A few clicks here, a swipe of the finger there, and the software spits out the fastest or safest route to the destination - taking into account the current weather forecast. This principle of weather routing is a great thing and is no longer just for regatta professionals with expensive software. Thanks to special weather apps designed for mobile devices, cruising sailors can now also use this aid when planning their trip - and at a reasonable entry-level cost.
The advantage is obvious: tablets and smartphones are often on board for navigation anyway. The route can be planned conveniently and flexibly at the saloon table, in the cockpit, in the evening in the restaurant or days before the trip at home. An on-board computer is not absolutely necessary to receive and display digitally packaged weather data as gribfiles, not even a laptop.
Comparison of apps with weather routing and route weather
However, among the enormous number of weather apps available, there are only a few that have such a routing function. The comparison table in YACHT 5/2022 shows a selection of apps that have managed to establish themselves on the market.
Unlike many free weather or Grib viewer apps, they do not just work with the freely available US weather forecast model GFS. Behind the colourful icons are complex programs that initially require some training. But then they can make the navigator's life much easier.
Avoid mistakes with navigation apps
Of course, despite all the help provided by smart navigation electronics, you should not blindly rely on them. Above all, you should be aware of the pitfalls that can lurk when navigating with a tablet and app. YACHT editor Andreas Fritsch has put together seven tips for getting from A to B safely.
The articles on weather routing apps and error prevention when sailing with navigation apps can be found in YACHT 5/2022. DK-Shop available. Or you can download the articles directly via the link below.
