You can use the device to increase the likelihood that your boat will cross the start line of a race exactly when the race begins. When you synchronize the race timer with the official race countdown timer, you are alerted at one-minute intervals as the race start approaches. When you combine the race timer with the virtual start line, the device measures your speed, bearing, and remaining time on the countdown timer. The device uses this data to indicate whether your boat will cross the start line before, after, or at the correct time to start the race.