Due to a SNAFU we didn't have our Velocitek ProStart compass for Day#1 of our Fall Regatta... a key part of our tactical data-gathering. But with an iphone and some e-tape, and an app, all better!
I have a Gen1 Apple watch.What do you think of an Apple Watch applications, Jackdaw? The new Series 2 watches are waterproof. Not sure what kinds of features could be put into the Apple Watch form factor for independent use, eg. not tethered to a phone. I could see wearing the Apple Watch for dinghy sailing without needing to have the phone on board. It should be able to do a start sequence, using beeps and taptic engine feedback, and then switch to speed for sure. I don't know if heading would be as easy, considering all the different positions your hand would be in. But it has the GPS chip in it, so heading would be reasonable, I think. You know much about GPS.
As much as I liked (sometimes) the Lifeproof cases for my iPhone 5s, I was always unhappy that there was no attachment point for any kind of tether. Unless I put it into the LifeJacket foamy block thing. I used to bring the cased iPhone with me when sea kayaking, and the foam block didn't fit well under the deck rigging of the kayak.Don't try and make it float. Just use a tether.
Normally you get TWO of those...... ;^)I recently found (in a pile of papers) and cashed in a gift certificate at APS to get the Ritchie X-port Tactician compass. Haven't decided where on the Force 5 it should go.
I don't get it. Why would I need 2 compasses? I mean, yeah, I have 2 boats, but only one of them is the one most likely to race.Normally you get TWO of those...... ;^)
I was making a joke.... those small tactical compass are normally used in PAIRS on larger boats - one on each of the side decks just in front of the helm or tac position. Tradiational dial compasses are harder to use on the centerline because it can be hard to read the same number from the rail. Its part of the reason that numerical compasses are becoming so popular.I don't get it. Why would I need 2 compasses? I mean, yeah, I have 2 boats, but only one of them is the one most likely to race.
We have been using the binnacle compass, but I just downloaded your suggested app on my Android for free. Cool App.Its called Race Sailing Tack Optimizer (RSTO). Its a couple of bucks. Android too.
https://itunes.apple.com/dk/app/race-sailing-tack-optimizer/id958773805?mt=8
On my iphone 6 it ran for 4 hours before the battery got unhappy. The display was very easy to read from the cockpit. I had it in my lifeproof case, and taped to the ProStart cradle.
Just that. If you can do that reliably you are going to be better than 90% of people who race.Now to figure out how to use it to help us during a race. What is your most common use? I can see how it would help identify wind shifts and favored tacks, but what else do you use it for?
Oh, I get it now. I thought that's what you were getting at!I was making a joke.... those small tactical compass are normally used in PAIRS on larger boats - one on each of the side decks just in front of the helm or tac position. Tradiational dial compasses are harder to use on the centerline because it can be hard to read the same number from the rail. Its part of the reason that numerical compasses are becoming so popular.