Sailing enthusiasts today have the advantage of harnessing the power of advanced mobile applications to enhance their experience on the water. These innovative apps provide crucial features such as navigation assistance, weather updates, route planning, and anchor monitoring. Let`s explore and describe some of the best sailing apps available to avid sailors sailing on the Adriatic Sea. Let's set sail on a digital voyage of discovery!
1. Navionics
Navionics is a leading navigation app that offers comprehensive marine charts, providing sailors with precise information about tides, currents, depth contours, and navigational aids. With detailed maps covering lakes, rivers, and oceans worldwide, Navionics ensures that users have access to accurate and up-to-date charts, enabling them to navigate safely and efficiently. The app also offers advanced features such as route planning, automatic syncing across multiple devices, and the ability to record and share tracks. Navionics is an indispensable tool for both coastal cruising and offshore sailing. Download here.
2. Windy
Weather plays a vital role in sailing, and Windy is an app that delivers powerful weather forecasting tools. By combining data from various meteorological sources and visualizing it in an easy-to-understand format, Windy helps sailors make informed decisions about their trips. The app provides real-time information about wind speed and direction, wave height, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure. Sailors can view weather maps, satellite imagery, and detailed forecasts to plan their routes accordingly. Windy is a reliable companion for sailors seeking accurate weather updates while navigating the open waters. Download here.
3. Anchor Watch
Anchor Watch is a handy app that ensures sailors can sleep soundly without worrying about drifting off their anchor. By utilizing the GPS capabilities of smartphones or tablets, the app monitors the boat's position and alerts users if it exceeds predefined boundaries. Anchor Watch allows sailors to set a radius around their anchor and provides audible and visual alarms if the boat moves beyond the designated perimeter. With customizable settings and the ability to adjust sensitivity, this app offers peace of mind during overnight stays or when anchoring in challenging conditions. Google play download
4. Savvy Navvy
Savvy Navvy is a comprehensive navigation app designed to simplify passage planning and improve safety on the water. The app combines data from various sources, including charts, tidal information, and navigation rules, to create detailed route plans. It factors in tidal currents and wind patterns to optimize passage times and provide efficient routes. Savvy Navvy also offers real-time navigation assistance, providing sailors with reliable information about their position, course, and upcoming hazards. The app's user-friendly interface and offline capabilities make it an excellent companion for coastal and offshore sailing. Download here.
5. Navily
Navily is a community-driven app that caters specifically to sailors' needs by providing an extensive database of marinas, anchorages, and mooring spots. Users can access detailed information about facilities, services, and reviews, helping them choose the perfect destination for their sailing trip. The app also allows sailors to share their experiences, submit reviews, and upload pictures, fostering a collaborative community. Navily's intuitive interface, along with its offline capabilities, makes it an indispensable tool for sailors seeking reliable information about ports and anchorages along their journey. Download here.
6. My Sea
My Sea is an all-in-one sailing app that encompasses various features, including navigation, weather forecasting, tracking, and social networking. The app offers detailed nautical charts with overlay options for AIS targets, radar, and weather data. Users can access real-time weather updates, including wind speed, wave height, and precipitation forecasts. My Sea also facilitates sharing and tracking journeys, enabling sailors to connect with friends, join regattas, and discover new sailing destinations. Book your berth in marinas, buoy fields, and at restaurant jetties. Download here.
Combine Technological Advancements with Nautical Traditions
While sailing apps offer a wide array of advanced features and convenience, it is important for sailors to maintain a solid foundation in traditional navigating methods and reading sea charts. Sailing apps should be seen as valuable tools that complement, rather than replace, the fundamental skills of a sailor. Traditional navigation techniques such as understanding sea charts, plotting courses, and utilizing navigational instruments provide a deeper understanding of the marine environment and enhance safety at sea. These skills enable sailors to navigate even in situations where the technology may fail or connectivity is limited. By combining the knowledge of traditional methods with the benefits of sailing apps, sailors can leverage the best of both worlds to ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage on the open waters.