Digital Umpiring Revolutionizes America’s Cup Races

As the 37th America’s Cup approaches, new technology is changing the way the races are officiated. Richard Slater, the Chief Umpire for all races at the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, and his world-class team of umpires are utilizing cutting-edge digital technology to ensure that race calls are both accurate and consistent. This shift in umpiring is reshaping how rules are enforced and how incidents are resolved on the water, giving a futuristic edge to this historic event. Slater and his team, working shoreside, have access to an array of camera angles and digital overlays that help them make real-time decisions with unparalleled accuracy. Unlike traditional match-racing where umpires relied on direct sight and hand signals, the introduction of digital tools adds layers of precision to their decision-making. Among the new tools at their disposal are two key digital boundaries: the Platform Border and the Keep Clear Border. The Platform Border, closest to the boat, is used primarily to judge the start, finish, and boat positioning relative to the course’s various lines. This digital boundary is designed from the stern camera frame to the outermost points of the yacht, including the bowsprit and the foils. It allows the umpires to determine exact...