First used in high-performance events like the America’s Cup and Sail GP, robotic buoys, BOTS, are now used in many international regattas and will be used on the VX One course during the 2025 BVI Spring Regatta (BVISR), the second leg of the VX One Caribbean Cup, sponsored by Evolution Sails.
The patented buoys, manufactured by MarkSetBot in Detroit, Michigan, are a self-propelled sailing mark with GPS technology that can set a race course and hold its position without anchors. A user-friendly mobile app, stress-free assembly, and easy routing and repositioning make precise race management simple and accurate.
Chris Haycraft, chairman of the BVISR, saw the BOTS in action while serving on the race committee of the 44Cup held at Nanny Cay. Principal Race Officer, Maria Torrijo, operated and positioned the BOTS.
“I was hesitant they could work looking at the forecast for 20 to 30 knots for five days straight with big seas,” said Chris. “But boy did those BOTS handle everything we could throw at them. On Thursday of the RC44 regatta, we decided to anchor the BOTS as we expected the worst of the wind. It reminded us how difficult it is to anchor marks and adjust to wind shifts. The mark boat crew were happy to flick back to AUTO mode the next day.”
The BVISR race management team, always keen to keep the BVISR at the forefront of international regatta management will use this opportunity to assess the BOTS for further use at future Spring Regattas.
See RBVIYC Rolls Out Race Team For 44Cup for more information about the race management provided by the Royal BVI Yacht Club for the global racing tour, the 44Cup.
Evolution Sail’s sponsorship of the VX One Caribbean Cup includes bringing the BOTS to St Thomas International Regatta and the BVISR.
“We are honored to sponsor the VX One Caribbean Cup, not just helping financially, but helping to put systems in place that will benefit the sailors,” says Evolution Sails’s Greg Fisher. “We believe in the VX One Class hugely. It’s a great boat, an obviously exceptionally fast boat, and it appeals to all levels of sailors. There are some unbelievably talented Olympians who sail the boat, and there are newer sailors who enjoy it as much as the Olympians. More than simply sponsorship, we are proud to be partners in a community that wants to drive sailing to new levels.”
