Top 5 Nautical Apps: Navigating the Waves on Your Yacht Charter Voyage

Whether you’re a first-time charterer or an experienced sailor, check out the top 5 nautical apps for the ultimate yachting voyage: from cuisine to navigation, we’ve got you covered!

A yacht adventure is the epitome of luxury and freedom; however, for a seamless sailing experience, sailors need more than favorable winds and calm seas. 

If you’re a sailor, you should know that certain sailing apps can ease your time out in the open sea. They simplify navigation, help with weather forecasts, and ease onboard management. With the touch of a button, you can access valuable information, improve safety, streamline itineraries, and have more time to focus on the joy of sailing. 

Smooth & Savvy Sailing with a Touch of Tech

With the increasing number of yacht owners, charterers, and crew members using nautical apps for a wholesome sailing experience, there’s a major digital transformation in yachting. These specialized nautical apps provide access to different sailing functionalities.

These are some of the best benefits of why you shouldn’t head to your next sailing trip without a nautical app:

  • Efficiency and convenience

Yacht charter voyages become much easier when you have the right apps to inform you about everything.

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Whether real-time data on weather and currents or booking and managing trips, these apps will make your yachting experience as smooth as gliding over calm waters under a clear blue sky.

  • Security and safety

Yachting apps help you feel safer and secure out in the open sea. This is because yachting apps feature reliable navigation tools, emergency alerts, monitoring, etc. 

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The apps can help you plan routes, prevent hazards, and receive updates on incidents or changes. Some apps allow you to send distress signals, contact authorities, or get medical assistance.

  • Marketing and networking

Yachting apps connect you with others from the yachting industry and you can use them to promote a yachting business if you own one. 

Whether using the app to join yachting communities or to check out yachting events, these apps are great for networking. You can also use them to market your yacht business, share inspiring stories, and attract customers.

Sailing Must-Haves: The Top 5 Nautical Apps

As the list of benefits above clearly shows, nautical apps have a lot of advantages to offer for your sailing trip. With sailing apps, your nautical adventures to popular spots or hidden gems will be enjoyable and smooth.

From discovering the ideal marina to the best places to catch fish, we’ve picked up the top 5 nautical apps to cover your sailing needs!

  1. Navionics-Nautical GPS Navigate like a Pro

Navigating the open waters is slightly more complex than using a car’s GPS. This is where Navionics comes to save the day. It’s a sailor’s digital best mate, ready to guide you through the sea’s twists and turns. 

It offers detailed nautical charts, real-time weather updates, and tidal information. It keeps you on the right course with its advanced features such as route planning so you can plan your courses precisely. 

You can also use the app to save your favorite locations like fishing areas or anchorages, and access them offline which is important in limited connectivity areas. You can also share hazard news or spot recommendations with the community.

  1. Yummly-Culinary Creativity at Sea

Yachting is rarely solely about the sailing: most sailors agree that savoring tasty delicious food aboard is one of the most wonderful experiences in life. If delicious food is a must on your sailing trips, you’ll love to hear about Yummly

It has everything you need to prepare flavorful dishes. Let’s say you’ve just caught some fresh seafood. 

The next step would be to open Yummly, add the ingredients at your disposal, and allow the app to create the perfect recipe. Regardless of your culinary experience, their recipes can be tailored according to your preferences or ingredient availability. 

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  1. MarineTraffic-Safety & Connectivity in One

Connectivity and information are vital when you’re out in the open sea. MarineTraffic is the sailor’s digital lifeline with real-time ship tracking, vessel details, and a global ship database. 

If you’re worried about an approaching cruise liner or wondering about a sailboat nearby, open MarineTraffic, and all the information you need will be there. 

You can also use it to keep up with other sailors, share your sailing adventures, and join other marine enthusiasts in uploading your photos and tracking your trips. This maritime social network helps you stay connected and informed on the go, no matter where your next destination takes you.

  1. Fishbrain-Ultimate Companion for Fishing Adventures

While sailing, regardless of your experience with fishing, using the right tools can make all the difference. Fishbrain is a great app for fishing enthusiasts as it offers detailed maps, fishing forecasts, and an active community of anglers. 

It helps you locate the best fishing spot or find the most effective bait for a species within minutes. You can also share and log about your catches and learn useful information from the fisherman community. 

Finally, you no longer have to look for the best place to cast your line because Fishbrain will take you where you need to be!

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  1. Windy-Precise Real-Time Weather Forecasts

Weather information is essential for sailors. So, it’s no wonder weather forecasting apps have become so popular. With Windy, you get access to precise and specialized weather information. 

Voted the best-specialized weather app in its category by the WMO, Windy ensures water and wind sports enthusiasts get the latest, professional, and accurate forecasts on wind for different purposes, including surfing, diving, fishing, skiing, and kitesurfing. 

The app features 10-day weather forecasts, a live global wind map, and local weather reports. It stands out for its social aspect: you can engage with locals in the chat, compare conditions, check out meteorological lessons, and share your experiences with the community.

Wrapping It Up: The Book2Sail Promise 

The future of yacht chartering is a blend of tradition and innovative technology. So, the next time you plan your yacht voyage, include these awesome nautical apps in your toolkit. They’ll help you navigate like a pro, make yummy meals onboard, and maximize safety and enjoyment aboard. 

As fellow sailing enthusiasts, we love to see people discover the wonders of sailing. This inspired us to create an intuitive vessel booking platform with various filter options to meet every sailor’s needs and preferences. 

We are committed to delivering the ultimate yacht booking experience. Visit Book2Sail today to book your yacht and sail away to your next quest for excellence!

Frequently asked questions

  • 1
    What are some of the key preparations I should consider prior to my yacht charter?
    • Travel Documentation

      Always ensure you have some form of acceptable identification, in legible condition and valid.

      Medication

      Double check that both you and other individuals in your group remember to bring important medications that you are currently being prescribed, accounting for the amount of time you will be at sea.

      Money & Additional expenses

      It would be prudent to budget for slightly over what you anticipate spending. Charter related expenses will be made known, however you never know whether you will need something once travelling.

      Research

      Set aside some time look up the areas you intend on visiting, both whilst chartering (as part of your anticipated itinerary) and whilst travelling to the location at which you will begin your charter.

      Supplies

      As with any journey or holiday, ensure you have adequate toiletries, perhaps some favored foods and snacks.

      Clothing

      Bring the types of clothing that will, in your estimation, suit the weather conditions of the location in which you will be chartering. It may be handy to spend some time researching a few sailing blogs and weather forecasts.

      Equipment

      All necessary equipment should be found already aboard (including safety equipment and anything required to properly operate the vessel. Though you may like to bring a few extra mod-cons to ensure you have the best of experiences.

  • 2
    What is the best way to choose the right vessel and charter for me?
    • Choosing the best vessel for you and those joining you on your yacht charter, would be dependent on your personal preference. Though we recommend considering the following points:

      • Your level of experience
      • Where you will be chartering
      • The time of year and associated weather conditions
      • The ages and competence of both yourself and those in your group

      It would be very helpful for you to conduct some basic research pertaining to all of the above, by way of asking those who you know have chartered the type of vessel or been to the location you are considering, before. Yacht charter blogs and other relevant websites that will offer you an understanding of the key factors you should consider.

      And of course, we are more than happy to help you with your decision.

  • 3
    Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
    • That all depends on where you intend to charter. If you would like to charter a yacht within Europe, the answer would be yes. It is important to remember that the correct licencing and/or documentation for your charter is your responsibility and we would strongly advise you to enquire into the legal prerequisites of your chosen charter region, taking care to note any differences if you are to cross maritime boarders.

      Regarding Europe, you will require an International Certificate of Competence, also known as the ICC.

  • 4
    What is an APA?
    • As a rule of thumb, the fee you pay for your charter, includes the rental of the vessel and the necessary crew to operate it, all other expenses associated with the charter are separate and are financed by the APA, which stands for the Advance provisioning allowance.

      The APA generally amounts to 30% of the total charter fee, though this may vary depending on the vessel.

      Dockage fees, fuel, communications and food & beverages will all be financed by the APA. Any remaining money from the APA at the end of the charter, will be returned to you.

  • 5
    What happens if the owner/captain does not show up, or is late?
    • All boat owners are bound to have someone meeting charterers on the day of charter. It is important that you as a charterer notify us if there is something wrong with your charter. For more information read the charterer’s policy.

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Our team of chartering specialists are ready to assist you to make your chartering experience as easy as possible. We have different itineraries to cater for any type of activity you choose to do, once you are ashore.

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