Collection: Exail Technologies

Exail Technologies: ultra-precise inertial navigation for offshore racing

Custom quotes only – no online purchases. Skysat is an expert integrator of Exail systems (formerly iXblue), the world leader in inertial navigation for offshore racing. Exail equips 80% of the world's racing sailboats, from the Vendée Globe to the America's Cup, thanks to its FOG (Fiber Optic Gyro) technology offering angular accuracy of less than 0.01°. We support professional skippers and shipyards in integrating these critical systems for foiling boats seeking high performance while flying.

Why Exail is indispensable in offshore racing

Exail inertial navigation systems provide unparalleled accuracy for heading, roll, pitch, and yaw, essential for the autopilot of modern racing sailboats. Unlike magnetic compasses and GPS, Exail FOG systems operate without a satellite signal in the Southern Ocean and offer instantaneous response to boat movements. This accuracy is vital for:

• Autopilot on foilers: Maintains optimal trim at high speed (roll/pitch/yaw control to within 0.01°) to prevent stalls and crashes. Essential for new generation IMOCA boats, foiling Class40s, and Ultime trimarans.
• Stabilization in extreme conditions: Reliable navigation in rough seas and strong winds without loss of accuracy, even at boat speeds of 35-40 knots. Continuous service without recalibration throughout a transoceanic race.
• Navigation redundancy: Heading and attitude reference completely independent of GNSS to maintain heading in areas of poor satellite reception (southern seas, polar areas) and in case of GPS failure.
• Multi-system integration: Synchronization with performance computers (Bravo, Expedition), smart sails, and active stabilization systems to optimize settings in real time.

Exail range for offshore racing

Skysat integrates and configures the entire Exail range to meet the specific needs of each racing program:

• Quadrans: Compact fiber optic gyrocompass for traditional monohull sailboats and Class40s without foils. 0.1° static heading accuracy, NMEA 2000/0183 interface, low power consumption (5W). An economical solution for a stable and reliable true heading reference.
• Hydrins: High-performance inertial measurement unit with 0.01° accuracy on all axes (heading, roll, pitch). The benchmark system for foiling IMOCA boats and Ultime trimarans requiring extremely precise piloting. 100 Hz output frequency for maximum autopilot responsiveness. The preferred solution for Vendée Globe skippers.
• Octans 9: Inertial navigation system with on-the-go alignment and GPS/INS fusion for precise positioning and attitude immediately upon power-up. Ideal for boats requiring immediate availability without calibration procedures (regatta starts, harbor maneuvers). Used on record-breaking multihulls and maxi-trimarans.
• Atlans a7: Ultra-compact, high-frequency (200 Hz) inertial measurement unit for stabilizing onboard cameras, rigid sails, and active foil systems. Sub-degree accuracy for applications requiring a fast and stable attitude reference. Also used for post-race video analysis and onboard media (tracking helicopters, drones).

Skysat: expert integrator and trusted partner of Exail

Installing an Exail inertial navigation system requires highly specialized technical expertise, which Skysat possesses in abundance. We do not sell these systems online: each project is subject to a customized study, personalized integration, and dedicated technical support. Our support includes:

• Race program analysis: Study of the specific needs of the boat (hull type, presence of foils, maximum speed, race circuits) to recommend the optimal Exail system and its positioning on board.
• Mechanical and electronic integration: Mounting of the control unit with precise alignment along the boat's axes, NMEA 2000/Ethernet cabling, interfacing with the autopilot (B&G, NKE, Simrad) and performance computers. Verification of the absence of magnetic and vibration interference.
• Calibration and navigation testing: Fine alignment during actual navigation, verification of angular accuracy, optimization of filtering parameters and GPS/INS fusion. High-speed performance tests and tests under extreme heel/pitch conditions to validate the configuration.
• Training and technical support: Training for the skipper and technical team on system operation, preventive maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting. Remote support during races and on-site interventions if necessary.
• Manufacturer relationship guarantee: Skysat benefits from direct access to Exail technical teams for complex cases, firmware updates, and level 3 support. Service continuity guaranteed throughout the system's lifespan.

💡 Skysat's advice

Never underestimate the importance of the placement and mechanical alignment of an Exail inertial measurement unit (IMU): an error of just a few degrees can significantly degrade autopilot performance at high speeds. Plan for a rigid mount to the boat's structure (not on a flexible bulkhead) and ensure there are no nearby magnetic masses (batteries, motors, electric winches).

Contact us for a personalized quote and an integration study tailored to your racing project.