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Top 5 sailing apps for Android and iOS

These days, you can turn your phone into an onboard computer. It’s the time of smartphones and the boom of apps. For sailors, there are now practical applications that provide valuable information and simplify the sailing experience. Is this the future of sailing? We`re not sure about that, but it is the present, and that`s where we`re living.

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We’ve put together a list with some of the very best free and paid apps on the market and we hope we`ll help you decide which are the best for you.

NAVIONICS BOATING MARINE & LAKES

book2sail-Novionics mobile application

Platforms: iPhone, iPadAndroid

Price: $4.99 – $64.99 depending on location

Best for: Navigation

This is the leading and probably the most famous company in digital cartography among cruisers, sailors, fishermen, and divers. Navionics Boating is probably the best application for smartphone navigation. Superior and detailed cartography (maps as well as GPS plotters) can be purchased by the area of navigation you are in. You do not need to download the same maps every time you need them, the maps you once purchased, are yours. If you have multiple devices, you can log with your account and use the maps you already purchased. Navionics Boating is designed as a convenient and easy-to-use tool that will enhance your every adventure at sea.
But, just in case, learn some celestial navigation, you never know when it may come handy.

fastest yachts

KNOT GUIDE

book2sail-Knot guide mobile application

Platforms: iPhone, iPad

Price: Free

Best for: Knot tying

An application that is very simple, more than useful and brings pictures and instructions on how to tie over a hundred nodes in any situation. If you learn at least 10 of those you will become one of 5% of people who can tie more than 2 knots. Browse by category or by knot name, and save your favorite knots for easy access later. Although this app is only available for iOS users, you can similar for android users too. Btw, have you read our article on knots?

WINDFINDER PRO

book2sail-Windfinder pro mobile app

Platforms: iPhone, iPadAndroid

Price: $5.21

Best for: Weather

The wind and the speed in your hands. Do you want to know how strong the wind will be when you start your journey? This application gives you the ability to update the wind conditions per spot to choose what suits you best. You can also create a list of your favorite points. If you buy the pro application, your cellphone will alert you when the conditions are ideal for sailing.

MY TIDE TIMES

book2sail-My tide tymes mobile app

Platforms: iPhone, iPadAndroid

Price: Free

Best for: Tides

Whether you’re surfing, fishing or just going to the beach you’ll be able to use this app to get quick and easy access to the tides. Provides data from over 9,000 tide stations in more than 30 countries. The app updates by its self, so you don`t have to worry about ensuring the data. And the best thing is that, when information has been downloaded it is stored on the phone so you can view it without an internet connection.

MARINE TRAFFIC

book2sail-Marine traffic mobile app

Platforms: iPhone, iPadAndroid

Price: $4.64

Best for: Navigation

Connected to the largest network of land-based AIS receivers, the app displays the locations of yachts and ships in real time. It covers major ports and shipping routes and is connected to the largest network of AIS receivers. You can access port arrivals & departures live for over 4,000 ports and marinas, current conditions in ports and estimated time of arrival for the boats & ships. Also, you can manage your list of vessels, shared with all your devices and MarineTraffic.

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.

Get in touch now and Book2Sail today.