Savvy Navvy
This system is still in the early stages of its development, but is based on
a refreshing premise. Founder Jelte Liebrand, a Clipper round the world
race veteran, is passionate about creating a streamlined routeing service
that’s easy to use and doesn’t require hours (or even days) of learning.
It’s currently available only as a web app, but iOS and Android apps, including
charting, are scheduled for release this summer. Routeing calculations are
done on a remote server, so it can’t be used while racing, but this is certainly
an option to keep an eye on as more functionality is gradually rolled out.
Price: from £99 per year
savvy-navvy.comSquid
Francois Gabart spoke warmly in
Squid’s favour after his routeing
team used it while preparing for
and during his 2017 round the
world solo circumnavigation
in Macif. There are mobile and
desktop versions available.
Price: free
squid-sailing.comWeather data sources
In theory there are a huge number of sources of GRIB fi les, though in
practice most boats use a small number of options. PredictWind (illustrated
below) is a popular service that provides raw GFS and modifi ed GFS and
ECMWF gribs, as well as remote ECMWF routeing that can be used before
the start of a race. Squid o ers more options, including the detailed French
models and all 20 GFS ensembles. Both will also calculate routes, but
with the algorithm running on their servers, rather than on your boat.
SailDocs is also a popular service for those using satellite
connections – it’s easy to set up automated email requests to
send from the boat. These elicit an automated response with
the requested GRIBs in an attachment. See saildocs.com
In addition to supplying communications packages and hardware,
MailaSail also has links to a wide variety of ultra-low bandwith
web pages, the contents of which can be retrieved via email
through the company’s Teleport Weather service.
See weather.mailasail.comSimSail
This free PC-based system, which includes both chartplotting and
routeing options, has a more streamlined interface than Adrena and
Expedition, though with less functionality. It’s well worth investigation
for anyone seeking a relatively easily learned PC-based solution.
Price: Free
simsail.net
SailGrib WR
This French system is in a sleeker and more intuitive Android
package for tablets and smartphones. It’s currently my
favourite app-based system and can be used with a number
of weather models, including the French Arome and Arpege
data, as well as tidal integration. Calculations are performed
on the device, so it can be used for routeing during a race.
Price: £54
sailgrib.com
Fastseas
A basic web-based system using the GFS model and ocean
current data, with calculations performed on a remote server.
Price: from US$6 per month
fastseas.com
August 2019 Yachts & Yachting 75