About
HalSail is a comprehensive sailing regatta management and scoring solution trusted by yacht clubs, race officers, and sailing associations worldwide. The platform allows you to create, manage, and run championships, regattas, and club races from start to finish. Results can be entered from any device — desktops, laptops, tablets, or smartphones — and published online immediately. Race officers can even capture finish times automatically using their phone as boats cross the line, eliminating manual timing errors and speeding up the scoring process. HalSail supports a broad range of handicap schemes including Portsmouth Yardstick (PY), IRC, PHRF, YTC, ORC, ECHO, ASY, NHC, CYCA, and IHS, as well as progressive (golf-style) schemes where handicaps are adjusted after each race based on performance. The platform is fully compatible with the Racing Rules of Sailing 2025–2028. Additional tools include boat register management, race scheduling, email communications, and direct social media posting to keep competitors and the public informed. A comprehensive help system, instructional videos, an active blog, and a Google-based user community make onboarding straightforward. New users can explore all features during a free 45-day trial. HalSail is ideal for club race officers and regatta administrators looking to modernize their event management and scoring workflows without any coding required.
Key Features
- Multi-Device Result Entry: Enter race results from any device — desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone — with results published online immediately for competitors to view.
- Automatic Finish Time Capture: Use a smartphone to automatically record finish times as boats cross the line, reducing manual data entry and timing errors.
- Wide Handicap Scheme Support: Supports PY, IRC, PHRF, YTC, ORC, ECHO, NHC, ASY, CYCA, IHS, and generic TCF schemes, including progressive (golf-style) handicap adjustments.
- Racing Rules of Sailing Compliance: Fully compatible with the Racing Rules of Sailing 2025–2028, ensuring accurate, rule-compliant scoring for all race formats.
- Race Communication Tools: Send email notifications and post race results directly to social media from within the platform to keep competitors and clubs informed.
Use Cases
- Managing and scoring a yacht club's weekly racing series throughout the sailing season across multiple fleets and handicap schemes
- Running a multi-class championship regatta with boats on different handicap systems and publishing live results online
- Recording finish times on a smartphone at the finish line for real-time, automated result calculation and immediate publication
- Administering a progressive (golf-style) handicap series for cruiser-racer fleets where boat ratings adjust race by race
- Communicating race results and schedule updates to competitors and the public via email and social media from a single platform
Pros
- Works on Any Device: Fully responsive web app that works seamlessly on desktops, tablets, and smartphones, perfect for on-the-water race management.
- Comprehensive Handicap Support: Supports virtually every major handicap system used internationally, making it versatile for clubs of all types and sizes.
- No Coding Required: Designed for race officers and administrators with no technical background — simply register and start managing races immediately.
Cons
- Limited Setup on Mobile: Creating new accounts, editing the boat register, or adding races to the schedule requires a full-size desktop or laptop device.
- Niche Use Case: Purpose-built exclusively for sailing regatta management, so it is not suitable for other sports or general event management needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What handicap schemes does HalSail support?
HalSail supports a wide range of schemes including PY, IRC, PHRF, YTC, ORC, ECHO, ASY, NHC, CYCA, IHS, and a generic TCF scheme. Progressive (golf-style) schemes that adjust handicaps after each race are also fully supported.
Can I use HalSail on a smartphone?
Yes. On a smartphone you can record finish times, enter results, add race statuses (e.g. RET, OCS), adjust start times, and send communications. However, setting up a new account, editing the boat register, or adding races to the schedule requires a full-size device.
Is there a free trial available?
Yes. HalSail offers a free 45-day trial for new users, giving you full access to all features so you can evaluate the platform before subscribing.
Is HalSail compliant with the current Racing Rules of Sailing?
Yes. HalSail is fully compatible with the Racing Rules of Sailing 2025–2028, ensuring all scoring and protest handling is rule-compliant.
How do I get support if I have questions?
HalSail provides support through a Google-based user group where you can post questions and browse existing answers. Additional resources include an in-app help system, instructional videos, a blog, and direct email contact with the HalSail team.
