MetroWeather Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture; President and CEO: Junichi Furumoto; hereinafter “MetroWeather”) is pleased to announce its collaboration with the nonprofit organization Wakayama Sailing Club (Location: Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture; Representative: Takuya Miki; hereinafter “Wakayama Sailing Center”) to provide real-time wind observation data at three major sailing competitions held in July and August 2025:
・All Japan Middle Boat Championship,
・JSAF Junior Youth Sailing Championship,
・The 66th National High School Sailing Championship as part of the 2025 National High School Sports Festival (hereinafter “Inter-High”).

This marks the first-time real-time wind data will be distributed at domestic sailing events. In addition to 2D data distribution via our proprietary UI, upgraded 3D data distribution will be showcased at the Inter-High venue. Through this initiative, Metro Weather aims to contribute to the enhancement of sailing performance, athlete development, and spectator engagement in this historic sport held in rich natural settings, leveraging technology to promote social contribution through sports.

◾️Background and Purpose of Real-Time Wind Condition Observation Data Distribution at Three Domestic Sailing Competitions
The real-time wind condition observation data distribution conducted at the international yacht race “BIWAKO DRAGON INVITATION 2024” in November 2024 attracted attention from yacht racing professionals. This led to requests for its use in domestic and international yacht races, culminating in this collaboration with Wakayama Sailing Center to provide the first real-time wind data distribution at domestic sailing competitions.

Wakayama Sailing Center, supporting these three competitions, is one of Japan’s largest sailing centers. Since 2008, it has been officially designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Sports Agency) as a National Training Center^{(*Note 1)}, serving as a hub for strengthening sailing performance. MetroWeather continues to innovate Doppler LiDAR technology to master global wind patterns and contribute to a safer and more prosperous society. Our “wind reading” technology helps optimize yacht control for faster and safer navigation, supporting athlete development and enhancing sailing performance. For spectators, this technology offers a new way to enjoy the dynamics of racing, creating entertainment through innovation.

*Note 1: National Training Center
Established under the Basic Sports Promotion Plan (announced by the Ministry of Education in September 2000), these facilities support top-level athletes in Japan. They aim to strengthen physical and technical capabilities, with a central facility in Kita Ward, Tokyo, and sport-specific centers across the country. Additional centers are established for winter and marine sports that cannot be accommodated at the central facility.

◾️About Real-Time Wind Condition Observation Data Distribution
In addition to 2D data distribution via our proprietary UI, the 3D data distribution has been upgraded in collaboration with Red Dot Drone Japan Co., Ltd.(Head Office：Suminoe-ku, Osaka City; Representative Director: Nozomu Miura; hereinafter “RDDJ”), a drone software developer, and Trac Trac Japan (Trac Trac), which provides real-time GPS tracking services for races. The upgraded 3D data integrates real-time GPS data of each boat from Trac Trac.

【2D Wind Data Distribution】
Wind speed and direction are visualized using moving dots and lines in color. The simple display of terrain and real-time wind conditions makes it easy for athletes and coaches to utilize.

*Note: The following data distribution video is a reference from a different event held last year and does not reflect the current UI.

【3D Wind Data Distribution】
The upgraded 3D graphics, developed with RDDJ, offer a more dynamic visualization. Wind is shown as particles, wind speed as color, and wind force as motion intensity in the video. Wind direction is displayed with moving 3D graphics in color. Integrated with Trac Trac’s GPS, the movement of each boat is shown in real time, allowing viewers to enjoy the tactical interplay of wind and racing on screen. Previously, spectators could only watch from coastal spots or via TV/internet broadcasts and live tracking. This initiative introduces a new way for on-site spectators to enjoy the races.

*Note: The following data distribution video is a reference from a different event held last year and does not reflect the current UI.

【Location of Real-Time Wind Data Display Vision】　

Location: Wakayama Sailing Club (1514 Kemi, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture)

Access:
– By car: Approx. 10 minutes from Hanwa Expressway “Kainan IC”
– By train: Approx. 30 minutes by Nankai Bus or taxi from Nankai Main Line “Wakayama City Station”
Approx. 10 minutes by Nankai Bus or taxi from JR Kinokuni Line “Kainan Station”.

◾️Overview of Competitions with Real-Time Wind Data Distribution
　2D Data Distribution：Event①〜③、3D Data Distribution：Event③
*Please check with the event organizers for updates or changes due to weather or other circumstances.

①7/19(Sat)-7/21(Mon)　All Japan Middle Boat Championship
– Race Format: 8 races (7 inshore, 1 distance); max 4 races/day
Location：Wakayama Marina City (Kemi, Wakayama City)／Race HQ: Wakayama Sailing Center
※For more detail about this competition,click here

②7/26(Sat),7/27(Sun)　JSAF Junior Youth Sailing Championship　
– 2025 Junior Division Classes: OP Class A, OP Class B, ILCA4 (Laser 4.7)
– Race Format: 7 races total (max 5 races/day)
Location：Wakayama Marina City “Wakayama Sailing Center” and Wakaura Bay
※For more detail about the competition,click here

③8/12(Tue)-8/16(Sat)　66th National High School Sailing Championship (2025 National High School Sports Festival)
（Schedule）
– 8/12 (Tue): Opening Ceremony (9:00–), Trial Race
– 8/13–16: Races (start at 9:55)
– 8/16 (Wed): Awards & Closing Ceremony (15:30–)
（Location)）
– Races: Wakayama Sailing Center
– Opening/Closing Ceremony: Wakayama Sailing Center, Clubhouse 1F
※For more detail about the competition, click here

◼️Metro Weather’s Proprietary Doppler LiDAR Technology