When you rent a boat, especially a sailing yacht, it is not always equipped with a reliable navigation system.
Fortunately, you no longer need a sextant, as was the case at the beginning of the 20th century. Nowadays, anyone can become an expert with the help of navigation apps.
As the number of apps can be a little overwhelming, we have tested some of them especially for you and compiled a list of the best apps!
1. Navionics - Maps for Boating, Marine, and Lakes
The Navionics app is a guarantee of reliability for many sailors and one of the most popular apps for navigation on a sailing boat.
With the latest update, connectivity on the water has been improved. This makes it easier to share your live location with friends and family. You can then export your route in GPX format to share your achievements with others.
The real strength of the app lies in the large community that constantly updates and improves Navionics' maps and information. In addition to the extensive functions, the app is characterized by its user-friendliness: the focus is always on the user.
Navionics offers several map layers that can be adapted to your own needs and personal preferences. A major advantage is that you can edit your own maps and adapt them to your needs, for example sonar maps. This gives you access to the HD bathymetry map, which provides a detailed view of the bottom of lakes and shallow waters. Ideal for finding the best fishing spot and knowing the exact depths.
All the functions of this navigation app are extensive and work very well. Functions such as a WLAN AIS receiver, weather and tide forecasts and much more round off your sailing experience.
Download the Navionics App for iOS or Android.
2. Savvy Navvy - Ship Navigation
The Savvy Navvy app is an innovative sailing app that provides important maritime information and sailing tips in one place.
The app displays chart, tide, weather, route, marina and anchorage information at the touch of a button on any device. Savvy Navvy is designed for a clear user interface and ease of use, making navigation simpler and more accessible.
For example, you can use great features such as active GPS tracking to see exactly where you are and which facilities are in your vicinity. The special thing about this app is that it maps the entire route for you in just a few seconds, using high-quality data from hydrographic stations around the world. It adapts your route en route to the different tides, your departure times, the weather, wind forces/directions and even boat data.
The ability to automatically adjust your route planning to the wind direction is a fantastic feature for sailors. Apart from Orca, no other app is able to automatically adjust the route to the conditions you encounter while sailing. This makes the app a very reliable navigation device to accompany you on your sailing trip.
If you are not yet completely convinced, you can also test the app free of charge for 14 days.
Learn more about the Savvy Navvy app in this short video clip!
Download the Savvy Navvy App for iOS or Android.
3. Navily - The Global Boating Community
Navily is an essential app for sailors looking for accurate and up-to-date marina and anchorage information. It offers a community-driven platform where sailors can share their experiences, tips, and reviews about different marinas and anchorages worldwide.
The app provides useful features such as the ability to book marinas in advance, view marina availability, and check up-to-date pricing. Navily also offers detailed charts and maps for thousands of ports, harbors, and anchorages, with real-time data on weather conditions and tides.
What sets Navily apart from other apps is its emphasis on a community-based approach, where sailors share valuable local knowledge, including recommendations on nearby services, restaurants, and attractions. It’s perfect for sailors who want to explore new places with confidence, knowing they have a network of fellow boaters helping them along the way.
Whether you're looking for a quiet anchorage or a lively marina, Navily has you covered.
Download the Navily App for iOS or Android. And if you want to learn more about the Navily app, click here!
4. WindHub - Advanced Weather Forecasting
WindHub by Windy is a weather-focused app designed specifically for sailors and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on precise and real-time weather data.
The app offers high-resolution wind and weather forecasts that help you plan your sailing routes effectively. WindHub includes features such as detailed wind direction and speed maps, temperature forecasts, wave height predictions, and pressure maps — all based on Windy's advanced forecasting models.
What makes WindHub particularly powerful is the integration of real-time weather data, providing accurate wind and sea conditions at your exact location. This allows sailors to make on-the-spot adjustments to their routes, ensuring they stay safe and make the most of favorable conditions.
You can also access global satellite imagery to track storm developments and view radar data. This is crucial for sailors navigating challenging coastal areas or open waters.
If you’re serious about weather forecasting for your sailing trips, WindHub is a must-have tool for ensuring you're always in the know.
Download the WindHub App for iOS or Android.
5. mySea - Sail Smarter
The mySea app is a user-friendly and efficient sailing companion that focuses on helping sailors with precise navigation and real-time weather updates.
mySea provides sailors with key information on tides, weather forecasts, and navigational data, all tailored to your current location. The app offers detailed charts, allowing you to plan your journey while keeping track of your progress with live GPS tracking.
A standout feature of the mySea app is its ability to integrate with marine sensors, giving sailors access to data like wind speed, depth, and boat speed directly on their phone. This makes it a great tool for both amateur and experienced sailors.
The app also offers real-time sailing route recommendations, factoring in weather patterns, tidal movements, and even your boat's specifications, ensuring you're always on the most efficient and safest course.
Whether you're sailing in coastal waters or exploring more remote locations, mySea makes navigation smoother and easier.
Download the mySea App for iOS or Android.
Summary
All of these navigation apps have their own special features that make them unique.
Some are more comprehensive than others. Therefore, you should ask yourself how many of these features you will actually use; because all the apps mentioned in this list are of excellent quality, but the prices vary.
It should be noted that not all digital nautical charts can fully replace paper nautical charts for navigation. As a sailor, you are responsible for having accurate and up-to-date nautical charts.
We all love sailing and exploring new areas. However, this requires some skills. Let the new technology enhance and facilitate your sailing holiday so you can relax.
For more information, you can send us a request at any time!