52
Cruising Helmsman July 2018ESSENTIAL KIT
B&G SOFTWARE UPDATES
Navico released a software update
for Zeus³, Zeus², Zeus² Glass
Helm and Vulcan Series displays.
The software includes features
including: advanced Wind Plot,
device registration and C-MAP
charting improvements.
Wind Plot is available on the B&G
Zeus and Vulcan series of products
and allowing users to keep track
of wind speed and direction. The
introduction of advanced Wind Plot
is available on the Zeus series of
products only, aimed at providing
users with a clearer view of wind
trends, easier comparison of true
wind speed to true wind direction
(TWD) and better display in small
panels for use alongside charts,
Race Panel or Sail Steer features.
An optional ‘tack bar’ feature has
also been added that identifies point of
sail, upwind or reaching or downwind,
along with the tack of the boat. The
dual mode view can also colour code
TWD for port/starboard tack.
Data values are logged and provided
to the user as average values per tack,
to aid awareness and calibration.
This latest software update also
offers a new device registration option,
designed to enhance user support.
When a device is registered, future
software updates will be sent directly
through to the device when they
become available, taking the hassle
out of a previously manual process.
In addition to Wind Plot and device
registration, the software includes
enhancements to the C-MAP chart
presentation with the introduction
of a new palette that closely matches
several common hydrographic
office presentations. This update
is most apparent near shore, where
the colours used for land, docks,
anchorage areas, water and channels
are nicely differentiated plus water
contour lines are distinct. The new
palette makes it easier to see where
the boat is in relation to a channel,
ledges and drop-offs, or a point of
land. The colour scheme is also
much easier on the eye.
http://www.bandg.comBODY INSULATING JACKET
FROM VIGILANTE
Adventure clothing manufacturers, Vigilante, have
launched its Power Down jacket for both men and
women. Airy and light yet completely warming,
this jacket is designed to ensure minimal bulk
with maximum heat retention for an ideal
body climate when sailing or hiking.
Vigilante have searched for the perfect
active weight for any physical pursuit with
its stitchless quilted down. The absence of
stitching holes prevents both wind ingress
and heat leakage. If it is raining, this
jacket includes durable water repellency
coating, to assist in keeping dry.
The Power Down jacket is made
from tough, durable high denier fabric,
preventing abrasion and tearing for
longevity of use. When finished the
jacket stuffs into Vigilante’s smallest
stuff sack yet.
Designed to hug in all the right
places even the cuffs have down-filled
spandex to ensure no heat loss for
heat insulation. The Power Down
jacket comes in four colours.
RRP $169.99
http://www.escape2.com.au