About SailGauge

A sailing company with serious engineering behind it.

SailGauge is a sailing technology company developing Intelligent Sail Feedback systems that help sailors better understand the forces acting on their sails. Designed and made in the USA, in Hartford, Wisconsin.

Our story

It started with one question.

SailGauge began when Jeffrey Lawrence asked, "Is there a better way to know if my sails are trimmed right?" He had loved sailboats and sailing all his life, but always wanted better feedback about which adjustments led to the best performance.

Out of curiosity, and using his engineering background, he started measuring the forces on his sailboat and used a data-driven approach to find the best trim for his boat. What started on Lake Michigan led to a patented system — and SailGauge was born.

Since then, the design has evolved through three versions into a complete, engineered system. See how it was developed and tested.

Vintage photo of a small sailboat with a yellow sail on a lake — Where it began: the little boat Jeffrey bought at age 12.

The inventor

Jeffrey Lawrence.

Jeffrey grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan and started sailing at age 12, on a little boat he bought for $75 with money he earned washing cars. He has owned several boats since, has taught many people to sail, and has always worked to bring the joy of sailing to more people.

Electrical engineering degree, Milwaukee School of Engineering
Caltech Systems Engineering Certification
25 years designing electronics for military and construction equipment
Electrical engineering supervisor at John Deere
Adjunct professor of electronics, ITT Technical Institute

Jeffrey Lawrence at a boat show, wearing a SailGauge shirt

Meet us

See SailGauge in person.

Boat shows are where sailors can see SailGauge up close, ask questions, and talk with us directly. We've exhibited at the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show and at the Windy City Boat Show in Chicago in June 2026.

SailGauge trade show booth with banners reading 'Trimming by feel?' and 'Why not read the sails?' — The SailGauge booth

SailGauge booth at the 2025 Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show — Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show, 2025

Investors and partners

Grow with SailGauge.

SailGauge is introducing a new category — Intelligent Sail Feedback — and is building its market through direct sales, early adopters, and relationships with the sailing community.

We welcome conversations with investors, partners, and distributors who share our goal of making sailing more understandable and accessible.

Where SailGauge stands

Awarded U.S. patent (10,223,325), with additional patents pending
Hardware proven, including accelerated life testing
Preproduction systems in on-water field testing
SG1000 priced from $2,695, with Early Access reservations open
Designed and made in the USA

See what SailGauge can do.

Learn how SailGauge measures your sail forces, or reserve an SG1000.

How it works Early Access