What Is A Regatta Timer?

Everest Bands explains how to use a regatta timer in a sailing watch like the Yacht-Master II. A regatta timer is a watch designed for the countdown to the start of a sailing race, helping yacht racers and sailors get the timing just right for the start to their race. These watches are typically programmable, flyback, and allow for a countdown interval of one to ten minutes. A sound is typically triggered to announce the start time.

The Yacht-Master II is a programmable, flyback regatta timer that allows for a countdown interval of one to ten minutes. It also features a flag and horn sounding four minutes before the start, serving as both a timing reminder and a flag displaying the starting rules of the race.

A regatta or yacht timer operates as a reverse chronograph, considering factors like wind and opponent. Heuer introduced the Supersport wrist stopwatch in 1973, which included the Regatta model, or Reference 775.915 from 1974. The Heuer Skipper features a colored and numbered subdial at the 3-oclock position, serving as the regatta timer.

A regatta countdown timer is a watch with a countdown function showing time remaining, intended for boat racing. Regatta watches allow competitors to manage their boats as best as possible to the starting line and time of the race.

The Heuer Skipper is a unique water-resistant starting timer with huge 30 mm digits and a synchronize function in case of missed signals. It also beeps during the last minute of the race.