Gadget Madness

In the ultimate display of the expression "all the gear and no idea" comes the Racer's Edge Laser Wind Sensor. At one time oneupmanship could be achieved with the latest foul weather gear, a pair of expensive breathable sailing boots or if you were really mingling with the "Big Boys" the latest largest watch you could lay your hands on. However Racer's Edge's wind meter is a game changer because to mix with this set you won't get much change out of $150 000.

Now before we slag this off too much I have to admit to having a soft spot for gadgets. For a long time suffer of "Magpie Syndrome" this device ticks a lot of boxes. It's portable, wrapped in yellow (close second to anything silver and shiny), and uses "frickin  laser beams". Being hand-held you sure don't want to drop this over the side or leave behind in the local tavern.

OK let's be a little more serious so what does this device do. It is used by racing crew in the upcoming madness that is the America's Cup in Valencia. The system allows the crew to gather information about wind conditions up to 1000 metres from the sensors. This is a great aid to tactics allowing one to see the parts of the course that are more favourable. I am sure in the future this technology will become cheaper and more widely used by the racing community as a whole.