> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.estela.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.estela.co/tracking-races-with-estela/starting-and-stopping-tracking-sessions.md).

# Starting and Stopping Tracking Sessions

Tracking sessions can be **started and stopped manually or scheduled** in advance. These controls are available from the session dashboard.

Boats will appear live on the map once the session is active and will stop being visible once it ends.

### Manual Control

To start or stop a session manually, use the:

* Start tracking button to begin
* Finish tracking button to stop

### Scheduling a Session

You can also schedule session start and stop times:

* Schedule Start
  * Set the `Race starting time`: the system will automatically begin tracking 15 minutes before this time.
  * Alternatively, use `Schedule start` to define an exact `Auto start tracking at time`.
* Schedule Stop
  * Set the `Lasting maximum` attribute to define when the session should automatically stop.

### What Happens When a Session Stops?

Once a tracking session has ended:

* The replay becomes available for public or internal review
* Race insights and data become accessible

NOTE: You cannot restart a session once it has been stopped. If tracking was ended prematurely, a new session must be created.

### Session Limitations

Keep the following in mind before starting a session:

* You must be within your plan’s monthly limit of active sessions. If you’ve reached the limit, you’ll need to wait for the next billing cycle or upgrade your plan.
* You cannot have overlapping sessions that share the same fleet. Only one tracking session can be active at a time for a specific group of boats.