WS720 vertical wind transducer 1.1 m

The B&G WS720 1.1m vertical wind sensor is designed for demanding racing and cruising sailboats, offering wind angle accuracy of +/- 0.5°. It provides reliable data via its 10Hz NMEA 0183 output for maximum responsiveness of your instruments and autopilots.

Included: WS720 wind sensor, documentation pack.

Retail priceBenefit from the professional rate

£1,951.51 GBP

£1,951.51 GBP ~~£2,417.91 GBP~~

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Technical specifications

Wired network	NMEA 0183, NMEA2000 (via optional interface) \| NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 (via optional interface)
Wind angle accuracy	+/- 0.5
Wind speed accuracy	+/- 0.2 knots (2 to 80 knots), 0.1 knot resolution
Compatible systems	B&G H5000, B&G WTP3, NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 (via wired interface)
Mast material	High modulus Carbon
Product height	1100
Operating voltage	12
Max power consumption	0.2
Cable length	0.0
Vertical shaft length	1.1
IP rating	IPX6
Black wire function	DC negative
Blue wire function	TX_B
Red wire function	+ 12 V DC (9 – 16 V DC)
White wire function	TX_A
Compatible network	NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 (via optional interface)
NMEA 0183 baud rate	38400
NMEA 0183 refresh rate	10
Power supply	12
Product weight	0.4
IP rating	IPX6

Detailed description

The B&G WS720 1.1m Vertical Wind Sensor is a high-performance wind vane anemometer designed for racing and regatta sailboats. Its 1.1-meter high-modulus carbon vertical mast positions the sensor in an undisturbed airflow, above the turbulence generated by the mast and sails. This design ensures extremely accurate and stable wind speed and angle measurements, essential for optimizing performance and ensuring reliable true wind distance (TWD) data. The WS720 is designed for direct integration with the B&G H5000 and WTP3 instrument systems.

Data performance and accuracy

Developed through over 200,000 hours of wind tunnel testing, the WS720 sensor delivers professional-grade accuracy. Wind angle accuracy is +/- 0.5°, while wind speed accuracy is +/- 0.2 knots over a range of 2 to 80 knots. The sensor measures winds from 0.5 to 90 knots. Data is transmitted via an NMEA 0183 output (MWV,R sentence) at a frequency of 10 Hz, ensuring maximum responsiveness for navigation systems and autopilots. Its reliability has been proven in the most demanding offshore racing conditions.

Positioning within the WS700 range

Within the WS700 series, the WS720 model, with its 1.1m mast, represents an optimal balance for many racing sailboats. It offers greater height than the entry-level WS710 (0.8m) for improved wind upwind performance, while being more compact than the WS730 (1.4m) and WS740 (1.8m) models designed for larger boats. While the sensor technology and data accuracy are identical across the range, mast length is the primary differentiating factor, allowing for optimal compatibility with different sailboat sizes and sail plans.

Technical specifications and installation

The sensor weighs 0.4 kg (without cable) and has an IPX6 rating. It operates on a 12V DC power supply (9-16V DC range) with a very low power consumption of 15 mA (< 0.2 W). Native NMEA 0183 connectivity (38400 baud) can be complemented by NMEA 2000 network connectivity via an optional interface. Physical mounting is identical to that of B&G's previous Vertical Mast Head Units (VHMUs), simplifying upgrades to existing installations. The operating temperature range is -15°C to +55°C.