The box is anthracite grey, as small as a packet of cigarettes and fairly inconspicuous. Apart from the NMEA connections on the side and a discreet radio antenna, there is nothing to suggest that it is one of the most modern systems currently available for documenting sailing data. But the Sailserver developed in Denmark is nothing less than that: a GPS tracker that simultaneously reads and records data from the on-board system.
If there is a mobile phone connection, it uploads the information to the cloud, where it is saved and presented in an attractive graphic format. This allows detailed conclusions to be drawn about the development of wind, weather, tacking angle and sailing performance, position and pitching of the boat after the end of the trip. All of this is visualised in bar charts that can be accessed via smartphones, tablets or PCs. If you like, you can email the values to crew members and sailing friends via a link or share them on your Facebook account.
As a kind of by-product, Sailserver keeps an automatic logbook, as the position data is displayed as a course history on Google Maps. And the small box can also be used as an anchor watch: If definable threshold values are exceeded - such as distance from a GPS position, change in water depth or wind force - it sends an alarm to a mobile phone via radio.
However, it is not just the range of functions and the intuitive user interface in dark mode design that characterise the Sailserver. At least as impressive is how easy it is to put into operation. During testing, it was integrated into modern NMEA 2000 networks from B&G and Raymarine within minutes. The only prerequisite: the appropriate cables and, if necessary, distributor pieces. A green flashing LED on the top of the housing indicates when the device has found a connection to the bus system. It establishes the connection itself after pressing the initialisation button. If a GPS signal is available in the network, the Sailserver records its data; if not, the built-in localisation system is activated. Due to its simple commissioning, Sailserver is not only suitable for owners, but also for charter sailors who want to comprehensively log their holiday trips.
Jørg Ulrich Hansen, an IT entrepreneur from Sønderborg, initially developed the box for himself because he didn't find the existing trackers attractive enough. He now markets it professionally and is already thinking about upgrades, for example for regatta sailors. The good thing is that future additional functions can be added at a later date and activated wirelessly.
Price: 399 euros, including mobile phone card and data service for ten years, power consumption in operation approx. 90 milliamps.
