Below is a detailed description of all the features of Regatta Hero.
Regatta Hero is a comprehensive system for organizing, conducting, tracking, and scoring regattas or regatta series. Sailors, race officers, and buoy layers use a smartphone app. Spectators can follow the regatta through a webpage, either in real-time or as a replay.
A smartphone is ideal for Regatta Hero because it includes all the necessary hardware components, such as a screen, speaker, GPS module, and cellular connection. Additionally, smartphones are available starting at €60, so you don't need to use an expensive smartphone; you can purchase a second device specifically for regatta use. If the device is lost or damaged, it is not financially devastating.
The smartphone app for sailors is easy to use. After installation, you enter your boat data (including the handicap number) once and activate tracking with a single button.
The race officer's app is more feature-rich. It allows the creation of regattas and courses, setting buoys, and managing the regatta start, which runs automatically once initiated. When all boats finish, the regatta ends automatically, or the race officer can manually end it if some boats cannot reach the finish line.
Buoy layers can use the app to record buoy positions on the water, which are automatically transmitted to the system. Alternatively, they can place a smartphone (€60) in a waterproof box, attach it to a buoy, and activate tracking mode. This provides Regatta Hero with continuous updates on the buoy's position.
If smart, autonomous buoys are available, they can automatically send their positions to Regatta Hero. The system also features an MQTT interface, enabling real-time integration of third-party or custom GPS trackers.
Setting buoy positions is simplified with a map-based web interface using OpenSeaMap. This allows buoy positions to be roughly established with a mouse or touch input, such as adopting positions from navigational markers.
However, buoy positions are not automatically course marks. The race officer assigns course marks to buoy positions within the app, which will be discussed later.
Everything is coordinated by a cloud server provided by Regatta Hero or sailing associations (e.g., the Sailing Association of Baden-Württemberg). Sailors and race officers do not need to worry about the server's operation, configuration, or maintenance; it is managed automatically via the app. You only need the login credentials (organization name and passcode) for the server.
In the Apple App Store, search for "Regatta Hero" to find the app. After installation, launch the app. On the first launch, the following welcome screen is displayed.
Select your preferred language, review the license terms and privacy policy, and confirm that you will carry your smartphone on your body (e.g., in or under a life jacket or on your upper arm) during the regatta.
Background Information: This is particularly important in low-wind or low-wave conditions to ensure the smartphone detects sufficient motion (acceleration). Otherwise, the smartphone's operating system may stop capturing new GPS locations for power-saving reasons.
Finally, click "Accept" and select "Enter Login Data" on the subsequent screen.
Enter the organization name and passcode in the dialog that appears. The race officer knows the passcodes for each role (e.g., participant, buoy layer, or race officer). All participants use the same passcode.
Click "OK" and then "Login." Ensure you log in outdoors, as the app will search for GPS satellites.
Upon initial login, the app will request permission to access the smartphone's GPS location. Two consecutive dialogs will appear. In the first dialog, allow location access "Allow While Using App."
The second dialog will ask for permission to always allow location access. Select "Always Allow."
Background Information: This permission is crucial because the app must transmit GPS locations even when running in the background (e.g., when another app is in the foreground or the lock screen is active) while tracking mode is enabled during the regatta.
Note: If the process of enabling location sharing takes a bit longer, you might encounter the following error message. Don’t worry—this is not a problem.
Simply confirm the error message by clicking "OK" and press the "Login" button again. The location permission request has already been completed, and the app will log in after a few seconds.
If the error message appears again, either the login credentials are incorrect, or you are not outdoors. In all other cases, you should now be logged in. After entering the race officer's passcode, you will see the following screen:
If you enter the participant passcode, you will see the following screen:
Background info: The first login process is complex due to the location permission setup. The good news is that during subsequent logins, you will directly access the menu shown above without any additional prompts.
The entire setup process is demonstrated in the linked YouTube video below.
YouTube: Setup Video.
Setting up the app on Android is very similar to iOS. The only difference is the process for granting location permissions. Therefore, this section only explains the differently designed location permission dialogs.
Note: On iOS, you need to go through two dialogs for location permissions, whereas on Android, there are three. It is important to read the prompts carefully and follow these instructions precisely.
In the previous chapter, we explained how to enter the login credentials. Assuming that has been done, press the "Login" button. At this point, the operating system will prompt you to allow the app to access the device's location. Choose the option "While using the app".
Next, you’ll see a second dialog. It is partly in German but also in English. This dialog informs you that you need to change location access in the smartphones settings page. Select the option "Einstellungen öffnen / Open Settings".
When pressing "Open Settings", a third dialog will appear where you must configure the permission. Select "Allow all the time", and ensure that "Use precise location" is also enabled.
Once all three dialogs are completed, the system logs in. Alternatively, you might encounter the following error message:
Simply confirm the error message with "OK" and press the "Login" button again. The location permission request is already complete, and the app will log in after a few seconds.
If the error message appears again, either the login credentials are incorrect, or you are not outdoors. In all other cases, you should now be logged in. After entering the race officer's passcode, you will see the following screen:
If you enter the participant passcode, you will see the following screen:
The entire setup process is demonstrated in the linked YouTube video below.
YouTube: Setup Video.
PS: The complex setup process for location permissions on Android is somewhat cumbersome. Unfortunately, app developers have no way of simplifying this as it is a feature of the operating system.
To ensure Android smartphones reliably and consistently send their location, some "fine-tuning" may be necessary. This is because Android, unlike iOS, is an open operating system.
If an Android smartphone does not send its location during a race—or stops doing so after a while—you’ll find common troubleshooting steps in the section Troubleshooting for Android Smartphones. These include issues like memory cleaners, additional power-saving modes, etc.
For certain smartphone manufacturers, it is necessary to follow the steps described in this chapter, while other Android devices work flawlessly from the start.
For boats with carbon components (mast, sails), there might occasionally be issues depending on weather conditions and smartphone quality. In such cases, it can be useful to purchase a Bluetooth GPS receiver to replace the smartphone's GPS function, often delivering significantly better results. So far, this has worked seamlessly, especially with iOS devices. For example, we have successfully tested the devices "GNS 3000" and "Bad Elf Flex Mini."
Connecting a Bluetooth tracker to Android is more complex, as it requires a helper app to bridge the external Bluetooth tracker and the smartphone. On iOS, external GPS functionality is automatically enabled once the Bluetooth connection is established.
Once the setup of the app is complete, start the app and select the regatta you wish to participate in. In our example, this would be the "Demo Regatta," which was automatically set up when a new organization was created.
Before participating in a regatta, the registration data must be entered once when using the app for the first time. To do this, click on the "Edit Registration Data" option. You will then see the following screen.
Note: If you click on "Join Regatta" and have not yet entered registration data, you will also be directed to this screen.
Now, enter the sail number (or, if not available, another unique identifier, such as the boat or team name). Then, in the following fields, enter the team name, the boat class, the handicap value (or Yardstick value for Yardstick regattas), as well as the club and boat name.
If you want to participate in the regatta immediately after entering the data, select the option "Participate in the Regatta". Otherwise, simply click the "Back" button.
In both cases, the registration data will be saved and available for all future regattas.
If you choose the "Participate in the Regatta" option from the main menu or the registration data screen, the app will enter tracking mode, and you will see the following screen.
Note: In tracking mode, the title bar is no longer blue but orange. This clearly indicates whether the app is ready for regatta participation or not.
In the top line, it will first display which course the race director has selected for the current race. Below that, the start countdown is shown. If the race has not yet started, "--:--" will appear here.
Below the countdown display, up to 4 flag signals are shown, e.g., the announcement, preparatory, or class flag, as well as other signals that may be displayed according to the race rules during or after the start.
Below the flag signals, a series of information is provided for the sailor. The first line shows the distance to the next mark or the start/finish line. The distance is given in nautical miles. Additionally, the bearing to the next mark is shown. For the start/finish line, this is the bearing to the middle of the line.
Below that, the current GPS position is shown in decimal degrees of longitude and latitude. Then, the current speed in knots is displayed, as well as the distance traveled since the start signal.
Note: The above data may not be visible if the race director has disabled the display of these data in the regatta options.
The final line with the info "GPS" and "Server" is always displayed. The "GPS" info indicates how many milliseconds ago the smartphone's operating system received the last GPS signal.
If this value remains over 2000 milliseconds, the smartphone's GPS reception is disturbed. Either the reception is impaired by the mast and sails, or the smartphone has detected no movement and, for energy-saving reasons, interrupted the GPS reception.
The time next to the "Server" info indicates when the app last had a mobile connection to the server. Regatta Hero can handle mobile interruptions between the start and finish line, even for extended periods. Only at the start and finish must there be a mobile connection.
Note: If a "Delta" field appears, the smartphone's time is not correctly set. The "Delta" field will show how big the difference in milliseconds is.
If you want to change the registration data (e.g., during a boat or team change), you can use the "Edit Registration Data" menu item in the main menu.
Note: Registration data can only be edited if you the Regatta participation mode is not active.
For those who are not yet 100% proficient in reading the race signals at the start, here is a brief description of the start sequence.
If the race committee has not yet become active, the participant will see the following screen. No signal flags are displayed except for the Y flag (life jacket required), and the countdown has not yet started.
According to the race rules, the Orange Flag (Start Line Ready) must be set at least 5 minutes before the announcement signal. Once this is done, the participant will see the following screen.
At this point, you should expect that the announcement signal will be set soon, and the start countdown will begin thereafter.
The announcement signal is usually the class flag of the starting boat class. In Yardstick races, the form and appearance of the announcement signal are specified in the notice of race or sailing instructions.
In Regatta Hero, the appearance of the announcement signal is always the same: a white flag with the word "Class" in the center. When the race committee sets the class flag, the start countdown begins automatically, and the following screen will appear.
The start sequence then continues automatically until the start countdown reaches zero, displaying additional signal flags in between.
Once the start countdown has counted down the first minute, the preparatory flag will be displayed in addition to the class flag, e.g., the P flag or any other of the possible preparatory flags. It will look like this:
The start sequence will continue automatically until the next flag is displayed.
When the start countdown reaches the final minute, the preparatory flag will be lowered. This signals to everyone that the start will occur in 60 seconds. The screen will look like this:
When the start countdown reaches zero, the class flag will be lowered, and you may cross the starting line. The display on the smartphone will look like this:
After the start, the clock continues and shows the current race time. If the race committee detects an early start, a general recall or individual recall will be displayed, depending on the situation.
In the following screen, you can see the flag signal for a general recall. A general recall occurs when the race committee observes too many early starts that can no longer be individually recorded.
If a general recall occurs, the race is abandoned, and a new start will take place in a few minutes. The announcement signal will be made exactly 60 seconds after the general recall flag is lowered.
In the following screen, you can see the flag signal for an individual recall. The flag will appear for all participants, even if their own boat did not cause an early start. It will look like this:
Each participant must decide for themselves if they might have started early and, if necessary, return to the starting line to restart. If a participant fails to return after an early start, they may be disqualified by the race committee.
If the race committee decides to set the AP flag during the start countdown, the start will be postponed, and the following screen will appear.
If a start postponement occurs, the start is cancelled, and a new start will take place in a few minutes. The announcement signal will be made exactly 60 seconds after the postponement flag is lowered.
If a participant wants to abandon the race during the event, they must press the "Give up the Race" button. A confirmation dialog will appear asking if they are sure.
Once the dialog is confirmed, the participant will be irrevocably removed from the race and will not be able to rejoin this race.
When the race committee sends messages to participants outside of the race, they will appear in the app as soon as they arrive.
Note: If the message indicates that the user should update to a new version of the app, a button will appear that takes the user directly to the respective app store, instead of the "OK" button.
If you want to view the message again later, you can click the megaphone icon in the toolbar at the top.
The messages are not specific to a race or regatta but apply to all participants who belong to the same organization.
It is possible to jump directly from the app to the website that displays boat tracking. To do this, use the "Share" icon in the title bar.
However, it may be that the race committee has disabled this feature. In this case, you will not see the sharing tool in the app.
As a spectator, you can watch the course of a regatta live or as a replay. This is done via the so-called Mapviewer. The URL to access the Mapviewer is provided by the race committee, or it may already be linked on the event website. After accessing the URL, it will look as follows:
On the map, you can pan the view using the mouse or adjust the zoom level with the mouse scroll wheel. The option "Zoom Map" hides the right part of the display, showing the map in full screen.
Additionally, it is possible to select the "OpenSeaMap" option. This will display the sea buoys from OpenSeaMap.
At the end of the toolbar, you will see the British flag. This allows you to switch the language setting to English, if desired.
In the Mapviewer, you can select the desired regatta in the toolbar at the top of the screen. However, it may be that the race committee has already pre-set the regatta in the prepared link.
After selecting a regatta, you will see the buoys, the course marks, and the course to be sailed as a gray line. At this point, the live view is still active, meaning that if a regatta is taking place, you can watch the tracking live. In the example below, the countdown to the next start has just begun.
If you want to watch a regatta that has already taken place, simply select the desired race from the list where "Live View" is initially displayed. The day and start time (the time the class flag was set) are encoded in the race name.
After selecting the desired race, click the "Start Replay" button.
Pressing the "Stop Replay" button ends the replay display, and you return to live tracking mode.
In the toolbar at the top of the screen, there are two sliders. The left slider is labeled "Replay Speed." This allows you to adjust how many seconds of race time pass in one second of real time. When the replay starts, it is set so that 5 seconds pass in the replay for every 1 second of real time. You can change this setting, up to a ratio of 1 to 20.
If you slide this slider all the way to the left, 0 seconds will pass in the replay for every second of real time. This essentially pauses the replay, which is like a pause function.
The second slider, labeled "Trail Length," determines the length of the boat's track, which is a line showing the boat's past course. The unit of this setting is in minutes. This means the tracks of the last X minutes of each boat will be shown.
Note: If you slide this slider all the way to the right, the trail length will be set to the maximum. This means you will be able to see the entire course history of each boat.
If you want to compare only specific boats in the replay, you can turn off the tracks of boats you don't need by using the checkboxes next to the sail numbers in the list.
Note: It may happen that a checkbox doesn't respond immediately, in which case just wait a second and click the box again.
In Regatta Hero, users are divided into the following groups:
The Race Officer receives a welcome email at the beginning, which includes the code for the organization (e.g., an abbreviation of the club name) and the passcodes for the different user groups.
Only the Race Officer can set up and manage regattas. Below is a description of the basic procedure for setting up regattas and courses.
Each organization (e.g., club) can create as many regattas as needed in Regatta Hero. In Regatta Hero, the term "regatta" is used as a general term for a regatta or a regatta series that occurs in one of the following ways during the year:
Races within a regatta are automatically created and named by Regatta Hero. The name of a race always consists of the date and time of the warning signal, e.g., "10/10/2024 11:55."
To clarify: Please note that for weekly regattas (e.g., Friday regattas), it is not necessary to create a separate regatta for each week. One regatta is sufficient, and subsequent races can be automatically appended to it each week.
Each organization (e.g., club) has access to a set of 20 buoys in Regatta Hero. Buoys are not course marks but placeholders for a specific coordinate position (latitude/longitude).
Buoys are needed to locate course marks, as explained later. The same buoy (buoy position) can be used in different course definitions. If a buoy's position is changed, the course layout will change in all courses that reference that buoy position.
The latitude/longitude position of each buoy can be set in the following ways:
When renaming buoys (possible in the Mapviewer), the name should refer to the location or type of the buoy, not its function in the course definition. For example, "Blue Metal Buoy" or "Navigation Buoy XY" would be correct, while "Windward Mark" would be incorrect.
Note: Buoys cannot be added or deleted. Unused buoys can be "placed" on club grounds or another location where they won't interfere.
Each organization (e.g., club) can create as many courses as needed in Regatta Hero. Each course must have course marks. Every newly created course initially contains a start and finish line as course marks. Additional course marks can be inserted between these initial marks.
When adding, deleting, or editing course marks, you specify the name and type (buoy or gate) of the course mark and choose which buoy(s) determine its position.
You can also explicitly specify a rounding type. The default setting is "automatic," meaning that Regatta Hero derives the rounding type from the course layout, which usually works well. However, for special course layouts, it may be necessary to manually specify the rounding type. Options include clockwise rounding, counterclockwise rounding, or simply passing the mark without rounding.
Note: Course marks should be named according to their function (e.g., Windward Mark, Leeward Gate, 1, 2), not their location.
In Admin mode, you can log in using your admin passcodes to access advanced functions. With the "Admin" passcode, you can use all admin functions, while the "Map-Admin" passcode only allows you to edit buoy positions, not create regattas or courses, edit course marks, or manage race operations. Therefore, we recommend using the "Admin" passcode.
All passcodes are provided to the Race Officer in the welcome email. The Mapviewer is accessed via a URL. The URL for admin mode can also be found in the welcome email. The passcode is encoded in this URL, and you can switch between the two admin passcode types by modifying the parameter "passcode=".
In older welcome emails, the URL defaults to the Map-Admin mode. In newer welcome emails, the Admin passcode is already encoded.
Note: Do not enter the words "Admin" or "Map-Admin" as the passcode. Instead, use the code provided in the welcome email corresponding to Admin or Map-Admin.
As mentioned earlier, the term "buoy" in Regatta Hero refers to a position (latitude/longitude).
A course mark, on the other hand, is part of a course definition and references buoys to determine its position. Course marks do not have their own position but always use the position of buoys to define their location.
Important: If the same buoy is used in two different course definitions and the buoy is moved, the course layouts in both courses will change. This is often intentional but can also be unexpected. Therefore, it is important to emphasize this point once again.
In the Mapviewer, if you select [No Regatta], you will see the buoy positions as yellow markers. These can only be edited after selecting the "Edit Bouys" option in the toolbar.
You can then easily grab a buoy by clicking the white dot in the center of its symbol and drag it to the new position while holding down the mouse button. On a tablet or smartphone, this can often be done using your finger.
Once the new position is set, it is automatically sent to Regatta Hero. There is no need to click the "Set Buoy" button.
It is also possible to simply click on a buoy. This action automatically populates the position information into the appropriate text field at the top, where it can be edited or copied to the clipboard. Similarly, a coordinate value can be pasted from the clipboard.
Important: To send a newly entered buoy coordinate to Regatta Hero, you must click the "Set buoy" button after editing.
Coordinates in Regatta Hero are always entered in decimal format, not in degrees, minutes, and seconds. The correct formatting can be seen in the image above. Note that longitude and latitude must always use a period as the decimal separator, and the two values are separated by a comma.
In Google Maps, you can click on a coordinate and then right-click to copy it to the clipboard in decimal format. This format is compatible with Regatta Hero.
Similarly, in the Mapviewer, you can click on any point on the map. The coordinate is then copied to the clipboard and simultaneously transferred to the text field.
Instead of dragging a buoy with the mouse, you can alternatively click the buoy you wish to edit, then specify the desired new position on the map by clicking, and finally click the "Set buoy" button.
By default, buoy names are labeled "Buoy 1" through "Buoy 20." When you click on a buoy, its name is automatically displayed in the selection field in the toolbar, and the name is entered into the adjacent text field. You can modify this entry as needed and then click the "Set buoy" button to assign the new name to the buoy. The new name will then appear in the selection field.
Of course, you can also rename a buoy back to its original name. In such cases, you may need to count down from the top of the list box to identify the original label.
Note: As mentioned earlier, a buoy should not be named according to its function in the course but rather based on the buoy or location itself. For example, "Überlingen" or "Blue buoy" would be appropriate.
You can set a buoy's swing radius using a similar process. While any value can technically be entered, Regatta Hero assumes a minimum value of 20 meters, even if a smaller value is set.
Note: Unless the buoy is fixed in place (e.g., anchored to the lakebed), the swing radius should be set generously—ideally twice as large as estimated. A swing radius that is too small may result in a boat not being counted. The worst-case scenario with a larger swing radius is a slight delay in recognizing when a boat has passed a course mark.
The minimum swing radius of 20 meters was chosen to account for temporary GPS inaccuracies in addition to the physical swing of the buoy.
Sometimes, a club may only deploy one buoy for a weekly club regatta's starting line, requiring boats to start near the buoy. However, Regatta Hero needs a second buoy to define the starting line.
In such cases, you can automatically calculate the position of a second starting line buoy based on the position of the existing buoy and the next course mark. This second buoy is virtual and only exists within the Regatta Hero system; participants on the water will not see it.
Important: When using this feature, ensure that the relevant buoy is not used in any other course, as this may result in incorrect positioning.
To activate this feature, select the relevant auxiliary buoy and check the "automatic" box. To observe the effect, it is best to select the course containing the automatic buoy in the dropdown menu.
The automatic buoy is always displayed in gray in the course visualization (additional color codes will be explained later). In the example above, "Buoy 1" was defined as an automatic, virtual buoy and is used as the pin-end buoy in the "Demo" course.
Alternatively, you could define the pin-end as a regular buoy and set the starting boat (Stb) as an automatic buoy. The approach depends on the specific requirements. The best way to understand this feature is to experiment with different configurations.
As an administrator, you can find a delete icon (trash can) in the replay list. You can select a replay of a race and delete it.
Recently, it has become possible to access admin functions in the Map Viewer, which were previously only available in the admin app on a smartphone. A description of the admin app is provided in the next chapter. The functionality is identical in both the app and the Map Viewer, except the button and control colors are adapted to the Map Viewer’s color scheme.
The admin app display in the Map Viewer can be toggled on and off by clicking the "Admin Features" checkbox.
The following sections explain the race officer functions in the smartphone app. As mentioned earlier, the functionality described here corresponds to the functions that can also be activated in the Map Viewer using the "Admin Features" button.
Before you can take over race management, you need to select a regatta. This is done using the "Choose Regatta" dropdown in the app (or the "Regattas" dropdown in the Map Viewer when admin features are activated).
Once you have selected a regatta, the "Act as Race Officer" button is activated, allowing you to access the race management view.
After confirming the "Act as Race Officer" button, the following view is initially displayed. The top option, labeled "Enable Controls," serves to protect the user interface from unintentional operations.
To make any changes in this view, you must first enable the "Enable Controls" option. After that, all controls become selectable.
It is good practice to deactivate the "Enable Controls" button again after completing any operations, especially when no further actions are planned.
Often, multiple courses are created before a regatta (see the relevant chapter later in this manual). For example, one course might be for one lap, a second for two laps, and a third for three laps, or one course might be for east wind direction and another for west wind direction.
Before a race can start, you must decide which course to use. This is done using the dropdown in the "Course" field in the upper part of the view.
Note: If you notice that, despite setting the orange flag, no option to display the class flag (announcement signal) is visible, it’s likely because no course has been selected.
If you wish to set a start penalty for a race, you can select the corresponding preparatory signal using the "Preparation" dropdown. See the following figure.
The meaning of the selected start penalty (preparatory flag) is explained in the current "Racing Rules of Sailing," specifically in Rules 30.1 to 30.4.
Regatta Hero supports both a 5-minute and a shortened 3-minute countdown for the announcement time. You can select the desired option from the dropdown in the "Announcement Time" field, as shown in the following view.
For both countdowns, the preparatory flag is shown one minute after the announcement signal, and the preparatory flag is removed at the start of the final minute. Regatta Hero automatically manages the display and removal of the preparatory flag during the countdown.
A number of additional Regatta Hero functions can be activated via the "Options" button. The following figure shows the corresponding settings, which are explained below.
Option "Flag A" and Option "Flag H"
If the flag AP (Postponement) or the flag N (Abandonment) is displayed and one of these letter flags is additionally activated, AP or N will be shown along with the activated letter. According to the racing rules, these letters inform sailors that no further races will take place today (Flag A) or that there will be further signals ashore (Flag H).
Option "Flag C"
Activating the "Flag C" (Charlie) option during a race informs sailors that the position of the next mark has been changed. For example, the race committee might adjust the windward mark's position due to a persistent wind shift. In this case, Flag C would be raised to notify sailors.
Option "No Flag Y"
By default, Flag Y (lifejacket requirement) is activated in Regatta Hero races. If this is not desired or if the signal has already been shown ashore, it can be deactivated here.
Option "Orange stays up"
When a race ends, Regatta Hero automatically removes the orange flag (start line ready). To keep the orange flag permanently raised, activate this option.
Option "No tracking infos"
By default, Regatta Hero displays various tracking information to participants, such as the calculated distance to the start line or the next mark. See the following screenshot.
If the race committee does not wish to display this data, it can be disabled here. In that case, only the last GPS position and the most recent server contact will be shown.
Option "No Mapviewer link"
Participants in a regatta can use the "Share" button in the app to view the active race in the Map Viewer and see the positions of other competitors. If the race committee wishes to restrict this feature, it can be disabled here.
Option "No prelim. Results"
By default, participants are automatically notified of race results via the app at the end of a race. If the race committee wishes to disable this feature, this option must be activated.
Option "No race detection"
Regatta Hero automatically ends a race if no participants have checked in within 60 minutes after the start or if no GPS signal has been received from any participant for 50 minutes. Under certain conditions, such as long stretches without mobile coverage, it might make sense to disable this automatic race recognition.
Option "Berlin Start"
This option ensures that a boat's start time is not the start signal (countdown reaching zero) but the moment the respective boat crosses the start line for the first time. This method calculates the actual time sailed from crossing the start line to crossing the finish line (taking the handicap into account). For the corrected time, the "delay" in crossing the start line is subtracted before dividing by the handicap.
Note: A premature start (up to 1 minute before the countdown ends) would also be included in the calculation of the sailed time.
Option "Autostart"
Regatta Hero offers the possibility to automatically initiate the start of a regatta. For this, you select the day of the week and the time at which the start should occur (this is the time when the start countdown reaches zero). If the option remains active, the start will occur weekly at the configured time. If you want to start only once at a preset time, you must deactivate the option after the start.
When an automatic start is activated, both the race officer and the participants will be notified. The day and time of the start will be displayed permanently on the timeline. For the race officer, it looks as follows:
For participants, the start time is displayed as soon as they switch to the race participation mode, as shown below.
10 minutes before the scheduled start time (or 8 minutes for a 3-minute start), Regatta Hero will automatically display the orange flag (start line ready). 5 minutes (or 3 minutes) before the set start time, Regatta Hero will automatically issue the preparatory signal and begin the countdown to the start.
Note: Don't forget to disable this option if no further automatic starts are needed (e.g., at the end of the season). As a reminder, it’s best to set a calendar entry in your personal calendar.
In addition to traditional races with a finish line, Regatta Hero also supports time races. This means that instead of a finish line, a race duration is specified. When the time is up, the regatta ends, and the ranking is determined based on the number of passed course markers and the distance to the next (unreached) marker.
The duration of the time race is configured via the Options button. Once the "Time Race" option is activated, an input field for the race duration in minutes appears in the options dialog in addition to the previously explained options.
Time races require a loop course. In the course definition, you must set up at least a start line, a windward mark, and a finish line (even though it’s not used). It’s important that the buoy definitions for the finish line match 100% with the start line. For example, if the start line has buoy 1 on starboard (start boat) and buoy 2 on port (pin end), the finish line must also have buoy 1 on starboard and buoy 2 on port.
Participants sail the loop repeatedly, passing the windward marker, returning to the start line, rounding one of the start line buoys, and crossing the start line again.
Note: A start line buoy can also be virtual, meaning it’s defined in Regatta Hero but doesn’t physically exist on the lake. In such cases, the sailing instructions would specify starting at the start boat. It’s also possible to add additional course markers between the start and the windward marker to extend the loop.
In recent years, the so-called "Pursuit Start" has become popular, especially in club regattas. The principle is simple: Each boat has an individual start time based on its handicap (e.g., Yardstick), eliminating the need to calculate corrected times after the finish. The first boat to cross the finish line wins.
This simplifies the process of calculating corrected times, but individual start times must be calculated for each boat. Regatta Hero automatically calculates these start times for all participants. The race officer only needs to input the estimated race duration (for a boat with a Yardstick of 100) and the Yardstick of the slowest participating boat. This is done via the options dialog.
If a regatta is set up to be scored using the Time-on-Time system (TOT), the configuration dialog will look as follows.
Hint: You define the type of scoring system when you create a new regatta.
Note: Estimating the race duration for the chosen course can be difficult under variable wind conditions! A wrong estimation can significantly disadvantage boats with lower or higher Yardstick numbers. Many clubs have adapted the traditional pursuit regatta system to combine it with a time race, which eliminates this disadvantage. See the next section.
Regatta Hero supports time races with a pursuit start. The advantage over the previously described pursuit regatta with a finish line is that all boats are guaranteed the race duration corresponding to their Yardstick, regardless of wind conditions.
The parameters for this race type are defined similarly to the configuration for pursuit regattas with a finish line. The actual race duration for the Yardstick-100 boat and the Yardstick of the slowest boat are entered via the options dialog.
You can round up the "Handicap slowest boat" parameter generously. For example, if the slowest boat has a Yardstick of 126, you can enter 130. This makes it easier to achieve whole-minute delays in the resulting start times.
Note: In the small notes below the input fields, Regatta Hero automatically calculates the resulting start time delay per Yardstick and the time difference between the slowest and Yardstick-100 boats. You can adjust the input values to achieve convenient whole-minute values.
If a regatta is set up to be scored using the Time-on-Distance system (TOD), the configuration dialog will look slightly different.
Hint: You define the type of scoring system when you create a new regatta.
The basis for calculating the time offset is the straight-line length of the selected course. For each nautical mile and PHRF point, there is a one-second credit or deduction.
In the second field, the handicap value (e.g., PHRF) of the slowest participating boat is entered. Regatta Hero then calculates the start delta in comparison to a boat with a handicap of 0 (e.g., PHRF handicap equal to 0).
When calculating the start time, a boat with the handicap (PHRF) of the slowest boat would start exactly with the starting signal, while all other boats with a lower handicap (PHRF) would start later accordingly (because they are faster).
The race is primarily managed via two large buttons located below the four flag placeholders (marked with gray arrows below).
Regatta Hero only offers control options that are valid according to the current race rules at each stage.
The following diagram provides an overview of the options available to the race officer using these two large buttons. The black arrows indicate which view is reached by confirming a button.
Control Options Overview
Each situation is detailed in the following sections. The sequence of steps largely follows the current "Racing Rules of Sailing" from World Sailing.
The following phases of a race are explained based on the diagram above. The possible control alternatives for each phase are described.
The following image shows the initial state before a race. Except for the Y flag (life jacket requirement), no signals are displayed. Neither the orange flag (start line ready) nor the AP flag (start postponed) is shown.
At this stage, the race officer has only two options: either display the orange flag (start line ready) by tapping the left button or display the AP flag (start postponed) by tapping the right button.
If the right button (AP flag) is pressed in the previous state ("No Active Race"), the postponement flag is displayed, and the corresponding sound signal is played on the smartphone.
At this stage, the orange flag (start line ready) has not yet been set. You can either press the left button or the right button.
If the right button (AP flag) is tapped again, the postponement flag is removed (with the corresponding sound signal).
Since the orange flag (start line ready) was not displayed at this point, the system returns to the "No Active Race" state.
If the left button is pressed instead, the postponement remains active, and the orange flag (start line ready) is displayed as well.
If the postponement (AP flag) is removed in this state, Regatta Hero will automatically display the preparatory signal after 60 seconds, followed by the start countdown.
Note: Alternatively, you can press the left button (start line not ready) in this phase to return to the previous state.
When in the state "No race active," using the left button to directly set the orange flag will result in the following view, allowing you to either remove the orange flag (start line not ready) or display the warning signal (class flag).
If you choose to display the warning signal by tapping the right button, an audible signal will sound, and the start countdown will begin as defined in the racing regulations.
Note: The start countdown can only be interrupted by displaying the AP flag (postponement). More on this in the next section.
The start countdown automatically progresses through all phases defined in the racing regulations. The preparatory signal is displayed one minute after the warning signal and appears in the app as follows:
One minute before the end of the start countdown (i.e., 4 or 2 minutes after the warning signal), the preparatory signal is automatically removed.
The countdown continues automatically until the start (countdown reaches zero).
In some cases, the ongoing start countdown must be interrupted (e.g., due to a significant wind shift). In this case, you can use the only visible button (on the right) to display the AP flag (postponement). The result is the following view:
When the signal is displayed, the corresponding sound signal is played on the smartphone. The app then returns to the phase where you can either remove the orange flag with the left button (start line not ready) or remove the AP flag with the right button.
Caution! Removing the AP flag while the orange flag is still displayed will automatically show the warning signal after 60 seconds, and the start countdown will restart.
Note: If you wish to remove the AP flag without triggering a new start countdown, you must first remove the orange flag and then remove the AP flag.
After the start countdown reaches zero, the race officer sees the following view. In addition to the two familiar buttons, two more buttons are now available below.
The two upper buttons are explained in the following sections.
The top-left button is used to display the X flag (individual recall). This signals that at least one participant has been observed starting early. Pressing this button displays the following view for the race officer. Participants also see this flag, accompanied by the corresponding sound signal.
Each participant can then decide whether to take the necessary action (e.g., re-crossing the start line) or be confident they were not an early starter.
If the race officer wishes to remove the X flag (individual recall), they can do so by pressing the same button again.
Note: The left button for displaying the individual recall will disappear after 8 seconds. A longer decision period for showing the individual recall is neither practical nor common. If the individual recall was displayed, the button to remove it remains available even after the 8 seconds.
In cases of a false start where not all early starters can be identified, the race officer can display the First Substitute flag (general recall). This cancels the race and allows the start to be repeated.
When the race officer clicks the top-right button, the First Substitute flag (general recall) is displayed (with an accompanying sound signal), and the following view appears:
Note: The right button for the general recall disappears after 15 seconds. A longer decision period for showing the general recall is neither practical nor common.
After displaying the general recall, you can either remove the orange flag (start line not ready) with the left button or remove the First Substitute flag with the right button.
Caution! Removing the First Substitute flag while the orange flag is still displayed will automatically show the warning signal after 60 seconds, and the start countdown will restart.
Note: If you wish to remove the First Substitute flag without triggering a new start countdown, you must first remove the orange flag and then remove the First Substitute flag.
After the start and the conclusion of the recall phase, the race officer's view changes as shown below:
These three options are explained in the next three sections.
In some situations, the ongoing race must be abandoned (e.g., due to significant wind shifts or a calm). In this case, the top-right button can be used to display the N flag (race abandonment). A confirmation prompt appears next.
If you tap "OK," the N flag (race abandonment) will be displayed on smartphones, and the corresponding sound signal will be played. The race officer then sees the following view:
After displaying the N flag (race abandonment), you can either remove the orange flag (start line not ready) with the left button or remove the N flag with the right button.
Caution! Removing the N flag while the orange flag is still displayed will automatically show the warning signal after 60 seconds, and the start countdown will restart.
Note: If you wish to remove the N flag without triggering a new start countdown, you must first remove the orange flag and then remove the N flag.
In case of decreasing wind or for other reasons, the race officer may decide to shorten the course. To do so, they tap the bottom left button with the S flag (Course Shortening).
On the smartphones, the S flag (Course Shortening) will be displayed, and the corresponding sound signal will play. The race officer will then see the following view:
At the bottom of the screen, the race officer must select which course mark will serve as the new finish line. Typically, this is the mark that the leading boat is approaching next.
When the leading boat approaches the newly designated finish line due to the course shortening, Regatta Hero will automatically display the blue flag (Finish Line Ready).
When the blue flag is displayed, you can wait until the last boat crosses the finish line, and Regatta Hero will automatically end the race.
However, it may be foreseeable that one or more boats will not cross the finish line or will do so in an unreasonable amount of time. In this case, you can also manually end the race by tapping the top left button (Remove Blue Flag). A confirmation dialog will appear:
If you choose "OK" here, the race will end, and the status will return to "No Active Race."
Explanation: The correct way to end a race in Regatta Hero is by removing a displayed blue flag. If this flag is not displayed, it must first be manually displayed as described in the next section.
Another way to end a race would be to abandon it using the N flag. However, keep in mind that if a regatta is abandoned, no results will be calculated, and no results email will be sent.
If the blue flag is not visible (because the leading boat has not yet started the final leg), you must first display the blue flag manually using the bottom right button (Blue Flag) before you can remove it.
After pressing the bottom right button (Show Blue Flag), the race officer will then see the following view. Here, they can remove the blue flag by pressing the top left button.
If you select "OK" in the subsequent confirmation dialog, the race will end, and the status will return to "No Active Race."
Regatta Hero can send announcements from the race committee to all logged-in sailors. It is important to note that announcements are not specific to a single regatta but apply to all sailors of an organization. This is sensible, as multiple class regattas may take place simultaneously on the same day (e.g., several classes starting one after the other on the same course).
Note: Announcements function like a bulletin board. As long as an announcement is published by the race officer, it can be viewed by participants at any time, even if they were not logged into the app at the time of publication. However, only one announcement (of any length) can be active at a time.
To create or modify an announcement, tap the "Announcement to All Boats" menu item in the main menu.
After pressing the button, the following screen will appear. Here, you can enter or edit the announcement text.
Note: If you want to delete the announcement text, press the "Delete" button. As long as the announcement text is not deleted, it will remain visible. Therefore, you should delete the text at the end of a regatta at the latest.
In addition to manually created announcements, there are two cases where Regatta Hero automatically generates and posts announcement text. The first case is a notification to regatta participants that they are using an outdated version of the app and need to update to the latest version in the app store.
The second case is the display of results from the most recently completed race. However, the race officer can disable the automatic display of results in the race options.
The manage2sail software allows results from races to be imported via copy and paste into import templates specifically provided by manage2sail. To facilitate this, Regatta Hero includes a file specifically formatted for manage2sail in addition to the standard results file. This file is attached to the results email and named "m2s_results_rrr_www.csv", where "rrr" represents the regatta name, and "www" represents the race name.
The "m2s_results" file from Regatta Hero contains the following result columns:
Sail number
Finishing Position
Manual Start Date
Manual Start Time
Finish Date
Finish Time
Sailed Time
Depending on the race start type, different columns need to be copied to the corresponding columns in the manage2sail import template.
Finish Line Races
For races with a finish line (normal start or pursuit start), the following four columns must be copied:
Sail number
Finishing Position
Finish Date
Finish Time
For races with individual starts (Berlin start) and a finish line, the following six columns must be copied:
Sail number
Finishing Position
Manual Start Date
Manual Start Time
Finish Date
Finish Time
Pursuit Time Races
For races run as time trials without a finish line, only two columns need to be copied:
Sail number
Finishing Position
After copying the data from the "m2s_results" file, the import file is uploaded to manage2sail.
Regatta Hero automatically creates a demo course and a demo regatta when setting up a new organization. If you want to add additional regattas or courses, this can be done under the menu item "Create Regattas & Courses" in the main menu.
After selecting "Create Regattas & Courses," you will see the following screen.
Note: In this view, you can not only create new regattas and courses but also delete them.
To create a new regatta, simply enter the name of the regatta. If the blue "+" button becomes grayed out while typing the regatta name, it means you have used an invalid character or the regatta name is too long.
In the "Handicap Scoring" field, you can select which scoring system should be used for this regatta. In Europe, the Time-on-Time system (TOT) is commonly used, which calculates a "corrected time" based on the handicap. Alternatively, you can choose the Time-on-Distance system (TOD), where the handicap advantage is determined by the course length. This system is commonly used in the US, for example, with a PHRF handicap.
The "Handicap Base" field is preset to "100" but can be changed. For example, in Austria, the base for the Yardstick Handicap is not "100" but "600". If you want to use the Texel or SCHRS handicap system, you must enter "1" here.
Note: If the Time-on-Distance system has been selected as the scoring system, there is no input field for the handicap base here.
After entering the data, press the blue "+" button next to the new regatta name.
To delete an existing regatta, select the regatta in the dropdown list and press the red "trash can" button.
Note: Deleting a regatta does not delete the associated course. If you want to delete all replays of a regatta, it is useful to simply delete the regatta and then recreate it, assigning the course again.
The same applies to renaming a regatta. Simply delete it and create it again under the new name, then assign the course. However, note that all completed replays will also be lost during this "renaming" process.
To create an empty course (one with only a start and finish line), simply enter the name of the new course and press the blue "+" button. Again, the "+" button will be grayed out if invalid characters are used or the name is too long.
When you enter the first letter of a new course name, an option will appear below the input field allowing you to create the new course based on the buoy definition of an existing course. This is very useful if you want to create courses that are essentially identical but include a different number of laps.
This function is also helpful if you want to rename a course. Simply create the new course with the desired name and copy the buoy definition from the old course. Then delete the old course name. Do not forget to assign the renamed course to the desired regatta in the race committee options.
To delete a course, select the course and press the "trash can" button.
Note: If the "trash can" button is not visible, it is because the "New Course" field is not empty. Once it is empty, the delete icon will reappear.
As mentioned earlier, the race committee functions available in the app are also available in the Mapviewer. To use them in the Mapviewer, you must activate the "Race Office Controls" option.
Using the race officer functions in the Mapviewer is especially convenient for setting up the course definition. Therefore, this example will use the Mapviewer. However, the course marks can also be defined in the app.
The following shows how to set up course marks for the newly created course "East Course."
When creating a new course, a finish line is automatically created with the following buoy definition:
Port = Buoy 4
Starboard = Buoy 3
To view this definition, click the finish line in the list of buoys on the right side of the Mapviewer, which will open the corresponding detail view. In the Mapviewer, it looks like this:
We now want to change the finish line definition so that the finish line is above the starting line. For this, we need the following buoy definitions for the finish line:
Port = Buoy 8
Starboard = Buoy 7
To do this, select these buoys from the respective lists in the dropdown fields and press the "Submit" button. Afterward, the Mapviewer looks as follows:
After defining the finish line, you can collapse the detail view for the finish line by clicking on the "Finish Line" row.
Note: Ensure that the arrow drawn on the finish line points in the direction the boats will be crossing the line during the finish.
When creating a new course, a starting line is automatically created with the following buoy definition:
Port (Pin End) = Buoy 1
Starboard (Start Boat) = Buoy 2
To view this definition, click the starting line in the list of buoys on the right side of the Mapviewer, which will open the corresponding detail view. In the Mapviewer, it looks like this:
We now want to change the starting line definition so that the starting line is at the very bottom. For this, we need the following buoy definitions for the starting line:
Port (Pin End) = Buoy 4
Starboard (Start Boat) = Buoy 3
To do this, select these buoys from the respective lists in the dropdown fields and press the "Submit" button. Afterward, the Mapviewer looks as follows:
Note: Ensure that the arrow drawn on the starting line points in the direction the boats will be crossing the line during the start.
After defining the starting line, you can collapse the detail view for the starting line by clicking on the "Starting Line" row.
When all the detail views are collapsed, the symbols for deleting and adding marks appear on the respective marks (here, start line and finish line). Additionally, the far-right symbol represents the "handle" to move the marks in the list.
Now, we want to define a windward mark. To do this, we add a new mark using the "+" symbol located on the start line row, which will automatically be inserted behind the start line.
It initially receives the name "New" by default. After expanding the detail view for the new mark, it will look as follows in the Mapviewer.
A series of configuration options will be offered here. For the label, we can enter the text "Windward Mark," for example.
The options for the mark type are as follows:
We select the type "Buoy" and for the buoy definition, we choose "Buoy 5" from the dropdown list. Finally, we need to specify the type of mark rounding. The following rounding options are available:
We choose the option "Automatic."
In most cases, Regatta Hero automatically determines the correct rounding direction, as it is usually dictated by the course ("Principle of String-Tightening"). If this does not work as desired in special course configurations, the rounding direction must be set manually.
The "Pass" option is only suitable in rare cases when the course should continue past the mark without rounding, for example, when only the passage of the mark's location needs to be recorded.
After entering "Windward Mark" and pressing the "Submit" button, the result in the Mapviewer will look as follows.
Finally, we want to create a leeward gate. To do this, we add another mark using the "+" symbol on the "Windward Mark" row, which will automatically be inserted behind the windward mark in the list.
It initially receives the name "New" by default. After expanding the detail view for the new mark, we rename the new mark to "Leeward Gate" and select the "Gate" option for the buoy type.
The gate is passed from windward (top of screen) and then turns around one of the two buoys to windward (top of screen). For the buoy definitions, we set the following:
Starboard = Buoy 1
Port = Buoy 2
It is also important that the arrow points in the direction of travel, i.e., in the direction that the boats will pass the gate on the inside.
After configuring the gate and pressing the "Submit" button, it will look as follows in the Mapviewer.
With that, the definition of the new course is complete.
Note: If the race director wants to have the option to choose whether the course will be one or two laps just before the start, a second course can be created that uses the previously created course as a template. A second windward mark and a second leeward gate are then added after the existing leeward gate.
See the following figure in the Mapviewer.
Before the start, the race director then selects which of the two courses appears more suitable given the current wind conditions.
When all the detail views of the created marks are closed, the "trash can" icon is available for deleting marks. So if you cannot see the "trash can" icon you need to make sure all detail views of all course marks are closed.
The same applies to changing the order of the marks. This can be done using the icon next to the "+" icon, and the marks can be moved via drag and drop with the mouse. Note that it is not possible to move a mark before the start line or after the finish line.
Even after deleting or moving marks, the changes must be confirmed by pressing the "Submit" button.
Note: If changes have been made that you do not want to apply, you can restore the previous state by pressing the "Discard" button.
The race officer can – after configuring the regatta and triggering the start countdown with the announcement signal – also participate in the race if he wishes. Even though the app is in race officer mode due to the entry of the admin code, the menu items "Participate in the Regatta" and "Edit Registration Data" are still available in the main menu.
The instructions for participating in regattas have already been explained in the section The App for the Sailor. These apply equally to the race officer.
Note: An elegant option in this context is the use of the auto-start feature in the Race Officer Options Menu. You set a time for the planned start, and then you have all the time in the world to prepare your own boat and head to the start without the stress of being the race officer.
Just don't forget – as all other participants must also do – to activate the tracking on time before the start ("Participate in the Regatta").
Note: For the course of the regatta, the app does not need to be in race officer mode. The entire course of the regatta will be handled autonomously and automatically by the server, unless manual intervention (e.g., cancellation, course shortening) is necessary. The race officer app essentially serves only as a remote control that can only need to be active when a command is necessary.
Caution: The data consumption of the app in race officer mode is significantly higher than in normal participant mode. For example, if you are participating in a longer regatta, you can log out as a race officer and, if you are also a participant, log in again with the "normal" participant code to save data consumption.
So far, we have shown how to locate buoys using the Map Viewer. However, it is also possible (or to refine a previously set position) to capture the GPS position of a buoy using the app. There is a button in the main menu called "Track Buoy using GPS". You can use this to record a position once or continuously.
Note: If you are logged in as a race officer, the menu option "Track Buoy using GPS" is included in the race officer menu. However, it is also possible to log into the app with the passcode for the buoy layer. You will then also see the menu item "Track Buoy using GPS" in the (then significantly smaller) menu.
The one-time capture is useful when the buoy's position is relatively stable (e.g., little drift), and the buoy layers want to capture the position right after deploying the buoy with a motorboat.
To do this, simply call the "Capture Buoy via GPS" option. Then, select the buoy you want to capture.
Important: ONLY AFTER SELECTING THE BUOY, turn on the "Buoy-Tracking active" switch (for about 5-10 seconds).
If you activate buoy tracking and forget to select the correct buoy first, the current position will be assigned to a buoy other than the desired one.
Caution: Don’t forget to turn off tracking after 5 to 10 seconds, definitely before leaving the position of the recorded buoy with the motorboat, because Regatta Hero always saves only the last recorded position of a buoy!
If you want to keep the position of a buoy constantly updated, you can place an old or inexpensive new smartphone in a waterproof case and simply leave the tracking mode on, as described above.
The battery life in this mode ranges from 8 to 24 hours (depending on the model). Nowadays, there are also free data plans with 3GB, so this method is quite realistic.
The company Smartmotion offers GPS-controlled, self-driving regatta buoys (Smartmarks). You enter the position via smartphone or tablet, and they autonomously stay exactly at the defined position, powered by electric motors.
Regatta Hero optionally offers an interface that allows clubs to automatically transfer the current position of their Smartmarks to Regatta Hero every 15 seconds.
Further information about this optional interface can be requested via the contact address of Regatta Hero.
The company WaterSportMarks offers GPS-controlled, self-driving regatta buoys (WaterSportMarks). You enter the position via smartphone or web browser, and they autonomously stay exactly at the defined position, powered by 2 electric motors.
Regatta Hero optionally offers an interface that allows clubs to automatically transfer the current position of their WaterSportMarks to Regatta Hero every 15 seconds.
Further information about this optional interface can be requested via the contact address of Regatta Hero.
Regatta Hero offers easy-to-use MQTT support for external boat or buoy trackers. This is especially interesting for DIY projects based on, for example, ESP32, Arduino, or Raspberry Pi, but can ultimately be used universally when integrating boat and/or buoy positions in real-time into Regatta Hero.
The specific connection data for the Regatta Hero MQTT Broker, as well as the respective topics where data can be published, can be obtained after contacting Regatta Hero via the contact address.
Example Payload for Boat Tracker
An example of a JSON payload that must be published to a topic on the Regatta Hero MQTT Broker if it is a boat tracker.
{
"passcode": "123456",
"orgid": "demo",
"raceid": "Demo Regatta",
"gps": {
"lat": 47.823938240041436,
"lon": 8.1386857025205,
"speed": 5.5,
"odo": 1000,
"age": 1000,
"bat": 0.7,
"timestamp": "2011-10-05T14:48:00.000Z"
},
"boat": {
"boatid": "c32d8b45-92fe-44f6-8b61-42c2107dfe23",
"sailno": "GER 11",
"team": "Müller",
"boatclass": "ILCA 6",
"handicap": 114,
"club": "WSCS e.V.",
"boatname": "Delfin"
}
}
Example Payload for Buoy Tracker
Example of a JSON payload that must be published to a topic on the Regatta Hero MQTT Broker if it is a buoy tracker.
{
"passcode": "386586",
"orgid": "elbe",
"gps": {
"lat": 47.823938240041436,
"lon": 8.1386857025205,
"bat": 0.7,
"timestamp": "2011-10-05T14:48:00.000Z"
},
"buoy": {
"buoyid": "buoy1"
}
}
As "buoyid", values from "buoy1" to "buoy20" are allowed. The timestamps are in UTC Timestamp format. "orgid" and "passcodes" are the same as those required in the app for boat tracking or buoy laying. "raceid" is the name of the regatta. The meaning of the other field names should be inferred from the example values in the above JSON structures.
Further information and assistance with implementation can be requested free of charge from the Regatta Hero team via the Regatta Hero contact address.
To ensure Android smartphones reliably and continuously send their location, some "fine-tuning" may be required. This is due to the fact that Android, unlike Apple, is an open-source operating system.
This gives manufacturers the possibility to deviate from the Android standard and, for example, introduce rather adventurous "battery-saving" modes that, when activated, prevent background operation of an app. In that case, Regatta Hero will not work because the app needs to capture the GPS position even when the screen is locked. These "battery-saving" modes must be disabled when operating Regatta Hero.
The most common sources of error are described below, and further tips can be found via the provided link in the last chapter of this section.
Please be sure to check the location permissions in the Android settings to ensure that the "Use precise location" option is selected and that the "Allow all the time" option is active.
In the Android settings, under the "Apps" category, you will find a list of all installed apps. Select Regatta Hero and then choose the "Battery" option. You will then see the following or a similar screen.
Here, please be sure to set Regatta Hero does not have any kind of a "Background restriction" (or similar) active.
It is necessary that Regatta Hero is allowed to operate and use battery even if it operates in the background. This ensures that Regatta Hero runs continuously and is not restricted or even terminated by the operating system.
Some phones with certain Android versions have a feature to lock apps that are open in memory. This can prevent apps (for example on Blackview smartphones) from being removed from memory by the operating system when not in use.
To do this, go to the "Recently Used" screen and tap on the desired app icon for Regatta Hero. Then tap on "Lock this app" or, if available, the lock icon. If you then clear all open apps from the "Recently Used" screen, this will not affect the locked Regatta Hero app.
Desired side effect: The app will not be automatically removed from memory by Android, when the OS sees that the app is not being used in the foreground.
Depending on the manufacturer of the Android smartphone, there may be apps or functions installed that simply terminate and remove any application that is not active in the foreground, thinking it will save a little energy. This is a KO criterion for Regatta Hero because it will stop tracking in the background.
You will notice that such a function is active on your smartphone at the latest when the tracking function of Regatta Hero in the background stops after a while after you activate the lock screen or simply brought another app to the foreground.
Sometimes, the simplest option, or even the necessary one, is to uninstall the entire memory cleanup app. For example, on a Blackview smartphone, the "whitelisting" of Regatta Hero in the System Manager had no positive effect. Only when the entire "System Manager" app was uninstalled did the smartphone work flawlessly with Regatta Hero.
Here is the URL for a free tool that can be used to uninstall these harmful system apps. The app is called ADB Appcontrol and is very easy to use.
For the sake of clarity: We do not assume any liability for modifying your smartphone's operating system.
For further fine-tuning, we have provided a troubleshooting guide at the link https://www.regattahero.com/troubleshooting.html. You can also access the link from the app under the "Having trouble logging in?" menu item.
More information about the unfortunate inventiveness of Android manufacturers can be found at the following link: https://dontkillmyapp.com/. If tracking doesn't work with Android smartphones, you will unfortunately have to work through this.
Note: Once you have resolved location detection issues, these optimizations will be maintained for all future regattas. It is worth investing some time here.