Sweden To Test Revolutionary Timing System At Record Attempt Event

Östhammars Sailing Club is set to make history on 11 October with the world’s first test of a Webtracking-based timing system for powerboat speed records, marking a significant departure from traditional stopwatch methods.

The record attempt event at Östhammarsfjärden represents a watershed moment for powerboat record-keeping, with the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) considering approval of Sweden’s groundbreaking timing proposal that could revolutionise how speed records are verified globally.

Originally scheduled for 4 October, the event was postponed by a week due to adverse weather conditions, with organisers now seeking additional entries following the date change.

Revolutionary Technology

Traditional stopwatch timing has been the standard for speed records and attempts up to 100 km/h, but Östhammars Sailing Club is pioneering a new approach using technology developed by Webtracking. The system employs transponders consisting of an antenna and tracking unit mounted on each boat during record runs.

The Swedish proposal to the UIM outlines how data from the trackers will be processed and quality-assured, with approval pending before the attempts can proceed. Organisers acknowledge this is the first time such a system will be tested worldwide, making the event a crucial proof of concept for the future of powerboat record verification.

Event Details

The record attempts will take place on a 1,000-metre course – the same layout used successfully in 2019. Each boat and class will be permitted two attempts, with a third available time-permitting for an additional fee.

The day’s schedule runs from 07:00 with safety inspections through to 16:00, with a lunch break from 12:00-12:30. Extensive post-attempt inspections will follow, reflecting the rigorous standards required for official record recognition.

Entry fees are set at 2,500 SEK per boat and class, with additional attempts costing 1,000 SEK each. Following the weather-related postponement, late entries are being accepted as some participants were unable to make the rescheduled date.

Transparent About Challenges

Organisers have been refreshingly candid about potential issues, noting that “we have not had the opportunity to fully stress-test the system” and that “the record attempt also requires a certain number of boats to be economically viable.”

This honesty reflects the pioneering nature of the event – testing unproven technology whilst attempting to break speed records requires both courage and careful risk management. The weather postponement has compounded these challenges, with the organisers actively seeking additional entries to ensure the event’s viability.

Six Years In The Making

It has been six years since the last record attempt at Östhammarsfjärden, making this event particularly significant for Sweden’s powerboat community. The venue at Östhammars Sailing Club’s shipyard area offers both ramp and crane launching facilities, with food available for purchase on site.

All participants must hold appropriate licences through SVEMO TA, with international competitors required to show start approval from their national authority.

Looking Ahead

If successful, the Webtracking system could become the new standard for speed record verification, potentially replacing stopwatches for all classes of powerboat records. The implications extend far beyond Sweden, with the UIM’s decision on the Swedish proposal likely to influence record-keeping procedures globally.

For the competitors, this represents a rare opportunity not only to set new speed records but to be part of powerboat racing history – the first to have their achievements verified by this revolutionary new system.

Registration and ongoing information is available at www.öss.se and www.roslagsloppet.com, with queries directed to Pernilla Ingvarsson (070-3450173) or Thomas Svensson (070-7560571).