November 11, 2009 10:16
Yes, it is possible to use the optimal tacking angles for lots of small tacks instead of two long tacks. You have to do more coming-about that way, which may be a bit more effort and time. But you can use the optimal tacking angles this way if you want to stay close to the rhumb line in case of wind shifts.
You can enter different wind speeds and your boat length in the SailTimer app. It will calculate your hullspeed for you, and also has a large knotmeter display. Nevertheless, as the previous comment notes, you will get more features if you can use SailTimer with the full chartplotting capabilities in MacENC. For PC users, SailCruiser from NavSim.com is a navigation program that allows you to plot multiple waypoints and use SailTimer to see optimal tacking routes between all of them at once. Setting more waypoints is another way to stay close to the rhumb line if you want to.
The Sailing GPS also has additional capabilities beyond the SailTimer iPhone app: it is waterproof, it learns the unique performance of your boat on different points of sail, it is easy to mount at the helm, and can be seen in direct sunlight. But it is certainly an interesting age we live in, where it is even possible to get the basic SailTimer navigation functions with the low cost, easy download and convenience of your iPod Touch or iPhone.
You can enter different wind speeds and your boat length in the SailTimer app. It will calculate your hullspeed for you, and also has a large knotmeter display. Nevertheless, as the previous comment notes, you will get more features if you can use SailTimer with the full chartplotting capabilities in MacENC. For PC users, SailCruiser from NavSim.com is a navigation program that allows you to plot multiple waypoints and use SailTimer to see optimal tacking routes between all of them at once. Setting more waypoints is another way to stay close to the rhumb line if you want to.
The Sailing GPS also has additional capabilities beyond the SailTimer iPhone app: it is waterproof, it learns the unique performance of your boat on different points of sail, it is easy to mount at the helm, and can be seen in direct sunlight. But it is certainly an interesting age we live in, where it is even possible to get the basic SailTimer navigation functions with the low cost, easy download and convenience of your iPod Touch or iPhone.