Apple Watch, Series 2

[Brian S]

Apple just announced a new, waterproof version of the Apple Watch that include GPS.

Could someone make a sailing/racing app for it?

Tried to find a good regatta app for iPad once, and I think they all sucked to some extent, if they ever worked (most didn't.)

What kind of sailing specific features would you want for a GPS, waterproof (50m, good enough) Apple Watch app? I know you all aren't racers, but there have to be features the average sailor would want.

 

[druid]

I've noticed there are a number of "watches" (things that go on your wrist) that have GPS, but they're used to track your running routes. As far as I can see, there's no option to use them like a "regular" GPS.

druid

 

[markwbird]

Check out RaceQ's. Very cool.

 

[Brian S]

Check out RaceQ's. Very cool.

I just messaged them from their web contact form, that they should start developing an Apple Watch app. Seems they could do this easily with the GPS built into the new Series 2 watch.

I guess the biggest issue with a sailing app on a watch like this, is most one design fleets don't allow any electronic aids, except for digital compasses. But I think it would be cool to train with a device that can do all kinds of stuff like headers and lifts (like an electronic Wot Tack) and help with laylines to marks, maybe work within polars for a boat (heck, might be able to make polars) and other fun stuff like that. Not to mention basic race starting features. Maybe the app could have training mode with all the above fun stuff, and a race mode that disables all the "cheater" stuff, but does starts and records tracks like Race Qs.

 

[markwbird]

I am not aware of restrictions to electronic devices in racing. Lots of folks around these here parts use RaceQ's and other gizmos for racing. Also, RaceQ's already has the ability to use the apple watch.

 

[Meriachee]

Seems kind of counter-intuitive to try and stuff huge data into a minuscule space that is bobbin' and weavin' like no tomorrow, unless you're talking about strapping an ipad to your arm.

 

[markwbird]

RaceQ's is installed in your iPad or iPhone and you set the device on some spot in the boat and leave it there during the race. It tracks heel, speed, boat motion, etc and records it. You wear the I watch which is linked to the iPhone and it feeds you the real time data that you want. Later, you have a record of the entire race. Here's really cool part: if you have a GoPro you can link the time data to RaceQ's and watch yourself later and see what you were doing when you were going fast, slow, bad tacks, blown spinnaker take downs etc and see how these things affect your performance. Racing Nerd candy.

 

[Davidasailor26]

I just messaged them from their web contact form, that they should start developing an Apple Watch app. Seems they could do this easily with the GPS built into the new Series 2 watch.

I guess the biggest issue with a sailing app on a watch like this, is most one design fleets don't allow any electronic aids, except for digital compasses. But I think it would be cool to train with a device that can do all kinds of stuff like headers and lifts (like an electronic Wot Tack) and help with laylines to marks, maybe work within polars for a boat (heck, might be able to make polars) and other fun stuff like that. Not to mention basic race starting features. Maybe the app could have training mode with all the above fun stuff, and a race mode that disables all the "cheater" stuff, but does starts and records tracks like Race Qs.

Also you might want to check out iRegatta. Not as nice of a user interface as Race Qs, but has a lot of the features you mentioned. Has a watch app, although I don't know how many features it provides on the watch.

 

[Brian S]

I am not aware of restrictions to electronic devices in racing. Lots of folks around these here parts use RaceQ's and other gizmos for racing. Also, RaceQ's already has the ability to use the apple watch.

One design fleets often prohibit electronic devices. Like, Thistles, for example. They recently allowed electronic compasses. But that's about it.

 

[Julie Ann]

I am a little late to the party - but we love and use Tack-X and a lot of people at our yacht club have downloaded it. You ping the committee boat and the pin, put in your heading, and not only does it count down to the start of the race, it tells you distance to the line and has an awesome interface on the phone AND on the watch that tells you if you are lifted or headed on the course, and helps you see your gybe angle after your rounding. The watch features make it so you don't even need your phone above deck - you can leave it down below in a dry box. Look it up in the app store or go to www.tack-x.com.