VAKAROS

Who is VAKAROS?

VAKAROS was born out of racing. Founders Todd Wilson and Jake Keilman first met at an F18 regatta, a high-performance catamaran class sailed without foils. While competing, they quickly realised that although they could keep pace technically, there was no effective way to analyse and improve performance with precision. 

At the time, onboard instruments for smaller racing boats were limited in functionality, slow to respond, and often difficult to read in direct sunlight. As engineers, Wilson and Keilman saw an opportunity to rethink sailing technology entirely. Their vision was clear: create a modern performance system capable of delivering accurate, real-time data on speed, heading, heel angle, trim, and boat dynamics in a way that was intuitive and instantly actionable.

Inspired by the advanced tracking and analytics systems already transforming sports such as cycling and running, they set out to develop a completely new generation of sailing instruments — more intelligent, more flexible, and data-driven than anything else available in the world of sailing at the time.

The aim of their product development was clear from the outset. Instruments were designed around a large graphical display, intuitive usability, and a software-based architecture that could continuously gain new capabilities through updates. Rather than becoming outdated, the system would evolve alongside the demands of modern sailors.

In 2018, the concept was further developed in Atlanta and launched through a successful Kickstarter campaign. With limited resources, extensive in-house development, and strong support from the sailing community, production began shortly thereafter. The first devices were delivered in 2019 and quickly attracted international attention along with overwhelmingly positive feedback from competitive sailors around the world.

The name VAKAROS is inspired by sailing tradition and derived from the western wind god of Baltic mythology. Today, the brand is internationally recognised and has become an established part of modern regatta sailing.

What Can VAKAROS Do?

- Technology Designed to Perform -

VAKAROS develops a new generation of intelligent onboard instruments specifically engineered for high-performance sailing and modern racing environments. More than simple measurement devices, their instruments transform complex sailing data into precise, understandable, and actionable information in real time. 

Using advanced dual-band GNSS technology, VAKAROS delivers exceptionally accurate positioning and motion tracking. Sophisticated signal processing minimises interference and ensures reliable data even in demanding race conditions. Combined with high-frequency sensors and intelligent software algorithms, the system provides a highly accurate real-time picture of boat movement, course development, heel, trim, and overall performance. This makes it much easier to make tactical decisions, particularly in competitive situations.

Usability remains at the core of every VAKAROS product. High-contrast graphical displays, excellent readability in bright sunlight, and intuitive operation ensure that essential information can be understood instantly, even under pressure. No unnecessary complexity or distracting menus. 

Wireless connectivity, long battery life, and seamless integration with modern sailing setups make VAKAROS systems both practical and highly adaptable. VAKAROS redefines what modern sailing instruments should be, resulting in devices that truly support sailors in achieving their best performance on the water.

Why VAKAROS for Regatta Sailing?

- Winning doesn't happen by chance -

Success in regatta sailing is defined by precision, timing, consistency, and situational awareness. Collecting data alone is not enough, what matters is how effectively that information can be processed and applied in the decisive moments of a race.

VAKAROS was developed specifically for those moments. One of the greatest competitive advantages comes during the starting sequence, where positioning, timing, and speed control are critical. Using advanced sensor technology and intelligent algorithms, VAKAROS provides sailors with highly accurate information about distance to the start line, timing, acceleration, and necessary speed adjustments. These real-time insights support faster and more confident decision-making during the most demanding phase of every regatta.

Performance remains the focus even during the race. Throughout the race, VAKAROS continues to deliver performance-critical information such as heel angle, steering accuracy, heading stability, and tactical positioning. Clear visualisations allow even complex relationships to be understood immediately,

helping sailors stay focused entirely on racing and boat handling. What truly distinguishes VAKAROS is its ability to reduce complexity to what is genuinely important. The system does not simply measure performance, it actively supports continuous improvement by helping sailors understand, refine, and optimise their decisions on the water.

Onboard Instruments Built for the Future

Thanks to its software-driven architecture, VAKAROS systems can continuously evolve without requiring frequent hardware replacements. New features, performance improvements, and functionality updates can be added over time, extending product lifespan and protecting long-term value.

Are you looking for new technologies that are designed to stand the test of time – both technically and environmentally? You can build durable and low-maintenance systems that actively support you on the water with the help of the wide selection available in our Boat Instruments and Sailing & Navigation Technology categories, as well as the SVB Buying Guide for Boat Instruments.