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Portable Sailing Tools for Tracking and Tuning Boat Speed

Practical sailor tests the speedwatch and two souped-up gps devices from velocitek..

The marine GPS receiver in its purest form is meant to answer three important questions: Where are we? What direction are we going? How fast we are going? For the philosophical navigator, the answers to the first two questions may be the most intriguing, but for the Melges 24 racer bound for the finish or the Caribbean cruiser hoping to drop anchor before sundown, the digits beside the word “knots” are much more compelling. So it should come as no surprise that a new breed of GPS devices-appealing directly to our need for speed-are making steady inroads into the sailing market.

Although the racing rules for many sailboat classes ban the use of portable GPS devices during racing they are popular training tools, and many local fleets make exceptions to allow the use of GPS. Compact, watertight, and wireless, battery-powered GPS units are particularly useful on smaller boats.

The earliest GPSs were poor tools for tracking speed. Fixes were deliberately imprecise (for the sake of national security) and they erratically averaged speed by using the distance/time formula and a breadcrumb-trail of trackpoints. By comparison, a modern GPS receivers has very precise fixes and can almost instantaneously calculate speed by monitoring the frequency shifts (Doppler shift) of the satellite signals it tracks. Just as a train whistles rising pitch can be used to calculate how fast a train is approaching the station, the frequency change in signals from GPS satellites can be used to determine how fast a boat is going. Advanced GPS chipsets in two devices reviewed for this article can calculate speed and heading solutions four times per second. This often yields results that are more accurate than can be displayed by typical sailing instruments, since these are usually limited to resolutions of 0.1 knot and 1 degree.

As any navigator knows, GPS devices calculate speed over ground (SOG) and course over ground (COG), not speed through the water, which requires a knot log to measure. Although sensors that accurately measure speed through the water, wind direction, and wind speed are standard for high-level racing, speed over ground and course over ground is sufficient for many racers. Among other things, SOG and COG can help define optimum points of sail, refine sail or hull trim, reduce skin drag or leeway, and judge the best time to tack. Combined with a magnetic compass, COG and SOG can also help quantify the effects of a cross current.

And, as we found with two of the devices tested for this article, with the right firmware and software, this GPS-based data can be displayed, logged, and later reviewed in ways that makes it useful to sailors of all levels.

What We Tested

Practical Sailor testers recently spent a week experimenting with three handheld products geared toward performance sailors. Unlike conventional portable GPS units, which have relatively small displays and deliver a wide range of navigational data, these products display relatively large digits that can be read from a distance, and the view options are limited to those that relate exclusively to speed and racing performance. Latitude and longitude are nowhere to be found until you download the data for review on a computer. In addition, the rate at which data is updated in these devices is faster than youll find in many multi-purpose GPS devices.

Two of the devices we reviewed, the SC-1 and the SpeedPuck, are made by Velocitek, a company founded by surfer and windsurfer Alec Stewart, who left Stanford Engineerings Aeronautics and Astronautics PhD program to start the business. Both devices use GPS satellite signals to monitor speed and performance. The third product, the Speedwatch, has no GPS receiver, relying instead on a tiny propeller mounted on the hull to record actual speed through the water. The data is then delivered wirelessly to a wristwatch display.

Testers also experimented for a few hours with SailClever, a relatively new smart-phone application that can be wirelessly linked (using Bluetooth) to a GPS receiver and other onboard instruments to serve as a handheld tactical computer. The product, which was still in testing at the time of this article, is reviewed separately on page 30. PS did not get the chance to evaluate the Rockbox AMPD ( www.rockcitymarine.com ) and the Nauteek ( www.nauteek.com ), two products that perform similar functions as the Velocitek SC-1. PS plans to review these products in a future article.

How We Tested

The products were evaluated based on three chief criteria-ease of installation, performance on the water, and durability. Because the SpeedPuck and SC-1 also allow racers to download data for evaluation on a computer (Windows), testers also rated them on this function.

For the installation review, testers installed the units on a 1974 ODay Javelin, an Uffa Fox design and an early ancestor of todays planing skiffs. The on-the-water evaluations took place over the course of six days, and the units were first tested independently and then together while sailing on the Javelin. Sailing speeds ranged from 1 to 9 knots. High-speed testing on a powerboat ranged between 15 and 30 knots.

Screen visibility was compared in bright sunlight, both with and without sunglasses, and at night. For battery testing, any automatic shut-off features were disabled and the units were left on until the battery signal indicated an empty battery. For the durability testing, the display components went through our usual routine for handheld electronics: Put in the oven to 140 degrees for 30 minutes, placed in a freezer at 15 degrees for four hours, subjected to five minutes of direct jet spray (approximately 45 pounds per square inch) from a garden hose, submerged 3 feet underwater for 30 minutes, and dropped on each side on a fiberglass deck from 3 feet height. All of the units passed the durability tests with flying colors. Comparison data and test results in the other areas appear on the chart on page 28.

Developed by JDC Electronics in Switzerland and distributed in the U.S. by Ocean Equipment, the Speedwatch comprises three components: A tiny propeller that mounts on the bottom of the hull in a place of clean water flow, a transmitter that needs to be mounted above the water and 12 inches from the propeller, and the watch-like display that can be worn on the wrist or leg, or mounted on the boat.

The transmitter (powered by a 9-volt battery) picks up magnetic pulses from the rotating propeller and wirelessly delivers the data to the display, where it is processed and displayed. The watch (powered by a long-life lithium battery) must be no more than 13 feet away from the small transmitter, not a problem on most small boats.

One neat feature is that the system requires no wires or holes in the boat. Testers used the removable fin (photo below) mount, which easily slides onto a small permanent mount. (Three locations were tried.) Two other mounting options are provided, and all make it fairly easy to remove the propeller when its not in use.

Anyone familiar with a digital watch can use the nine-page manual and figure out the four buttons that select the display modes. Surprisingly, this was the only device tested that had a backlight for use at night, although testers had to view the screen at an angle when using the light. Speed is displayed one of four ways: instantaneous speed, balanced speed, and the maximum and average speeds over a timed run. The balanced speed is essentially a damping feature, displaying the average speed during a user-defined interval, between 2 and 60 seconds. It also functions as a watch, stopwatch, and countdown timer with audible signals for race starts.

Unlike the other two devices tested on the water, this is the only one designed to deliver speed through the water. This ability would be very useful for getting instantaneous readouts to help gauge the effects of weight placement or sail trim. Comparing this speed data with speed over ground from GPS, you would also be able to gauge the effects of current.

However, at speeds of less than 6 knots, readings were inconsistent, at times registering less than 2 knots when the boat was clearly moving much faster (confirmed by GPS). Tests at higher speeds on the powerboat showed more consistent readings.

Bottom line: This Speed Watch is compact, easy to install and use, and its battery life far exceeds that of the two GPS-based products. However, testers concluded that the device, with several potential failure points, offered little advantage over the GPS-based devices to the average sailor.

Velocitek SC-1

Predecessor to the SpeedPuck, the Velocitek SC-1 includes the same speed and heading functions found in the SpeedPuck and adds several other functions, including velocity made good (VMG), a “tactical compass,” start timer, distance to line, and the ability to display two functions at once.

Enclosed in a rugged, watertight box with two latches, the SC-1 is heavier and bulkier than the SpeedPuck and has four buttons. These watertight capacitive touch sensors, designed to stand up to the extreme forces of a 25-plus-knot capsize, introduce unnecessary complications for the less-than-10-knot crowd. (When you have to read the manual to figure out how to turn something on and off, something is amiss.) Because the buttons can be activated by splashing water, they are programmed to lock after periods of inactivity or when a minimum speed is reached.

Briefly tempted to subject the SC-1 to more rigorous impact-resistance tests, testers instead disabled the auto-lock feature (via the Control Center software with a computer).

Once you master the button controls , the SC-1 can be put to good use on the race course. Both the tactical compass heading and the VMG functions are based on a reference wind direction that is manually programmed into the SC-1. Once the referenced wind is set, the tactical compass mode displays what is effectively the relative wind angle, while the VMG function indicates the boat speed upwind or downwind.

The distance-to-line function requires the sailor to enter marks as close as possible to the committee boat and pin-ends of the start line. Once these points are entered, the display will indicate the perpendicular distance to the start line from your boat. The distance is accurate to between .75 and 3 meters, depending on the number and location of the satellites in view at the time.

As with the SpeedPuck, the race data can be downloaded and evaluated using Speed Play or the bundled GPS Action Replay.

Bottom Line: Plan to spend some time with the manual to make the most of this unit. The more advanced racer will appreciate the VMG and distance-to-line functions, but don’t expect your crew to master the button-pushing basics without some initial cursing under their breath.

The SpeedPuck could be considered a light version of Velociteks SC-1, delivering only the most essential data to sailors who refuse to touch an owners manual. It uses the same 16-channel GPS chipset (U-blox Antaris LEA-4A) as the SC-1, but it displays only three key pieces of data: Speed (maximum or maximum 10-second average), heading, and windshifts. Round, with a screw-on back sealed with an 0-ring, the SpeedPuck is well engineered to withstand abuse. Its display is easier to read than the SC-1, and its single button is much simpler to use than the Velociteks recalcitrant touch sensors. It also has a blank-screen log mode that simply records data for later replay, useful in races that prohibit GPS aids.

Installation is fast and easy. Just stick the adhesive-backed 3M Dual Lock hook-and-loop mounting pad wherever you want to put the device. Other mounts are available. The SpeedPuck also has a wrist lanyard, but it is too big to be considered a pocket instrument.

One of the SpeedPucks key features is the way it presents heading data. As soon as you hold a compass heading for 20 seconds, it locks on that course and a single bar appears on the display, centered at the 12 oclock position. Any significant variation from that heading is indicated by additional bars to the left or right of the 12 oclock position on the puck; each bar represents three compass degrees.

While sailing, this display offers instant feedback on slight course changes, which can also help detect wind shifts. Two bars to the right (clockwise) from 12 oclock, for example, means the boat is heading 6 degrees to starboard of its original course. If it is on port tack at the time, and the tell tales are still streaming nicely, then the boat is getting headed. If we hold this new course for 20 seconds, the SpeedPuck resets, again showing a single bar at 12 oclock. This delay would be a problem when racing, but for tweaking trim and basic training, the system works well, and is easier to use than simple compass bearings.

The SpeedPuck was the testers favorite on the water. It was dead simple to set up and easy to use. A couple of times as the test boat ghosted in very light winds, the heading indicator bar disappeared for several seconds. According to the maker, sudden changes of direction or speed can have this effect.

Off the water, the testers used the free downloadable Velocitek Control Center to modify the SpeedPucks default settings. The software lets users specify compass deviation, change the rate of position logging, and alter how frequently speed and heading solutions are updated. A bundled third-party program called GPS Action Replay lets users replay and evaluate logged data, but the track data (a nearly invisible light yellow color at low speeds) is hard to interpret, and the graphics are uninspiring.

Testers also tried Velociteks more user-friendly SpeedPlay software ($49) to review and manipulate the logged data. Once it was installed, the program made it very easy to download recorded data from multiple SpeedPucks or SC-1 units and replay a race. The user can easily drag and drop marks on the plotted routes, and the track can be exported to common formats (KML and GPX) for use with charting software, or mapping tools like Google Earth.

Bottom line: Rugged, easy to install and use, the SpeedPuck is recommended for club racers and small-boat sailors looking for a fun practice tool that monitors speed. Serious racers will long for some of the advanced features of the SC-1, but for quick and easy evaluation of speed over ground, post-race evaluation, and a reasonable price, the SpeedPuck fits the bill.   

While there may be a market for the Speedwatch for kiteboarders, windsurfers, and high-speed sailors, based on our testers experience, we don’t recommend it for most sailors. So that leaves us with the Velocitek gear-or the familiar handheld GPS.

If all you need is heading, average speed, and an ego-boosting logged maximum, the basic handheld Garmin GPS units-take the aging 76CSx ($250) for example-will do this and a whole lot more. And virtually all GPSs today let you download and analyze tracks with a range of software.

So, if you need a GPS device anyway, why shell out $250 for the SpeedPuck, or almost twice that for the SC-1? The chief advantages of the Velocitek devices are cleaner designs, bigger readouts, much more rugged housings, faster updates, a dead simple interface, and some fun software to play with after a race. The firmware is designed with sailors in mind, allowing them to easily follow wind shifts, and, with the SC-1, tap into more advanced functions like the tactical compass and distance-to-line. We were also very impressed with the people in tech support, who understand the needs of sailors.

The SpeedPuck, in particular, will make a good training tool for todays young sailors, who-for better or worse -are intrigued by all things digital.

The SpeedPuck and SC-1 will give around-the-buoy sailors the ability to quickly quantify performance without spending a small fortune, but they are no replacement for wind and through-the-water speed sensors.

Ultimately, sailing involves wind and water, and without any true environmental data, the sailor must trust his senses and instincts. It goes without saying that the last two items, which cost nothing but time on the water, are still the sailors most valuable tools.

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Marine telematics - easily collect boat/ship nmea 2000 data.

Need to record NMEA 2000 ® or J1939 data from your boat or ship?

In this intro we outline how to log NMEA 2000 data, the top 4 benefits, example use cases and key features of the CANedge data logger.

To get practical, we'll also show how customers have used the CANedge2 to set up telematics and dashboards to monitor a GEOxyz ship in the field.

Learn below why the CANedge is ideal for logging data from marine vessels!

In this article

What is nmea 2000.

• Logging NMEA 2000 data
• Decoding data via DBC files

Top 4 benefits of marine telematics

• CANedge features
• 3 example use cases
• Customer case study

NMEA 2000 is a standardized communication protocol used in the marine sector (boats, ships etc). It is based on CAN bus and SAE J1939 (used in heavy-duty vehicles ). The NMEA 2000 protocol is used e.g. for connecting auto pilots, GPS & navigation systems, vessel engines, wind sensors etc.

For a full tutorial, see our intro to NMEA 2000 .

Below we recap the basics of the NMEA 2000 standard:

The NMEA 2000 standard was defined by the US-based National Marine Electronics Association . To some extent, NMEA 2000 ( IEC 61162-3 ) was developed as a successor to NMEA 0183 protocol ( IEC 61162-1 ).

NMEA 0183 has a data rate of 4.8 kbit/s and is a simplex serial communications protocol. The NMEA protocol has been adequate for communicating data from a single transmitter to multiple receivers, but it is not ideal for systems where data is combined. Hence the NMEA 2000 standard was introduced with a higher data rate of 250 kbit/s with outset in the Controller Area Network (CAN bus), making it suitable for e.g. safety-critical communication.

Today, NMEA 0183 is still used in e.g. some VHF radios, but most applications have migrated to NMEA 2000 . Note also that NMEA 2000 networks are not compatible with NMEA 0183 networks, hence a gateway is required if systems are to be combined.

The NMEA 2000 protocol is often referred to as a 'derived' standard of SAE J1939 . The two systems are compatible, meaning that NMEA 2000 nodes can co-exist with J1939 nodes on the same network. Further, NMEA 2000 messages are also described using a PGN (Parameter Group Number) for the identifier and an SPN (Suspect Parameter Number) for each signal contained in the data bytes.

Like J1939, NMEA 2000 also supports multi-packet messages for communicating data payloads that exceed the 8 data byte limitation of CAN frames. This can be done either via the ISO 11783 multi-packet protocol or via the NMEA 2000 'fast packet' protocol.

It should be noted that NMEA 2000 uses a different set of PGNs/SPNs vs. J1939.

The NMEA 2000 standard requires use of DeviceNet standardized cables. For most maritime logging use cases with the CANedge, you would connect to the CAN bus using a DB9 to M12 adapter cable (5-pin) as per IEC 61076-2-101 - see also our DB9-M12 (5-pin) adapter .

The NMEA 2000 protocol is increasingly adopted across marine vessels, enabling the use of NMEA loggers in many use cases:

• Container ships (e.g. feeders, panamax, ULCV)
• Bulk carriers (e.g. geared bulkers, lakers, tramps, cargo liners)
• Tanker ships (e.g. oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers)
• Passenger ships (e.g. ferries, cruise ships, yachts)
• Naval ships (e.g. cruisers, destroyers, frigates, submarines)
• Offshore ships (e.g. supply ships, pipe layers, floating cranes, drill ships, FSU, FPSO)
• Fishing ships (e.g. trawlers, factory ships, fishing ships)
• Special purpose ships (e.g. tugs, salvage vessels, ice breakers)
• High-speed crafts (e.g. hovercrafts)

It should be noted that in practice many different data communication protocols will be used across (and often within) maritime vessel applications. These of course include the NMEA 2000 protocol, the NMEA 0183 protocol and the SAE J1939 protocol. In addition, various rebranded implementations exist ( Raymarine , SeaTalk2, Navnet by Furuno etc.). Ethernet (e.g. Lightweight Ethernet, LWE ) is also increasingly relevant in modern maritime vessels, in order to communicate e.g. radar information and other data-intensive communication.

How to log & decode NMEA 2000 data

In this section we outline the basics on recording raw NMEA 2000 data - and decoding it via an NMEA 2000 DBC file.

Logging raw NMEA 2000 data

As the NMEA 2000 protocol is based on CAN bus, you can use a CAN logger to record raw data from most vessels. For example, you can use a CANedge to log your ship's data to an SD card.

To connect to the NMEA 2000 network, you will typically use an M12 5-pin adapter . If you're connecting to e.g. J1939 ship engines, you'll typically use a J1939 adapter .

Once connected, the CANedge starts recording the raw CAN data - letting you easily log yacht data, cruiser data, catamaran data - or even data from container ships, cargo ships, bulk carriers, naval ships and other larger marine vessels.

Data from a CANedge can be collected by extracting the SD card - or you can use the CANedge2 to auto-transfer the data to your own local/dedicated/cloud server via a WiFi access point.

Decoding raw data via an NMEA 2000 DBC

To decode raw NMEA data from an NMEA logger, you need a database of decoding rules - typically in the form of a DBC file .

Most CAN bus software tools let you decode raw CAN data via DBC files - e.g. the asammdf GUI and our Python API .

We offer a ready-to-use NMEA 2000 DBC file with 100+ PGNs and 700+ signals. This DBC lets you easily decode your raw NMEA 2000 data to physical values (km/h, degC, position, ...).

Our NMEA 2000 DBC page also contains a tool for parsing raw CAN IDs to see what PGNs they correspond to - and whether the PGNs are included in the NMEA 2000 DBC file.

You can of course create your own NMEA 2000 DBC file from scratch. This can be done e.g. based on the NMEA 2000 Appendix B PGN database - see also our guide in the FAQ of our NMEA 2000 DBC page.

In some cases, you may also be able to get the decoding rules from technical specifications for your ship's equipment (e.g. NMEA GNSS navigation systems, wind sensors etc.). In such cases you may need to combine information from multiple pieces of equipment into one or more DBC files to decode your data via CAN bus software tools.

Of course, if you're the manufacturer of a ship's NMEA 2000 based equipment, you'll typically have direct access to the decoding rules - potentially in the form of a DBC file. If you're not the manufacturer, you can also sometimes request this from the OEM.

In some ships, you may need to record J1939 instead of NMEA 2000 data (or in addition to). In such a case, you may consider our J1939 DBC file , which contains 1800+ PGNs and 12000+ SPNs. If you're in doubt which database is relevant, we recommend recording a sample of raw CAN bus data from the relevant networks and sending it to us for review.

The CANedge2 is used in many boat telematics use cases - below are the top benefits mentioned by end users.

Monitor & analyze voyage

Automate your log books and visualize key vessel parameters via dashboards - letting you analyze your GPS position vs. fuel usage, wind speed, engine data and more

Boat/ship issue diagnostics

If an issue occurs, you'll have access to the full historical data either on the device SD or on your local/cloud server - letting you quickly diagnose and resolve the issue

Optimized race performance

Analyze and improve your team's competitive boat racing performance by analyzing high frequency data from trainings and competitions (powerboats, catamarans, hydroplanes, ...)

Predictive vessel maintenance

Setup simple predictive maintenance to spot issues before they happen - e.g. by monitoring temperatures, vibrations, engine data etc to prevent equipment failure

Which benefits are relevant to your marine telematics use case? Reach out for free sparring!

The CANedge - maritime data logger

The CANedge CAN bus data logger offers optional GPS/IMU, WiFi and/or 3G/4G - ideal for marine telematics:

Log data out-the-box. Standalone. Link your vehicle to your server in <2 minutes

Extractable 8-32 GB SD. 2xCAN/LIN. CAN FD. Zero data loss. 50 µs RTC. Error frames. MF4

Only 8 x 5 x 2 CM. 100G. Robust alu enclosure. 5+ LEDs. Configurable 5V power out (CH2)

Push data via WiFi or 3G/4G to your server. E2E security . OTA updates

Built-in GPS/IMU. 3x accuracy via sensor fusion. Position, speed, distance & more

Free open source software/APIs . MF4 to ASC/CSV. DBC support. Python. Dashboards

Software example: Maritime telematics dashboards

With the CANedge2, you can easily set up free, custom browser dashboards for visualizing your boat/ship data.

You can also combine your NMEA 2000 data with GNSS/IMU data by using a CANedge2 incl. GNSS/IMU .

Check out the online playground - or learn more in our intro!

Use case examples

Below we provide practical examples of how the CANedge can be used for logging boat/ship data.

Local & self-hosted ship dashboards

Need to monitor data from your boat or ship - without internet access?

Traditional vehicle and maritime telematics require internet access, which is not always available. However, the CANedge2 lets you set up a "local telematics" solution by connecting to your local WiFi router network and auto-pushing recorded MF4 log files to your own local server, hosted on your laptop. You can then visualize the data in customizable browser dashboards and e.g. set up alerts. The full setup is 100% self-hosted, local and free - with zero software/subscription/server fees.

Cloud based marine telematics

Need to transfer ship data from multiple vessels to your cloud server?

The CANedge will by default log data to the extractable SD card (8-32 GB). This means that you can record weeks or months of data while offline, only for the data to be auto-uploaded when the maritime vessel is within internet connectivity. For example, you could have the CANedge2 connect to an existing WiFi cellular router onboard to upload data to your own AWS S3 server. This way you can automate your data collection across entire marine fleets and analyze the data via free APIs. If no existing WiFi is available, the CANedge3 lets you insert your own SIM card to upload data via 3G/4G when there is cellular coverage (uploading SD-buffered data from periods without coverage). All CANedge units come in versions with internal GPS/IMU if you need to add position, speed and more to your data.

Marine blackbox data logging

Need to simply log data from your boat/ship to an SD card?

For some use cases you may simply need a ' blackbox ' to record data from your vessel to an SD card, without e.g. automatically transferring the data or displaying it in dashboards. Here the CANedge1 is ideal as it lets you easily store data (e.g. for creating log books) on the extractable SD card. With data compression, filters, prescalers and optional 32 GB of storage, you can record months or even years of data. Should the card get full, you can use cyclic logging to overwrite the oldest data. Note that the CANedge2 will operate exactly like a CANedge1 if there is no WiFi available.

Case study: Ship engine analysis via 4G, AWS & dashboards

VIVES is the largest university of applied sciences in West Flanders, Belgium. As part of a European funded project, the team needed to analyze the use of fuel cell batteries, batteries and hydrogen in ships as a replacement for heavy fuels.

The team installed 2 x CANedge2 devices to enable monitoring of 3 CAN channels in parallel, incl. data parameters like engine speed, GPS, IMU , wind speed, wind direction, wave sensors and more. One of the devices would also power a USB 3G/4G hotspot through the 2nd port.

"The simplicity of the configuration and the support for 4G hotspots make the CANedge2 powerful!"

With this setup, the devices would auto-push data to the team's own AWS S3 cloud server when the ship would enter harbors where internet connectivity was regained. The team then visualized and analyzed the data via Grafana dashboards.

Ready to collect your boat/ship data?

Get your CANedge2 today!

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NMEA 2000 is a registered trademark of the National Marine Electronics Association.

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Sailboat Race Analysis – Improve Performance with Data

Ever get the feeling that the casual post-race conversation doesn’t tell the whole story about race performance? Ever wished you had solid data to focus your improvement plan? Race analysis may be part of the solution. In this article we review the benefits and costs of race analysis and recommend a tool for sailing schools, smaller yacht clubs, and amateur fleets.

Race Analysis – Worth the Effort and Cost

Few yacht clubs or sailing schools have made a sustained effort to reap the benefits of race analysis. Companies like Kattack and RaceQs have started up but are not growing. Does this mean that the benefits aren’t worth the effort and cost? We believe the benefits of race analysis ARE worth the effort and cost for anyone moderately serious about improvement.

Clearly, race analysis data is valuable, since Olympic sailors use it regularly in training. With raw data alone, you can compare distance sailed, boat speed, velocity made good (VMG), and sailing angles. With a little further analysis, you can evaluate boat handling and strategy, including starting performance, tacking efficiency, time on the lifted tack, and time spent sailing in more breeze. Imagine the benefit of knowing how your tacks measure up to others or how much less distance the race winner sailed. 

Effort and Cost

We shy away from many tasks because we think they will be too hard. You can’t do race analysis without some effort, but the effort is manageable. The key is to use a central support person, who can develop an efficient process to collect and analyze the data. While not free, the cost for our recommended race analysis tool is quite reasonable. With the right choices, we think many organizations will find the benefits are well worth the effort and cost.

Race Analysis Tools

We found nine online services that host your GPS tracks, display the race, and crunch data for post-race analysis. We did not include on-board devices or apps for use during the race. We then narrowed the list based on the following criteria:

• Cost. We looked for low-cost or free tools suitable for local sailing schools, smaller yacht clubs, or amateur fleets.
• Capability. We looked for tools that provide enough data to be useful, including boat speed, VMG, distance sailed, and headings for each boat throughout the race.
• Viability. Since many tools spring up and then wither away, we looked for current users and technical support, as evidenced by recent races posted and recent software updates.

Tools Reviewed

• TackTracker . Australian company with nine years of history and a currently-active customer base with U.S. clients. The application is geared to support individual sailors, coaches, and clubs running regattas. Good capability and relatively low cost. This is our recommended service for local sailing schools, smaller yacht clubs, or amateur fleets.
• SAP Sailing Analytics . International company supporting large events. Capability id high. Cost is likely to be prohibitive for small organizations.
• RaceQs . Silicon Valley company with several years of history. High level of capability and low cost. However, there are very few recent races posted and the website’s forum has many requests for support that appear to have gone unanswered.
• Kattack  Minnesota company with 11 years of history. Capability adequate, although race reports can’t be downloaded. Its current user base has only three organizations uploading races in 2018. Last update to app was in 2015. Cost is relatively high.
• I-Sail . Netherlands company, with mostly Dutch users. Appears to be slightly lower quality than other sites.
• Map My Tracks . Supports a variety of sports. Recent sailing events are all overseas. Could not view race replays.
• GeoRacing . Supports a variety of sports. Focused on displays for events and does not appear to support analysis. Primarily used overseas. Cost is likely to be high.
• TracTrac . Has capability and is current. Primarily used overseas, with limited U.S. users. Appears to have been tried by U.S. Sailing Team in 2015-2016, with no recent use by them. Race replays would not load to our computer. Cost is likely to be high.
• SailRacer . Has capability and is current, but is primarily used in the UK and focuses on the larger goals of helping clubs manage events.  

Tack Tracker Review

Based on our criteria, we believe that TackTracker (TT) is the best service for local sailing schools, smaller yacht clubs, or amateur fleets.

TT accepts tracks from GPS data loggers, live GPS trackers (with SIM cards), and smartphones. The web or PC player displays the tracks with plenty of data, viewable in chart form or downloadable reports. The tool is easy to use, allowing a designated manager perform all functions. Cost is not free, but reasonable, especially using data loggers.

Tracking Devices

Logging trackers.

If you don’t need live tracking and don’t mind uploading the GPS tracks manually, this is the least expensive way to go. Using loggers makes it easy for the sailors, avoids using personal cell phones, and eliminates any questions about improper use of displays during races. Battery life is advertised at 40 hours. Drawbacks are initial cost and some hands-on involvement by the organizer to assign identification to each tracker, recover the devices following racing, and manually upload data.

Live Trackers

TT supports GPS trackers that upload data automatically using a SIM card and data plan. Live trackers eliminate manual uploading and allow users to view races live in the cloud. Battery life is advertised at about 20 hours.

Smart Phones

TT supports Android and iOS smartphones with a free app. The phone user can delegate management of the tracking for account and race setup. Smartphones reduce initial cost, require less hands-on management, and allow you to view races and data live in the cloud. However, battery life may be an issue for longer events, along with concern about using personal phones and possible misuse of displays during races.   

• Distance sailed
• Speed over ground (avg, max, min)
• Deviation from course bearing on each tack
• VMG to course and wind
• Number of tacks
• TT reports include all the analytical data in both table and chart format. Chart format is useful for comparing time and speed loss during tacks. Reports can be downloaded to spreadsheets for further analysis and dissemination.

Ease of use

To track races a manager performs the following tasks. A current TT user reports that these tasks are not difficult or time-consuming.

• Tracker setup: One-time task to input sailor name and other simple information.  
• Tracker start: Done by manager before going on the water or delegated to the sailor.
• Upload tracks: Manager or assistant uploads logger data manually following racing. Live tracker and smartphone upload data automatically.
• Race analysis: Reports and charts are easy to obtain and manipulate in spreadsheets.

Organizing, viewing and sharing data

The TT cloud allows you to manage your races and view races from other users. Functions include:

• Watch online races published by you or others
• Watch live track in the web player
• Set up and manage a home page
• Manage who can watch your races

Users can view races by the following methods, without an account or password.

• View live locally, via a PC using the TT software. This requires that the sailors use live trackers or smart phones with internet connections.
• View recorded races on the cloud or directly from a PC.  The cloud player requires no software installation. The PC player or mobile device players use a free download and provide more sophisticated analytics.

TT also offers a club regatta license to manage and display races during regattas.

TT has nine years of history and a large current user base with U.S. clients. TT made software updates in 2018.  

Logged tracking

• Logger purchase per unit (one time) – $130, pouch $7 through TT. Also available from other suppliers. 
• Logged tracking license for manager (one time) – $70
• Race reports license for manager (one time) – $55

Live tracking

• Live tracker purchase per unit (one-time) – $210 from TT ($120-$135 from Amazon), SIM card – $10, pouch $7
• Tracker license per unit (one year) – $36. TT will provide a one-year license for each unit with the purchase of the MT90G tracker.
• Data plan per unit (monthly) – $6-$20. Purchase separately through a wireless carrier.
• Smartphone as tracker – must purchase tracker rights at $36/year per phone unit.

Related Content:

Sail, Race and Win: Take A Serious Approach to Improvement Using a Race Compass: When and How

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Sailboat GPS Track Data Logger 4+

Log your sailboat's gps track, ndili technologies, inc., designed for ipad.

• 2.0 • 2 Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

Screenshots

Description.

Records your GPS track, including direction, speed and time, while sailing. Lets your friends and loved ones remotely follow your trip in real-time from their computers and mobile devices. Review your exact track, speed and direction in real-time or later. Also allows you capture and log geo-tagged notes, photos and movies, so you can create a real-time dynamic blog of your sailing trips. All geo-tagged photos, movies and notes appear in real-time to your remote viewers who are following your trip from their phones/computers. This GPS Tracking app includes a free 2-week online storage subscription to allow sharing and accessing tracking data remotely. Other duration subscriptions are available via in-app purchases. NOTES REGARDING IN-APP PURCHASE OF ONLINE STORAGE SPACE: • Title of service: Tracking - Online Storage. • Length of subscription: 1,3, 6 or 12 months. • Price of subscription: $0.99 USD per 1,000MB online storage per month. • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. • Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal. • Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user’s Account Settings after purchase. • No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication. • Terms Of Use: https://n1.ndili.com/termsofuse.html • Privacy Policy: http://www.ndilitechnologies.com/privacy

Version 3.0

- robust tracking in both foreground and background modes

Ratings and Reviews

Gps plot is way off.

This app is plotting me .75-1 mile away from my actual position, and other apps are plotting me correctly. This app wants you to pay for accuracy better than 6 meters - $7.99!!!!! It’s not anywhere close to 6 meters it advertises, so no way I’m paying for “better” gps plotting. The app is also unstable on my fully up to date iPhone 11 and keeps crashing. Not ready for prime time. Do not recommend purchasing.

app provides real time display of speed, course, altitude and location, and records tracks, but it lacks a "playback" option to display recorded speed and course. It really needs a graphing feature to display speed and course as a function of time. This would make it much easier to determine where the best wind was on the course, what course provided the best speed overall and best speed made good, and where mistakes were made. It also ought to export this data as a .csv file for data analysis. That is the information I really want to see. The current version of this app allows users to select any point on their track and view their speed and course at that particular point, but provides no means of reviewing the data as a whole. This is very disappointing, and I hope that the functionality is expanded on in the way I have described. It would make the app much more valuable and worthwhile to sailors looking to analyze their performance and improve their speed. Being able to review this information in a race could provide an edge.

App Privacy

The developer, Ndili Technologies, Inc. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Highest Resolution and Accuracy Tracking $7.99
• 1,000 MB Storage Capacity For 3 Months $2.99
• 1,000 MB Storage Capacity For 1 Month $0.99
• 25,000 MB Storage Capacity For 12 Months $299.99
• 10,000 MB Storage Capacity For 12 Months $119.99
• 5,000 MB Storage Capacity For 12 Months $59.99
• 1,000 MB Storage Capacity For 12 Months $11.99
• 25,000 MB Storage Capacity For 6 Months $149.99
• 10,000 MB Storage Capacity For 6 Months $59.99
• 5,000 MB Storage Capacity For 6 Months $29.99
• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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Speedometer 55 Pro. GPS kit.

Monitor, record and share all your onboard data sources.

The DataHub is a GPS tracker and smart device for all your marine data and communications.

GPS tracking page

Share your GPS position, live weather, blog posts and photos, with friends and family. This alerts them if your boat stops or goes off course.

Real-time data

No other device allows you to share your live wind speed, wind direction and boat speed to your GPS tracking page.

Accurate GPS

The DataHub uses the GPS data from your instrumentation system, for 100% accuracy and reliability.

Works on and offline

GPS tracks are saved while you’re offline, then uploaded once your connection is restored.

" The DataHub was able to broadcast our highly accurate Raymarine GPS over wifi to all our devices on the boat. "

Herman Diebler MV Kiwi

" WiFi calling, Zoom, Skype, Netflix, Amazon Prime video, Amazon Streaming Music... its all available easily now on Bliss thanks to DataHub. "

Luis and Kim Soltero MV Bliss

" It has been really advantageous to have the PredictWind DataHub onboard. "

Bill & Michele Greene SV Freedom

View up to 300nm range AIS on your chartplotter.

The DataHub now delivers global AIS data to your chartplotter and nav apps, with Over the Horizon AIS (OHA).

If you are sailing at 10 kt using regular AIS and a container ship is sailing directly towards you at 25 kt, you only have 8.5 minutes to react and alter course. On the other hand, OHA would provide you with 8.5 hours warning time.

This feature requires a Pro forecast subscription.

AI Polars reference real-time data to learn the way you sail your boat, to create hyper-accurate weather routing.

Simply plug in the DataHub to your boat's instruments and turn on the automatic AI Polars. PredictWind will then track your boat’s real-time data and automatically create an optimised boat polar for your unique vessel and sailing style.

Monitor your boat from anywhere.

Coming October 2023

Share N2K, GPS and AIS over Wi-Fi.

Share your boat’s NMEA 2000 data over Wi-Fi allowing navigation apps including Aquamap, OpenCPN, Navionics, iNavX to view the vessels instrumentation.

Share GPS, depth, wind speed and direction, speed through water, water temp, AIS targets, barometric pressure and more.

Additional features.

Firewall protection..

The DataHub firewall blocks unwanted traffic to eliminate runaway satellite airtime bills and replaces the need for any other firewall device. Compatible with all connection types.

Remote N2K Streaming.

Monitor your vessel's N2K data from anywhere in the world. Check your batteries, bilge pump, true wind speed, or any other compatible N2K data.

Offshore Messaging.

Get optimized Whatsapp and SMS messaging offshore with PredictChat.

Optimized Email.

Send email at 1/1000 the file size of regular email with PredictMail.

Broadcast Internet

Broadcast your internet connection to all of the devices onboard. This is useful when a mobile provider only allows for one hotspot connection.

Collect and upload AIS data from all surrounding vessels to the global AIS network. Also share AIS data with navigation apps such as Navionics.

Autopilot Integration

Use AquaMap, OpenCPN, iNavx, MacENC or GPSNavX to control your autopilot with the DataHub N2K interface.

Data Logging

Record GPS tracks, and key instrument data for future reference or in the event of a collision or insurance claim.

Remote Support

Allow support personnel to log in remotely to the DataHub to diagnose and solve issues throughout the entire vessel.

Backup Communications

Automatically switches to your 4G/5G backup connection if your primary internet goes down, so you’re always connected.

The DataHub is compatible with:

The DataHub requires an existing internet connection and does not use a SIM card.

DataHub by PredictWind

• GPS tracking & personal webpage¹
• Blogging, N2K Data logging
• Broadcast Internet, GPS, AIS data
• Remote Support, AI Polars²
• No SIM Card Required

NMEA 2000 M12 Cable Pack

• Highly Recommended
• Allows NMEA 2000 Data Recording
• 1 x 2m NMEA 2000 M12 Cable
• 1 x NMEA 2000 M12 T-Connector

Frequently asked questions.

Tech specs..

GPS track, blog, save and broadcast all your onboard data sources.

Logging Sailboat Instrument Data

Logging sailboat sensor and NMEA data on an Android tablet with Arduino

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• Description
• Instructions 0
• Discussion 3

My wife and I race and cruise our 1987 J/35 sailboat on Lake Erie . The J/35 is an amazing boat and a very competitive racer that can still be day-sailed and cruised with just two people. We love our boat.

Soon after we bought our boat in 1995, we bought a Silva Nexus "Classic" instrument system which is now 25 years old. The Nexus system has performed well for us and it has held up well, too. The system consists of the Nexus server, three LCD displays, and four sensors: a paddle wheel boat speed transducer, an ultrasonic depth transducer, a gimballed fluxgate compass, and a wind instrument. The Nexus server also receives input from a Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx for position and waypoint information.

The Problem

The Nexus system has performed well for all of these years; however, the LCD instrument displays have lost their contrast and have become very difficult to read. Figure 2 shows the displays with an e-paper display taped over the middle display to demonstrate the difference in contrast. I could attempt to replace the transflective LCDs but I've also been frustrated by the limitations of the Nexus server - the Nexus data bus is proprietary and I'd like more control over instrument calibration and what data get displayed. Someday I will replace the whole aged system but in the meantime I'm dabbling with my own concepts to replace the server and displays while retaining the sensors.

Overview of the Solution

To reverse engineer how the sensors work, I've piggy-backed an Arduino-based data logging system onto the Nexus server to record the sensor values. The Arduino also reads and logs the data from the Nexus server and from the Garmin GPS at the same time. All of the data are formatted in NMEA-style strings that are sent from the Arduino to an Android tablet using an HM10 BLE transceiver. The Android tablet is running an MIT App Inventor app that receives, parses, and logs the BLE data to a file on the SD card for later analysis. My purpose for collecting the data from all three sources (raw sensor data, Nexus data, and GPS data) is to allow me to correlate the responses collected by the different methods, to improve on the calibrations, and to devise my own responses.

The current state of the project is still experimental. I have my Arduino hardware cobbled together and temporarily wired to the Nexus server using a scavenged, chopped-in-half VGA cable so that I can remove the Arduino to work on it in a more comfortable and convenient location than the bowels of the boat.

All of the Nexus sensors produce analog signals with pulse widths proportional to boat performance responses. These sensors are archaic compared to modern smart sensors that collect and process their own data and put the processed data on a NMEA or a proprietary data bus.

Silva Nexus Server

The Nexus server (Figure 3) is the brain of the instrument system. It is powered from the boat's 12VDC system, reads and processes sensor data and data from the GPS, and outputs data to three two-line instrument displays that are mounted up on deck. The server has an RS232 serial input port to receive data from external devices like a GPS and an RS422 serial output port for communication with a computer.

Boat Speed Transducer

The boat speed transducer is the simplest of the Nexus system's sensors. The transducer, show in Figure 4, consists of a plug that fits into a thru-hull fitting. At the end of the plug is a recess in which a paddle wheel is mounted on a stainless steel pin/axle. The paddle wheel has four blades. Two opposing blades contain small magnets, one with the north pole facing outward and the other with the south pole facing outward.

As the paddle wheel spins, the magnets pass by a bipolar Hall effect switch embedded in the plug face. The Hall effect switch output...

• 1 × Silva Nexus "Classic" server
• 1 × Silva Nexus boat speed transducer
• 1 × Silve Nexus depth transducer
• 1 × Silva Nexus wind instrument
• 1 × Arduino Mega 2560

View all 7 components

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Hello everyone, I'm starting my project to read a Nexus Depth Transducer / Amplifier just like the one that he has, but there is no server that I could retrieve data from.

I'm planning using one WeMos D1 Mini for reading the data from the Amplifier, but I still don't know how to do it, I'm a real beginner on this.

Could someone just give me a help on how to do something like that?

  Are you sure? yes | no

I have the same Nexus system, and am considering doing something similar. This has been super helpful for assessing feasibility. Do you have any documentation on the workings of the nexus system beyond what is available in the manuals, or did you have to reverse engineer all of this? I have been looking for more detailed debugging info to deal with some issues I am having with the depth transducer, but have had trouble finding anything. On the same topic, do you know anything about the nexus protocol output that goes to the multicontrol screens? It would be very convenient for some of my ideas to be able to read that.

Getting two dof from the black & white ball is really neat. I wonder if tweaking the sensor positions could yield "rounder" raw AWA data.

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8 ways to record GPS tracks of your sailing drills and regattas

Recording all training sessions, drills and races is the very first step in using data to improve your sailing performance. There are many ways to do it and no excuses for not starting today!

Record sailing sessions with your phone

We all have smartphones and many of us already take them on the water. The wetter the dinghy the more complicated it gets but waterproof pouches are cheap and will protect your phone from splashes. For more serious dunking, the Pelican cases are always a solid option, come with strong hooks to tie them to the boat and do not interfere with the GPS signal.

For iOS users we recommend Open GPX Tracker . It is free, no ads and lets you easily export GPX files that are compatible with ChartedSails. For higher accuracy, set the "Activity Type" to Fitness in the settings.

And for Android users

For Android users, we recommend GPS Logger . It is also free, without ads and offers easy export of GPX files.

For both iOS and Android users, the easiest way to collect the files is to email them to yourself. A slightly more advanced option is to save them to a cloud disk storage like Dropbox, Google Drive or iCloud.

Now of course there is always a risk involved with expensive phones on dinghies and if you do not want to take that risk - or make your students take it, you might consider a dedicated sailing GPS.

Velocitek GPS

Velocitek is extremely well known in the dinghy world and all their GPSs record data on an internal memory. We have extensively tested ChartedSails with both the ProStart and the SpeedPuck.

To view your data in ChartedSails, simply connect the Velocitek device to a computer via USB and use the Velocitek Control Center. After downloading a track, the program will offer the option to "Open in ChartedSails" directly.

It is the easiest way to get your data from the water to the computer.

Vakaros Atlas

The Vakaros Atlas now supports logging of all sailing sessions. At the end of the day, the data is available for download via the Vakaros mobile app and you can upload it directly to ChartedSails from your phone using the mobile browser.

For more information on the new firmware which supports logging, checkout the Vakaros blog .

Use a Garmin running watch to go sailing

Update Nov 2021 : ChartedSails now supports automatic synchronization with Garmin. Click here for more details .

Garmin offers a plethora of sport watches and we like to mention them here because there is a good chance you or someone around you already has one. If you don't, you can pick up the entry level Forerunner 25 for ~$95 on Amazon and it will do the job just fine.

Just record your sailing sessions as a "Run" or "Cycle" activity and when you are done they will automatically sync to your phone and to the web via Garmin Connect.

To export the track and use it on ChartedSails you will need to visit Garmin Connect website and go to the "All Activities" page. From there, select your sailing session (click on the title) and on the details page click on the Gear icon in the top right and 'Export to GPX'.

Garmin GPX files work perfectly on ChartedSails and this process works with all Garmin activity watches.

Wear that Apple watch on your dinghy!

Apple says the Apple Watch 2 and newer models can be use for ocean swimming but not for scuba diving or water skiing. Depending on the type of sailor you are, you will need to decide if you want to take that risk.

Open GPX Tracker, our recommendation for iOS also has an Apple Watch version, and it is also completely free. We recommend it.

Take your GoPro sailing

There is no doubt that GoPro cameras are extremely cool. Did you know that all GoPro cameras since the GoPro 5 record GPS data?

ChartedSails will automatically extract GPS data from the video. Just click Upload, select your video file and let the magic happens. To save time and bandwidth, the GPS data is extracted on your computer and the full video file is not uploaded. Repeat the operation for each video file and you will have your full session.

And if you are not sure how to mount the GoPro on your boat, Jon Deutsch has some suggestions for you on his blog .

Use Expedition Sailing with ChartedSails

Ok this one might not apply to a lot of dinghies but if you also sail on bigger boats you might be interested to learn that ChartedSails can directly open the ".csv" files recorded by Expedition Sailing.

Live tracking of dinghy sailing

We are testing a number of live trackers with top-level athletes. The data is available to the coach in realtime and there is no need to physically connect to the GPS at the end of the day to prepare the debrief.

If you are a coach interested in adding live tracking of sailboats to your tools, contact us and we will get you set up.

What are we missing?

What other tools are you using or would you like to use with ChartedSails? Send us an email and we will make sure to add support for it and update this list.

Now that you know how to record sailing data, make sure to learn how to use our tools to analyze your sailing sessions .

Related Posts

Explore further, dig deeper, compelling sailing debriefs, take your garmin watch sailing.

Made with in San Mateo, California

AUTOMATIC LOGBOOK

Relive your adventures on the open seas

Each time you go sailing, Sailserver automatically records your journey in a detailed logbook. The logbook is stored on the cloud and is always both up to date and available to access online. It can connect to the instruments on board your boat in order to log information such as speed through the water, heeling, wind data, water temperature, weather, fuel consumption and much more. The logbook interface provides a clear overview which makes it easy to find sailing trips, bring up details and add notes.

ANCHOR WATCH

Go carefree ashore while Sailserver monitors your boat

With Sailserver installed, you can go carefree ashore while it keeps a watchful eye on your boat. You will get a notification on your phone if the wind conditions or water levels change or if your boat begins to drift. So relax and enjoy your adventures on land when at anchor.

And when your boat is in port back home, you won’t need to worry yourself unnecessarily about any changes in the weather. Simply check your phone and see exactly what the instruments on your boat are showing.

SAILSERVER CLUBHOUSE

Check into the clubhouse and meet new sailor friends

Sailserver allows you to expand that sense of community which for many is part of the joy and value of boating life. Simply check into the virtual clubhouse and meet other like-minded individuals while you are in port. When you enter the virtual clubhouse, you will be able to see which boats are nearby and you can see your own boat as well. Your boat is only visible to others while you are in the clubhouse. The purpose of the clubhouse is to meet new sailors, so don’t be surprised if you get invited onto the boat next door!

SHARE YOUR SAILING

Invite friends and family to follow your sailing

You can send a link to your family and friends at home so that they can follow your trip as you sail. They can also choose to set up a free account via the Sailserver app or on app.sailserver.com and send you a friend request. You can choose how you want to share your logbook, and who may see it.

"SAILSERVER IS GREAT, EASY TO INSTALL AND FULLY AUTOMATED"

You record your journey and share it with friends, and you do not need to do anything. It is hassle free and has no hidden extra cost for usage, cloud or data connectivity. We installed the system on Ambra and tested it now for our first trips of the season and we love the system.

ALSO SEEN ON

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

DK - JACOB RYLANDER HOLDT-SIMONSEN

I am a huge fan, and the family at home even more, because they can follow our adventures in an entirely new way, and they worry less because they can see for themselves that we have arrived safely. When you are Blue water sailing with their grandchildren / nephews  then this is very important 🙂

DK - MARTIN WIIG NIELSEN

It’s not every year we get to sail around the Caribbean, and Sailserver is a fantastic way to document our trip so that we can always relive our experiences and share them with our friends and family at home. At the same time it also provides us with the perfect automated logbook.

Getting the boat kitted out and prepared for the trip was a mammoth task, so it came as quite a surprise to discover just how easy it is to install Sailserver.

DK - JESPER THOMSEN

We are currently anchored in a river by Kinsale, Ireland and swing a couple of times a day due to the currents. We get great value from the Sailserver anchor watch, it is simply genius 😊👍. We spend most of our time ashore, so it is easy to check if our boat is still anchored where it is supposed to be, and how strong the winds are, etc. We feel much safer leaving the boat anchored 👍👍.

EASY INSTALLATION

In most cases, it is as easy as plugging in and getting started, without the need for any tools. When the power is turned on, Sailserver will begin to log your sailing trips. We have installed a prepaid SIM card in your Sailserver which includes a mobile Internet that will last for at least ten years across most of the world and throughout all of Europe.

TRY SAILSERVER IN YOUR BROWSER

Or download sailserver app.

H-LOG Data Logger

How “Big Data” can contribute to maximize the performances of a modern yacht?

H-LOG is our logging device designed for recording vessel data over a long period , in order to provide a useful tool for understanding the real systems working parameters and performances. In the meantime, the analysis of the logged data could be a powerful tool for predictive maintenance (PMS) of a yacht. While traditional monitoring systems (DSC) are based on not synchronous readings from different systems, our system is based on a systematic, coordinated and synchronous logging of all the variables .

CHECK THE TREND

H-LOG is the most accurate device for trending the real working parameters of the yacht systems over a period.

YACHT DATA SOURCES

• Navigation system
• Monitoring system
• Engines data
• Diesel generators data
• Stabilizers system
• Power management system
• Steering system
• Hydraulics power unit
• Air conditioning system

CLOUD DATABASE AND PROCESSED DATA

All the recorded data of the yacht are stored on our cloud database and processed with our innovative statistical algorithm to provide the processed data:

• Yacht Performance Index
• Seasonal Course
• Sailed miles

DISCOVER MORE ON H-DATA OR TRY IT TODAY

Contact us for more information or test it as a guest!

Automated logging, monitoring and more for your boat

Say Ahoy to Saillogger

Saillogger automatically manages your log book, saves your tracks, calculates your statistics and most importantly, captures your memories while you are cruising and enjoying time on the water. Saillogger runs on your boat network and stays with your boat, allowing you to monitor her remotely when you are away.

Loved by users

- David Burton, SV Incentive III (Salish Sea, BC Canada)

- Kevin and Bonnie, MV Continuum (Salish Sea, Washington, United States)

- Peter & Tom, Sailing Bohemia (San Blas Islands, Panama)

- Otto, SV Joya (Adriatic Sea, Croatia)

- Kirby & Jodi, SV Lodos (Sea of Cortez, Mexico)

- Bill & Karen, SV Harmonie (Sailing in the Bahamas)

- Holly & Ray, SV Sabado (Somewhere in the high seas)

Saillogger has amazing features, all automated

Quick and easy to install, Saillogger can be set up though your PredictWind tracking link or Victron Cerbo GX monitoring device (as well as other Victron GX series devices). If you are a more technical user, you can also run Saillogger on a Raspberry Pi or any other device that supports the open Signal K platform.

ROUTE SHARING

Want to share your real-time location and data with your friends and family? Its easy to toggle on and share a private link with your track and current location mapped & historical track, boat and wind speeds.

AUTO logging

Never start (or forget to) start your tracking app again. Saillogger knows when you leave the dock and starts to log your trip automatically. Stats include location names, duration, speed, distance, wind and more.

boat monitoring

Check in on your vessel from anywhere in the world in real-time. Reporting includes temperatures, depth, wind, humidity, location, voltage and many more options if your boat is sensor equipped.

STATS & Maps

See all your voyages in a single shot or map. Filter by date, type of moorages and more to see some incredible stats!

HOW SAILLOGGER WORKS

Saillogger works by linking to PredictWind tracking link or connecting directly through your Victron GX monitoring devices connected to your boat network or through any device that connects to the open source Signal K platform. Saillogger is free during a 30-day trial period. After the trial, the subscription costs USD $7.99 per month. If you decide not to subscribe to a paid plan, you can still export your tracks at the end of the trial period. Saillogger is used by hundreds of boaters around the world and has logged more than 10,000 trips over 250,000 nautical miles, capturing memories in more than 5,000 locations over 62 countries.

Features In Action

• See your real-time or historical track(s) via animated timelapse
• Select one voyage or a date range of multiple trips to animate
• Sharable! Keep tracks private or share with friends
• Customize your boat icon and select prefered map overlay
• Adjust track color, timelapse speed and more!

Boat Monitoring

• Check your vessel from anywhere in the world in real-time.
• Monitor windspeed, depth, baromteter, temperatures and more
• See historical (up-to 7 days) data
• View power and battery status
• Get automated push or email alerts for significant changes in status or location changes

Automated Logging

• Automatic. No app to start or button to push.
• Auto-identifies and names your start and stop positions
• Records duration, distance, average and max boat and wind speeds
• Add your own voyage notes or details in text box
• Upon voyage completion, Saillogger will automatically email your trip log and add it to your stats.

Realtime Route Sharing

Stats and maps.

• See all of your trips, total miles, average and max speeds on one page
• See your lifetime stats or sort/filter by dates
• Supports multiple vessels on one page

Maintenance log

• Log part numbers, manufacturers, service providers and more
• Add part URL to log for easy future ordering
• Track engine hours and service performed
• Customize your maintenance logs by adding notes and comments
• Easy to use via mobile or desktop

Saillogger FAQ

Is saillogger free.

Saillogger is free for 30 days, giving you full access to the platform. After 30 days, access is $7.99 USD/mo

Do I need any special equipment or hardware to use Saillogger?

You will need a Victron Cerbo GX or Raspberry Pi to use Saillogger. See the technical requirements here .

I don’t sail in the winter, can I pause my membership in the winter without paying?

Yes. You may pause your membership without fees or monthly dues for up to 12 months.

Can I download my data from Saillogger?

Yes. You can download your data anytime in .csv or .gsx format.

What kind of tech support or help do you provide?

We want all users to have a smooth Saillogger experience. Email us anytime at [email protected] and we will quickly get back to you.

Also check out our frequently asked questions page and community forums .

If I refer people to Saillogger, can I get a free membership?

For every person who you refer and registers for a paid membership, Saillogger will pay you 50% of the subscription fees with no limit. See more details of the partner program here .

sv_renaissance

svrenaissance.com

Hello! We are Ilker and Kat. Saillogger started because we were weekend sailors based in San Francisco and were looking for a way to log sails without needing to push a button or keep a physical log. We found automated sail logging was a great way to keep our memories, help us remember our tracks and anchorages and it was easy and always reliable with Saillogger. Over the past 4 years, as our sailing needs have evolved, so has Saillogger. We have developed dozens of features and tools that we found helpful as full-time cruisers and since releasing it publicly, have incorporated a lot of user feedback into the platform. You can share your feedback direcly with us anytime and we are happy to respond. Happy Saillogging!

Log your trips. Track your stats. Monitor your boat. Timelapse your track. Plan your maintenance.

Demo Account

Create account.

I took this on the first sea trial, bungeed to the propane locker. The LED blinked every second as we played around in the Ship Canal, Lake Union, and Portage Bay. When I got back to the lab, I popped the SD card into my Mac’s USB reader, dropped the collected data into a KML template file, and clicked it to launch Google Earth… with utterly wonderful results!

Here is the sea trial:

and this is a close-up of our zig-zagging in the Lake to get to know the sails and learn tight maneuvering (the really tight turn in the upper right was done by the broker as he lectured me on prop walk and engine/rudder tricks; the much sloppier one to the left is mine… looks like I need practice):

Ain’t technology wonderful? When this site matures a bit, there will be a browsable archive of track logs and related photos.

Later note: I logged the 621-mile Nomadness adventure in 2008 with this tool… the JPEG at that link is fun to explore if you know these waters.

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GPS Track Logging App for Android

• Multifunctional track logger for a wide range of uses
• Optimized for battery-efficient long-term tracking
• In-app travel diary / nautical logbook
• Maps and tools for outdoor navigation
• Minimal power usage
• Works offline (no data connection needed)
• Runs in standby mode, in background and in parallel to other GPS-apps
• Switchable tracking mode allows recording by the second [*, demo in FREE version]
• Editable waypoints (diary / logbook function)
• Quick menu for immediately adding waypoints with text entries or photos (no waiting for GPS necessary)
• Multiple images for each waypoint possible (direct capture or image import) [*, demo in FREE version]
• Map view with editable waypoints and functions for outdoor navigation
• Selection of different online map sources like OpenStreetMaps, OpenSeaMaps, OpenTopoMaps, USGS, NOAA Nautical Charts and many more
• Map cache for offline usage, support for custom offline maps
• Manual destination entry, direct map-based destination marking, import of destinations from KML files [*, demo in FREE version]
• Integrated bearing compass with direction display and distance to destination point a.o. [*, demo in FREE version]
• Unlimited number of routes (i.e. trip-days) per trip [*, FREE version: max. 2 routes]
• Sail mode: log separate distances for sail / engine, standardized nautical logbook entries for trip, routes and waypoints
• Import trips and routes from GPX files
• Export trips, routes and waypoints as GPX / KML or KMZ files with embedded images and open them directly in other apps
• Create travel reports (travel diary / logbook) as CSV tables, text or HTML files; these can include images and be printed (e.g. as PDF), sent/opened directly as well as exported to other apps
• Save and load trips, with a detailed overview of all saved trips [*]
• Wide selection of units available for recording date, distance and position (supports UTM WGS84/ETRS89)
• Many preset options for logging and GPS settings, all fully customizable
• Detailed manual and in-app help
• Requires only essential permission requests (location, storage, network, standby)
• Maximum privacy via local data storage

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