Except having great cameras, smartphones can be pretty handy on a boat! After all, we do live in a digitally enhanced era! Whether you are total technology junkie or just the beginner, you can’t deny how useful technology can be! Therefore, it can simplify some tasks on a boat, as well.
We are sure you already have it right in your pocket, so why not use your smartphone for good - helping you sail. Here is a list of top sailing applications you can easily install right on your smartphone.
Weather Apps
Good forecast is always important when sailing! Essential for all your planning and most importantly keeping yourself and your crew safe.
- Buoyweather ( iOS , Android ) offers 16-day advanced marine forecast based on your GPS location. Plan ahead with an accurate marine weather forecast, view accurate 7-day wind, wave, and tide forecasts and even Save forecast locations as favorites for quick access.
- Windy ( iOS , Android ) is a totally free application for wind forecast. Widely used by surfers and sailors, Windy provides detailed information with satellite images from NOAA, EUMETSAT, and JMA’s Himawari.
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AyeTides ( iOS ) shows tides and/or currents for more than 12,500 locations worldwide and does not need a network connection, unlike many other tide apps.
Navigation
We strongly recommend using navigation applications for references ONLY! Please never use mobile applications as your main guide.
- Navionics ( iOS , Android ) is a great application providing you with nautical charts for cruising, fishing, sailing, diving and other activities on the sea. Download chart layers for offline use, get daily updates and synchronize it with your Raymarine products
- OvitalMap ( iOS ) provides you with OFFLINE satellite images and GPS tracking. Don’t forget to download everything beforehand! Use with your iPhone or iPad.
Other
- Marine Traffic ( iOS , Android ) displays near real-time positions of ships and yachts worldwide. Follow your friends or family on their adventures or simply track boats. It gives you all the information you need about the vessels: name, flag, speed, distance from you and a lot more. Amazing latest update includes AR feature where you simply point your device to the vessel and it recognizes it.
- Knots 3D ( iOS , Android ) is a great application for when knot book just isn’t enough. Learn how to tie over 120 knots, rotate a knot to see the front, back and everything in-between. Interactive feature of this application can be useful, but entertaining to younger crew members as well!