MarkSetBot, the award winning US startup, is transforming sailboat racing with its patented robotic buoys while remaining a true family run business. Founded by brothers Kevin and Matthew Morin and operated alongside their father Michael and Kevin’s wife Marcie, the company blends a passion for sailing with cutting edge technology.

Their flagship self propelled, GPS enabled buoys offer a precise, eco-friendly alternative to traditional anchored race marks, and when combined with technology like Vakaros RaceSense, they are seamlessly streamlining every aspect of race management.  

Expanding beyond sailing, they’ve also introduced GolfShotBot, an innovative pop up golf target with biodegradable balls, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability. 

A family passion turned innovation

Lifelong sailors, the Morin family understands the challenges of setting racecourses. The idea for MarkSetBot came while Kevin was sailing on Michigan’s Cass Lake, where tricky winds and waters with inconsistent depth made anchored marks difficult to manage. Inspired by a family friend’s advice, he developed self propelled buoys that simplify race management while reducing environmental impact.

The team sees clear parallels between sailboat racing and running a business: “You have to prepare properly to do your best. You have to want to hear the bad news because your response to those situations define you,” said Matthew. “You also better love what you’re doing because it’s going to be really, really hard.”

Kevin added, “We’ve always loved racing together. In the end, we have each other’s backs, and in business, it’s no different. We’re lucky to do this as a family.”

Proven technology, tested in extreme conditions

Since launching, MarkSetBot has undergone five major iterations and 400+ upgrades, proving its durability in winds up to 30 knots and 5-6 meter swells, including at the 2023 Pan American Games.

Its patented design with a submerged motor, positioned three feet below the surface, maximizes stability and holding power. Controlled via a mobile app, race organizers can set and adjust courses in real time from the committee boat, clubhouse or anywhere in the world.

Sustainability is at the core of MarkSetBot. Traditional race mark setting requires fuel-consuming boats and can damage seabeds, while MarkSetBot eliminates anchoring, reducing environmental impact. A study by Earth to Ocean confirmed its benefits, including zero carbon emissions. The company has earned Sailors for the Sea’s “Clean Regatta” Certification for four years and was a finalist for the 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award.

Backed by industry leaders

MarkSetBot has gained support from elite sailing figures and organizations, including SailGP’s Russell Coutts, America’s Cup teams, and yacht clubs across 40 countries. Industry leaders like Maria Torrijo, Principal Race Officer for top-level racing like the 52 Super Series, and RS21 Race Class Italy President Davide Casetti have praised the technology for improving race efficiency.

In terms of innovative new partnerships, MarkSetBot has teamed up with Vakaros, innovators in advanced sailing instruments and GPS devices, to elevate race management by combining autonomous marks with RaceSense technology. This integration eliminates skewed courses and general recalls, ensuring higher-quality racing for classes like TP52, M32, E Scows, and VX One. 

Stephen Polk, Offshore Spars CEO and an investor says, “I have known the Morin Family for many years and have spent time with them both in the boardroom and on the racecourse. Having spent much of my career in a family business, I can relate to their journey and we are excited to be part of the MarkSetBot story.” 

MarkSetBot has received multiple industry accolades, including the US Sailing One Design Creativity Award for technological advancement and the ICAS Pinnacle Award for innovation in air show safety. It is also a finalist in the University of Toronto’s Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), a global startup accelerator for science-based companies.

Expanding horizons

Beyond sailing, MarkSetBot is exploring new applications, including a partnership with Splash City Golf to create a “Top Golf”-style waterfront golf experience using robotic targets.

The company is set to showcase its technology at major industry events like METSTRADE, Yacht Racing Forum, and US Sailing Forums, with a potential return to the Toronto Boat Show in 2026.

With proven technology, industry backing, and a focus on sustainability, MarkSetBot is shaping the future of racecourse management, making sailing more efficient, accessible, and environmentally responsible.

For more information, visit: www.marksetbot.com.