Collection: Routing

Routing: Optimize your navigation and performance

Routing is much more than just a weather forecast; it's a science that optimizes your course by taking into account environmental conditions, your boat's performance, and your objectives. At Skysat, drawing on our experience in offshore racing, we know that accurate routing is crucial for gaining safety, comfort, and speed. Discover in this section the software, tools, and data that will allow you to master the art of routing.

choose the right routing software

A powerful routing software is the heart of your navigation system. It analyzes weather forecasts, your boat's polar diagrams, and currents to suggest the most efficient route. The choice of software will depend on your type of navigation and your specific needs. Here are some common options:

• Adrena: Reference routing software for offshore racing, offering high accuracy and advanced analysis features.
• MaxSea TimeZero: A complete solution integrating mapping, radar and routing, ideal for recreational and professional navigation.
• qtVlm: Powerful and customizable open source software, suitable for demanding browsers.
• Expedition: High-performance routing software, particularly appreciated for its handling of currents and tides.

integrate weather data and currents

Data quality is paramount for reliable routing. It is essential to integrate accurate weather forecasts and current information into your routing software. Several data sources are available:

• GRIB files: Standard format for weather forecasts, available from many providers (Saildocs, Great Circle, etc.).
• Current models: Data on surface and deep currents, essential for optimizing your route in areas with strong currents (MyOcean, etc.).
• AIS data: Information on maritime traffic, allowing avoidance of congested areas and risks of collision.
• Measuring instruments: Anemometer, wind vane, log-speedometer provide real-time data to your navigation software.

optimize the polar diagrams of your boat

Speed ​​polars are graphical representations of your boat's performance based on wind strength and angle to the wind. Accurate routing requires reliable speed polars tailored to your boat.

• Polar creation: Using specialized software or services to generate accurate polars from your boat's characteristics.
• Polar optimization: Adjusting polars based on your observations and actual navigation performance.
• Use of manufacturer's polar diagrams: Integration of the polar diagrams provided by your boat's manufacturer, if available.
• Performance analysis: Using browsing data to identify weaknesses and improve your browsing technique.

💡 Skysat's advice

Don't hesitate to compare the results of different routing software using the same weather data. This will allow you to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each tool and choose the one that best suits your sailing style. Regular calibration of navigation instruments is also crucial for data reliability.