Until recently, sailing was a relatively tech-free job. Apart from compasses and binoculars, concentration and stamina was all that a seasoned seaman needed to brave the waves.
Fortunately or not, these days are long gone. Today’s sailors are equipped with all sorts of high-tech equipment. This allows them to know in real time about sailing conditions ahead. The advent of the smartphone in particular has made everything easier. There is a plethora of sailing apps on offer to make sailing trips safer. So here is our selection of the best sailing apps out there.
Weather-related apps
A good wind forecast is essential to plan ahead, especially if you’re on a sailboat. It’s useful to keep out of harm’s way when sailing in regions where the weather can be unstable. We are big fans of PredictWind, an app using its own global weather forecasting model. The software provides 50km resolution with a detailed map indicating wind speeds and directions, including 1-8km resolution forecasts for popular boating destinations. Crucially, the data is updated on an hourly basis. Another option is Buoyweather (available on Apple and Android devices), which offers you a 16-day wind and wave forecast. On top of that, you can create your own list of favourite locations for quick access to tailored forecasts. Finally, there is Windy. This app is widely used by the surfing and kiteboarding community as it offers accurate wind forecasts for free.
Tide forecasting apps
A tide forecast to give you a heads-up about low and high tide times is a must for seamen. There are many relevant apps, but AyeTides and Tides & Currents for Apple and Android devices respectively are our favourite ones. They are widely popular on both sides of the Atlantic for their user-friendly interface and accuracy of information they provide.
Charting apps
Charting apps are an essential tool to find your way when you are sailing on the seven seas. For Apple users, i-Boating, an app based on raster charts, is an ideal option, as well as the user-friendly and always up-to-date Motion X GPS. Android users on the other hand may prefer Memory-Map or MX Mariner, equally trustworthy. One app that stands out in the US market is iNavX, a user-friendly chart plotter covering the most popular boating destinations in North America. The app uses NOAA RNC raster charts.
Memory-Map
Docking apps
As avid boaters already know, knowing whether there is space in a marina to dock your boat can save you time and money. For US sailors, Dockwa is probably the best option, while Europeans may want to try Marine Guides. For something more specific, we would recommend My Anchor Watch. The app lets you know if your anchor is dragging, using your smartphone’s GPS data to keep track of the boat’s position when it’s windy.
AIS apps
Automatic Identification System (AIS) apps are quite useful to avoid accidents, particularly collision with other vessels. AIS is a radio-based system that indicates the position of other ships close to you. It also includes data lik their speed and current course. There are many apps in this category, but two stand out: Marine Traffic and Boat Beacon. The former is a free app that provides users with all sorts of info, including the dimensions and gross tonnage of vessels, as well as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) number. As for Boat Beacon, available on both Android and Apple, it is equally informative and offers extra features such as ‘Man Overboard tracking’ and ‘Ship to Ship’ instant messaging. Only for iOS users, you can chat with other Boat Beacon boats.
Bonus sailing apps
As a bonus app, we suggest the Safe Skipper – Safety Afloat app. It provides amateur sailors with all the information they need for a safe trip, including valuable to-do tips for emergencies. And of course, don’t forget Click&Boat’s own app, to rent a boat anywhere in the world with a few clicks.
The above list includes some of our favourite sailing apps, but this does not mean that it’s an exhaustive one. There are thousands of apps out there for the tech-savvy boating fan who is willing to go the extra mile. And don’t forget, no technology can replace good old thinking-on-your-feet when you are on a boat!
