Sailwave and Regatta Software

Sailwave is the most widely used results software in international sailing. From local club regattas with twenty dinghies to world championships with multiple fleets and handicap classes, race committees worldwide rely on this free desktop application. It implements the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), calculates series scores with discards, and exports results as HTML, PDF, or CSV – ready for the notice board, website, and media.

This guide explains why Sailwave has become the de facto standard, how organizers set up the software correctly, what alternatives exist, and which mistakes on race day can prove costly. It complements the parent article on Results Software and Scoring Tools with a focus on Sailwave as the core tool in everyday regatta operations.

What is Sailwave?

Sailwave is free Windows software for managing and scoring sailing regattas. Developed by Colin Jenkins and an active community, it supports fleet racing, team racing, match racing, and numerous handicap formulas. The software runs locally on the scoring operator's laptop – independent of internet connection and cloud servers.

Core Features at a Glance

1. Entry management: Start lists, sail numbers, national letters, crew assignment
2. Race scoring: Low-Point (Appendix A), High-Point, Appendix Q, bonus points
3. Status codes: DNF, DNS, DSQ, OCS, BFD, ZFP and others per DNF, DNS, DSQ and OCS
4. Discards and tie-break: Discard rules, RRS A8 and A9 per Tie-Break and Discard Rules
5. Handicap integration: ORC, IRC, PHRF, Time-on-Time and Time-on-Distance
6. Export: HTML for website, PDF for notice board, CSV for archiving
7. Multi-fleet operation: Parallel series, medal races, age classes

Sailwave Compared to Other Solutions

Sailwave dominates the market, but it is not the only option. The choice depends on event size, budget, handicap requirements, and the desire for live integration.

Desktop vs. Cloud Scoring Compared

For most organizers: Sailwave as the primary system, cloud solutions as a supplement for live publication and registration. The Results Service and Communication benefits from Sailwave HTML exports that are uploaded to the event website via FTP or CMS.

Installation and Initial Setup

Sailwave is downloaded from the official website and installed on a Windows laptop. Mac users often use Windows virtualization or a dedicated scoring laptop. Before the first use, a test run with historical regatta data is recommended.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Install software and update to the latest version
2. Create new event with name, date, and organizer
3. Define fleets: One-design classes, handicap groups, age classes
4. Choose scoring system: Low-Point, High-Point, or Appendix Q
5. Enter discard rules per Sailing Instructions
6. Import entries from CSV or enter manually
7. Load handicap data for ORC/IRC regattas (see ORC and IRC in Detail)
8. Test run with dummy results and export to website

Sailwave Setup Before the Regatta

Checklist: Preparation Before the Event

• Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions translated into scoring parameters
• All fleets and classes created in Sailwave
• Start lists imported and sail numbers checked against entry list
• Handicap certificates imported and validity verified
• Discard rules and tie-break configured
• Test run completed with at least three dummy race results
• HTML export tested on regatta website
• Backup laptop provided with identical configuration
• Operator and deputy trained
• Offline plan documented (internet failure, laptop failure)

Implementing Scoring Systems in Sailwave

The software supports all common scoring formats from the Sailing Instructions. Configuration errors lead to protests and reputational damage – therefore the scoring operator must translate the SI line by line into Sailwave before the first start.

Low-Point System (Appendix A)

The standard system in fleet racing: each placement corresponds to the point value of the position. DNF and DSQ typically receive "number of entries plus 1" points. Sailwave automatically calculates:

• Series score across all scoring races
• Discards per the rules defined in the SI
• Tie-break per RRS A8 and A9
• Provisional vs. Final Results before and after protest deadline

Handicap Scoring

For ORC, IRC, or PHRF regattas, Sailwave calculates corrected times. Raw data comes from the Finish Line and Timekeeping; Sailwave applies Time-on-Time factors or Time-on-Distance corrections.

Handicap Scoring in Sailwave

Status Codes and Protest Integration

After each race, the operator enters finish times and status codes. OCS, BFD, and ZFP are set immediately after RC decision – not only after the protest deadline. Coordination with the Race Committee and PRO is crucial: recall protocols must match Sailwave entries.

Export and Publication

Sailwave exports results in various formats. HTML export is the most common way to integrate with a website: tables with series scores, individual races, and status legend can be uploaded via FTP or CMS.

Common Export Formats

• HTML: For regatta website, notice board, social media
• PDF: For printing at the notice board and jury documents
• CSV: For archiving, federation reports, post-event analysis
• Print: Directly from Sailwave for physical notice board

Integration with Results Service

The scoring operator works closely with the results service team. Typical workflow:

1. Receive finish times from timekeeper
2. Enter data in Sailwave and check plausibility
3. Export provisional results (status: Provisional)
4. Publish HTML on website and notice board
5. After protest deadline: adjust status codes, export final scores

Best Practices on Race Day

On race day, speed and accuracy count. An experienced Sailwave operator is often more valuable than the most expensive cloud solution.

Role Distribution in the Scoring Team

1. Lead operator: Data entry, scoring, export
2. Deputy: Plausibility check, backup in case of failure
3. RC liaison: Status codes, recall information
4. Results service liaison: HTML upload, notice board

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Wrong sail number assignment with similar numbers
• Handicap certificate forgotten or outdated
• Discard rule misconfigured (e.g. one discard too few)
• Provisional and Final not distinguished
• No backup laptop in case of hardware failure
• Export without plausibility check (obvious placement errors)

Offline Backup Plan

Sailwave runs without internet. Nevertheless, every event needs a plan for:

• Laptop failure (backup device with identical configuration)
• Operator failure (trained deputy)
• Power outage (battery laptop, UPS optional)
• Data loss (regular .blw backups during the event)

Sailwave Community and Training

The Sailwave community is active and helpful. Forums, YouTube tutorials, and training from national sailing federations help beginners. Many experienced scoring operators offer workshops before the season – an investment that pays off at every event.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Sailwave

Does Sailwave run on Mac?

Windows or virtualization required.

Can Sailwave do live scoring?

HTML refresh, no real-time app.

How do I import ORC certificates?

Import ORC file via handicap menu.

What about protests after publication?

Change status, re-export.

Cost?

Free, voluntary donation to developer.

Future: Sailwave and Digital Regatta Organization

Sailwave remains the standard for desktop scoring. Cloud solutions are gaining ground at large events with live audiences. Hybrid models – Sailwave as the core, cloud for registration and live display – are becoming more common. Organizers who master Sailwave and have a clear export workflow are prepared for both worlds.

Development of Regatta Software

Related Topics

• Results Software and Scoring Tools
• Scoring Systems and Abbreviations
• Results Service and Communication
• Finish Line and Timekeeping
• ORC and IRC in Detail

Last updated: July 4, 2026