Technology has developed fast in recent years. Tablets and iPads are commonly seen on deck and have proved to be highly useful tools for navigation and weather prediction. The development of high speed GPS complements the latest sailing apps making them amazingly accurate chart plotters.
Skippers need to remember that whilst apps offer great support – they should only be used as a back-up or as an additional aid to standard navigation systems and chart work. Additionally, there is a wide variation in the price and usability of top sailing apps. We would advise reading as many reviews as possible before purchasing your sailing app through the Google Play Store or iTunes.
The Latest Top Sailing Apps Are Revolutionising Yachting
Top Sailing Apps For Navigation
www.navionics.com
Navionics
Navionics is one of the most popular worldwide sailing apps. The charts per zone are cheaper than the ones by iSailor and highly reliable. Updates are free of charge and Navionics have good customer support.
Free App | Average Chart Price GBP 44.99
Transas iSailor
The iSailor app has one of the most extensive chart databases internationally. The charts are generated from official vector charts and reported to be reliable. Updates are regular and free although the price of the charts per zone are some of the most expensive.
Free App | Average Chart Price GBP 18.99
TimeZero
TimeZero is the the app from MaxSea Marine Navigation Software. You can integrate weather, radar, AIS, and use raster charts. The TimeZero app also comes with 3D perspective – a great idea! Zones can be downloaded directly to your device which makes chart loading times fast.
Free App | Average Chart Price GBP 39.99
Top Sailing Apps For Racing
www.zifigo.com
iRegatta | iRegatta Pro
The iRegatta comes packed with great features such as AIS and NMEA. The main view shows fore instance heading, speed, VMG and performance. It also has a lift indicator with wind direction and speed, a start line view, tracks statistics and plots waypoints. A handy little racing app!
iRegatta Basic Free App | iRegatta Pro GBP 14.99
iTacTic
An impressive app for a great price! Shows all the key information such as start line countdown, wind speed and direction and tracks your course for later analysis.
Free App | App Upgrade GBP 3.99
Top Sailing Apps For Weather & Tide
SailGrib
Available only on Android, this app is a powerhouse of weather and tide information. Download and view weather models from a variety of sources, including Great Circle, Saildocs, and NOAA.
Free App
Weather 4D/Pro
Available on both iTunes and Google Play worldwide. Ability to view animated weather in 2D or 3D which is updated every 6 hours. A neat package with additional routing features on the Pro version.
Basic App GBP 8.99 | Pro App GBP 25.49
Tides Planner
A super worldwide app that has over 8000 locations, including the US, Europe, and Australasia. Tidal stream data is provided for many European countries too. Highly recommended and a great price!
Free App | Average Zone Price GBP 3.99