2026 Comparator
4 processors / central navigation CPU compared on the criteria that matter in offshore regattas: servo frequency, Wave mode, integrated polars, high-resolution 3D sensor integration, open ecosystem. From entry-level IRC club to top-tier IMOCA/Class40. Supplementary comparator to the cruising autopilot comparator (Raymarine / Garmin / B&G NAC-3).
B&G
1424 € HT
Pour qui : 35-45ft sailboat, IRC entry racing, amateur crew, coastal regatta + performance cruising program
View H5000 CPU HydraB&G
2992 € HT
Pour qui : Sailboat 40-55 ft IRC club / RORC racing, regular regatta crew, VPP polars used, serious tactical navigation
View HerculesMadintec
3911 € HT
Pour qui : IMOCA / Class40 / TP52 offshore racing sailboat, trained racing crew, need Wave Mode reference and open NKE/B&G ecosystem
View MAD Brain BoxPixel sur Mer
9990 € HT
Pour qui : IMOCA pro, Class40 podium, Volvo Ocean Race, Vendée Globe, race architecture programs (Cammas, Verdier, Lombard). Modular system with custom I/O interfaces.
View Pixel Exocet2026 distributor prices excluding VAT for France, processor only (excludes 3D HR sensors, actuator, displays, installation labor). NKE Gyropilot 3 not listed — catalog being uploaded, quote on request.
| Criteria | B&G H5000 CPU Hydra | B&G Hercules | Madintec MAD Brain Box | Pixel sur Mer Exocet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor price HT | ~ 1,424 € | ~ 2,992 € | ~ 3,911 € | ~ 9,990 € |
| Response frequency | 10 Hz | 10 Hz | 50 Hz | Configurable (up to 200 Hz) |
| Wave Mode (3D swell) | Basic (Hydra firmware) | Yes (B&G v3.5 refined) | Market reference (MAD Modes) | Advanced (proprietary algorithms) |
| Integrated polars | No | Yes (ORC import) | Yes + Super-pilot modes | Yes + multi-source acquisition |
| Compatible 3D HR sensors | WS320 / WS710 | WS720 / WS730 / Full B&G | NKE 3D HR II / B&G / Madintec | All (NKE, B&G, custom sensors) |
| Integration ecosystem | B&G closed (NAC-3) | B&G closed (H5000 + NAC-3) | Open (NKE + B&G + universal) | Open + custom (analog + serial) |
| Target program | IRC club entry | IRC club + RORC | IMOCA / Class40 amateur | IMOCA pro / Class40 podium / Volvo |
Our recommendation by race program level, based on 60+ autopilot installations for racing 2020-2026 (IRC cruising regattas, offshore racing, IMOCA, Class40).
IRC entry
The B&G H5000 CPU Hydra (€1,424 ex VAT) is the most economical IRC entry-level option. Native NAC-3 integration, 10 Hz frequency sufficient for coastal regattas at amateur level. Limitations: no integrated polars (the autopilot holds the course but does not suggest optimal angles). For the next grade (RORC, tactical calculations), upgrade to Hercules.
Budget H5000 CPU + WS320 sensors + NAC-3 + T1 ram installed: ~ €7,500 ex. VAT
View H5000 CPU HydraSerious IRC
The B&G Hercules (€2,992 ex-VAT) is our standard French IRC club setup. Polar data imported directly from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress), real-time layline calculation, Wave refined mode. If you race IRC regularly at club or RORC level, this is the right investment — the €1,500 ex-VAT gap vs the H5000 CPU Hydra pays for itself in pure performance within two seasons.
Budget Hercules + complete H5000 sensors + NAC-3 + WS720 + T1/T2 ram: ~ €12,000 ex. VAT
View HerculesOffshore racing
The Madintec MAD Brain Box (€3,911 ex VAT) is the French offshore racing standard for amateur+ programs. Market-leading Wave mode (often copied, rarely matched), 50 Hz frequency, open ecosystem (NKE / B&G / custom sensors). Core choice for most amateur Class40 and "entry-level" IMOCA campaigns. Often paired with NKE Gyropilot 3 — the standard French offshore racing combo.
Budget MAD Brain Box + NKE 3D HR II sensors + ram + displays: ~ €18,000-25,000 ex. VAT
View MAD Brain BoxTier 1 racing
The Pixel sur Mer Exocet (€9,990 ex VAT for the base unit) is the French professional standard among racing yacht designers (Verdier, Lombard, Cammas Yacht Design). Modular system with custom I/O interfaces (analog, serial), proprietary Wave Mode, and structural sensor acquisition (hull deformation, rigging load). At this level, it goes beyond a "pilot" to become a tactical navigation computer + structural monitoring system. Quotation based on specific specifications.
Budget for complete Exocet system (IMU + interfaces + custom sensors + integration): €30,000 to €80,000 ex. VAT depending on program
View Pixel ExocetThe 3 mistakes that come up when a customer chooses a racing autopilot processor without a workshop program audit.
The MAD Brain Box is designed for regular offshore racing programs (minimum 4-8 regattas/year, trained crew, polars used). On a sailboat that does 2 coastal regattas + cruising: the Hercules (€2,992 ex-VAT) is more than sufficient, and the €920 ex-VAT saved can fund the WS720 sensors. Always match the processor to the actual racing usage frequency.
Pixel Exocet is a modular pro-level acquisition system — it requires calibrated sensors with custom calibration curves. Plugging in consumer-grade WS320 sensors without a custom analog interface means losing 80 % of the system’s accuracy. If you want Exocet, budget for custom sensors and curves (€5,000–15,000 VAT excluded extra) — otherwise stick with MAD Brain Box or Hercules using consumer-grade sensors.
The H5000 CPU Hydra (1,424 € excl. VAT) is deliberately restricted in firmware (no polar diagrams, no advanced layline features). To unlock the Performance firmware, you need an unlock code (~ 1,585 € excl. VAT). Total: 1,424 + 1,585 = 3,009 € excl. VAT, which is slightly more expensive than buying Hercules directly (2,992 € excl. VAT). If you know in advance that you need polar diagrams, buy Hercules directly.
4 questions to identify the racing processor suited to your program and your complete system budget.
NKE Marine Electronics is distributed by Skysat — 141 references in the catalog. The complete online listing on the store is in progress (most NKE products are currently in draft, accessible via quote request). The Gyropilot 3 NKE is the French racing standard alongside the Madintec MAD Brain Box (often used together: Gyropilot 3 + MAD Brain Box + NKE 3D HR II sensors). For a quote for the Gyropilot 3 or any NKE product not listed, contact us.
The cruising autopilot comparison tool covers Raymarine Evolution + Garmin Reactor 40 + B&G NAC-3 + B&G H5000 CPU Performance — cruising segment + IRC club. This racing comparison tool goes further: H5000 Hydra + Hercules + MAD Brain Box + Pixel sur Mer Exocet — for offshore racing programs and third-party pro setups. The key difference: here we discuss central navigation processors (tactical + polars + multi-source data acquisition), while there we discuss autopilots (heading-only servo control).
Wave Mode is a control algorithm that anticipates the effect of 3D swell on the boat's trajectory. Without Wave Mode, the autopilot reacts to the heading error after the swell has already caused the boat to drift (delay of 1-2 seconds = 5-10° of heading lost). With properly configured Wave Mode, the autopilot anticipates the arrival of a wave and adjusts preemptively, resulting in a 50% reduction in average heading error in rough seas. 2026 market reference: Madintec MAD Modes (Super-pilot). Good alternative: B&G v3.5 refined (Hercules). H5000 Hydra has a basic version (more limited effect).
The 3D HR (high-resolution 3D) sensors measure wind in 3 axes + compensate heel + heel/heading to provide accurate true wind within ±0.3°. NKE 3D HR II: French racing standard, compatible with Madintec MAD Brain Box and NKE Gyropilot 3. B&G WS720 / WS730: vertical ultrasonic sensors 1.1 m / 1.4 m, compatible with H5000 + Hercules. Pixel sur Mer Exocet: accepts custom calibrated sensors (proprietary analog acquisition). Sensor selection must be made before the processor — not the other way around.
Pixel Exocet is a modular system — the base unit at 9,990 € HT includes the central processing unit + WiFi/Ethernet + I/O acquisition protocol. The complete system adds: expansion modules (Digital In 16 channels ~ 1,200 € HT, connection boxes ~ 500 € HT each, control keypads ~ 320 € HT, custom cables ~ 300 € HT/m). On a full IMOCA, you’re easily looking at 30,000 to 80,000 € HT for an integrated Pixel system, with optional structural monitoring (Luna Technology fiber optic interrogator at 25,573 € HT for Vendée Globe programs).
The used MAD Brain Box market exists (Madintec hardware very reputed for its longevity, units from 8-10 years old are still in service in Class40). Points to check absolutely before buying used: firmware version (advanced MAD modes require firmware ≥ v4.2), condition of I/O connectors (sensitive to corrosion in humid environments), is the warranty still valid (Madintec generally offers 12 months on certified used units). Our recommendation: go through an authorized dealer (Skysat offers a certification service + 6-month warranty on used racing equipment).
Skysat has distributed B&G/Navico, Madintec, Pixel sur Mer, and NKE Marine Electronics since 2018. Comparison based on 60+ race autopilot installations from 2020–2026 — IRC cruising regattas, offshore racing, IMOCA, Class40, TP52. Indicative distributor HT prices for 2026, processor only (excluding 3D HR sensors, actuators, displays, custom interfaces, installation labor, and calibration). NKE Gyropilot 3 referenced in FAQ — NKE catalog being progressively uploaded to the store; quotes available on request for any unlisted reference.
