring fair competition and controlling costs, both of which I feel the proposed rule change does. The rule update, as written, does not change the rules of the game at all and provides no advantage or disadvantage to anyone. The issue of cheating is mostly moot given the wide availability of many phone apps that make it easy to cheat if someone is so inclined (which I believe/hope Ensign sailors are not). Yes, having a device mounted on the mast out in the open makes it somewhat easier. However, it would be somewhat obvious to see if boats are pinging the ends of the line. Position (not that useful, I think, without mark positions) and VMG would be the two pieces of prohibited data that would be difficult to see if someone is using without looking at their log. However, I think the log gives us a reasonable procedure to, in the words of Reagan, "trust and verify."

The impetus for this change were multiple requests that came from several sailors, partciularly leading up to Nationals. There were sailors using the Vakaros in other fleets that wanted to use their device on the Ensign rather than buying a new one for Nationals. To me, it's not a good message for the fleet to send to esentiallly say, "You can't use the device because we're worried you might cheat." Then they say, "But I can show you our log and prove we're not cheating." Then we say, "But we don't want to be bothered to figure out how to read your log." I do get that there are procedural and "awkwardness" issues with requesting to see logs, but my feeling is this wouldn't be a common issue and has been handled by other classes. I think doing whatever we can to encourage more boats on the line is more important.

All that said, I'm just trying to explain the Rules Committee thinking, not really lobbying for the rule change. I see our mission as serving the class, not pushing unwanted rules. So whatever the class decides is fine with me.

Steve Heinzelman

Elmo, #612

Vice Commodore of Rules

The link to vote and information to attend the annual meeting was sent out by Commodore Durrschmidt on January 16th. Pat Metzler, Vulcan 634

Included message:

Happy New Years! As noted in the email from December below are the instructions to join the Zoom Meeting On January 27th at 7pm East Coast Time. As a reminder we will conduct a vote on 3 rule changes to Part II of the ECA rules.  

https://ensignclass.com/docs.ashx?id=1670258

We will conduct the vote for the rules at the meeting using the ZOOM Polling feature. If you can not attend the meeting you may vote by proxy using the following link.

Link to Vote by Proxy:  https://ensignclass.com/content.aspx?page_id=331&club_id=323935&item_id=40144

Thanks so much and I look forward to seeing you all on the 27th.

Hello all Ensign Sailors,

I've been staying quiet on this and have enjoyed the varying opinions, but a few recent posts have prompted me to chime in. Some are suggesting that we delay this vote to allow time to review it more AND others believe that this would give some people an advantage. I would like to address these two points:

1. This discussion has been on the rule committee's desk for many years. We already updated the rule once (maybe 8-10 years ago) to allow newer digital compasses as long as they didn't have the ability to do certain things. For the last 2-3 years we have had class members ask us to review the rules again to allow for newer digital compasses that are on the market. So this has been discussed at length and reviewed.
2. Now that technology and instruments have advanced further we are now just looking to be able to add more options and devices, as long as the ability to do certain things is turned off. No rules are changing, just being tweaked to allow more and better devices. When following the rules, no one is getting any advantage over anyone else. And, as many have pointed out, if people wanted to cheat, they can easily do that already with apps on the phones or tablets or computers etc.

I'm happy to clarify any of this further if that is not clear. If this vote goes through and the new (or differently worded I should say) rule passes, when following the ECA Rules, nothing is changing.

Doug Burtner

Calyce 740

ECA Rules Committee