Collection: NKE Marine Electronics

NKE Marine Electronics: High-Performance Regatta Instruments

NKE Marine Electronics is a French manufacturer specializing in the design and production of navigation and performance instruments for competitive sailing. Recognized in the world of offshore racing and regattas, NKE offers advanced technical solutions for optimizing settings, analyzing performance, and tactical navigation. Their systems are highly regarded by professional skippers for their reliability, precision, and ability to operate in the most extreme conditions. Skysat possesses the expertise to integrate this cutting-edge equipment and guarantee an optimal configuration tailored to the demands of racing.

Wind Instruments and Weather Vanes

NKE wind vanes and anemometers deliver precise and responsive measurements of apparent and true wind, essential for optimizing sail trim and tactical trajectories. Their robust design and high-precision calibration ensure total reliability during racing.

• High Resolution (HR) Wind Vane : Ultrasonic wind sensor with no moving parts, offering instant responsiveness and no mechanical wear. Simultaneous measurement of apparent wind direction and speed with an angular resolution of 0.1°. Ideal for fine-tuning when sailing upwind.
• Reinforced Cup Anemometer : Traditional sensor with ceramic bearings for extended service life and minimal maintenance. Proven accuracy across all wind ranges, from light breezes to storm conditions.
• True Wind Calculation : Automatic processing of apparent wind, surface speed, and compass heading data to display true wind (TWS/TWD). Adaptive filtering to eliminate fluctuations and provide stable, tactically actionable information.

Navigation Systems and Speed ​​Sensors

NKE navigation systems integrate several sensors (speed, depth sounding, magnetic heading) and calculate in real time the performance parameters essential for navigation and sail trim. Their modular architecture allows for gradual and scalable integration.

• Wheel or Electromagnetic Speed ​​Sensors : Precise measurement of surface speed (STW) and log (distance traveled). Electromagnetic sensors offer the advantage of having no protruding moving parts, thus reducing the risk of seaweed snagging and drag.
• Digital Depth Sounders: Measures water depth with a configurable threshold alarm. Integration into current and drift calculations for improved coastal navigation.
• Fluxgate Electronic Compass: Provides a precise and stable magnetic heading for calculating true wind and displaying navigation data. Automatic heel and pitch compensation to maintain accuracy in all conditions.

Topline System: Integrated Performance Analysis

NKE's Topline system is a comprehensive real-time performance analysis platform, integrating all sensors, data processing, and display on tactical screens. It is the benchmark tool for offshore racing teams seeking to maximize their VMG speed and strategic effectiveness.

• Display of Performance Polars : Instant comparison of the boat's actual speed with the theoretical speed from the polars, allowing identification of areas for improvement and continuous optimization of sail settings.
• Tactical Calculations VMG/VMC: Display of speed over course (VMC) and speed to windward (VMG) to aid tactical decision-making during upwind legs and downwind gybes.
• Data Recording and Replay : Saving navigation sessions for post-race analysis and crew debriefing. Exporting log files for integration into advanced analysis software.
• NMEA 2000 Network Interface: Communication with other onboard equipment (autopilot, radar, AIS) to centralize information and optimize the ergonomics of the racing bridge.

Multifunction Repeaters and Displays

NKE offers a complete range of repeaters and multifunction displays that allow for the clear and legible display of all navigation and performance parameters, even in bright sunlight or at night.

• HD Graphic Displays: High-resolution display with adjustable LED backlighting. Customizable display pages to adapt information to different navigation phases (close-haul, long-haul, night navigation).
• Analog and Digital Repeaters: Dedicated instruments for speed, depth, wind, heading. Immediate and ergonomic reading for quick maneuvers and real-time adjustments.
• Wireless Remote Display : Wireless repeater solutions for cockpit and mast, avoiding cable routing and facilitating installation on racing sailboats.

💡 Skysat's advice

Installing a high-performance NKE system requires careful attention to sensor placement to avoid aerodynamic and hydrodynamic disturbances. The wind vane should be positioned at the masthead in an area of ​​stable airflow, and the speed sensors should be installed in a turbulence-free area of ​​the hull. A complete calibration of the polars and sensors after installation is essential to obtain reliable and usable data during racing. Also, ensure a stable and protected power supply to guarantee continuous operation during extended sailing.