2026 Comparator
4 processors / central navigation CPU compared on the criteria that matter in offshore regattas: servo frequency, Wave mode, integrated polars, 3D HR sensor integration, open ecosystem. From entry-level IRC club to top-tier IMOCA/Class40. Complementary comparison to the cruising autopilot comparison (Raymarine / Garmin / B&G NAC-3).
B&G
1424 € HT
Pour qui : Sailboat 35-45 ft, IRC club racing entry, amateur crew, coastal regatta + performance cruising program
View H5000 CPU HydraB&G
2992 € HT
Pour qui : Sailboat 40-55 ft club IRC / RORC racing, regular regatta crew, VPP polars used, serious tactical navigation
View HerculesMadintec
3911 € HT
Pour qui : IMOCA / Class40 / TP52 racing sailboat, trained racing crew, requirement for Wave Mode reference and open NKE/B&G ecosystem
View MAD Brain BoxPixel sur Mer
9990 € HT
Pour qui : Pro IMOCA, Class40 podium, Volvo Ocean Race, Vendée Globe, racing architecture programs (Cammas, Verdier, Lombard). Modular system with custom I/O interfaces.
View Pixel Exocet2026 distributor prices excluding VAT for France, processor only (excluding 3D HR sensors, excluding ram, excluding displays, excluding 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 before tax | ~ 1,424 € | ~ 2,992 € | ~ 3,911 € | ~ 9 990 $ |
| Control 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 (import ORC) | 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 | Closed B&G (NAC-3) | Closed B&G (H5000 + NAC-3) | Open (NKE + B&G + universal) | Open + custom (analog + serial) |
| Target program | IRC entry club | IRC club + RORC | IMOCA / Class40 amateur | IMOCA pro / Class40 podium / Volvo |
Our recommendation by racing 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 autopilot. Native NAC-3 integration, 10 Hz frequency sufficient for coastal regattas at amateur level. Limitations: no integrated polars (the autopilot holds 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 actuator installed: ~ €7,500 VAT excluded
View H5000 CPU HydraSerious IRC
The B&G Hercules (€2,992 ex VAT) is our standard for French IRC club racing. Polars imported from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress), real-time layline calculation, Wave refined mode. If you race regularly in IRC club / RORC events, this is a sound investment — the €1,500 ex VAT gap vs. the H5000 CPU Hydra pays for itself in pure performance within two seasons.
Hercules + H5000 complete sensors + NAC-3 + WS720 + T1/T2 ram: ~ 12 000 € HT
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 but 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 racing combo.
MAD Brain Box + NKE 3D HR II sensors + ram + displays: ~ 18 000-25 000 € HT
View MAD Brain BoxTier 1 racing
The Pixel sur Mer Exocet (€9,990 VAT excluded 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, you move beyond a "pilot" to a tactical navigation central unit + structural monitoring. Quote available upon specific specification sheet.
Exocet complete system budget (computer + interfaces + custom sensors + integration): €30,000 to €80,000 excluding VAT depending on program
View Pixel ExocetThe 3 mistakes that recur when a client chooses a racing processor without a workshop program audit.
The MAD Brain Box is designed for regular offshore racing programs (minimum 4–8 regattas per 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 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 € HT) is intentionally firmware-locked (no polar diagrams, no advanced Layline features). To unlock the Performance firmware, you need an unlock code (~1,585 € HT). Total cost: 1,424 + 1,585 = 3,009 € HT, which is slightly more expensive than buying Hercules directly (2,992 € HT). If you know in advance that you want polar diagrams, buy Hercules directly.
4 questions to identify the racing autopilot processor suited to your program and your complete system budget.
NKE Marine Electronics is distributed by Skysat — 141 references in the catalog. Full online availability on the store is in progress (most NKE products are currently in draft, accessible via quote). 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 — for 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), whereas there we discuss autopilots (heading-only control).
Wave Mode is a control algorithm that anticipates the effect of 3D swell on the boat's heading. Without Wave Mode, the autopilot reacts to heading deviation after the swell has already pushed the boat off course (1-2 second delay = 5-10° of heading lost). With properly configured Wave Mode, the autopilot anticipates wave arrival and adjusts preemptively, reducing average heading deviation by 50% 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 sensors (high-resolution 3D) measure wind in 3 axes + compensate heel + heel/heading to provide accurate true wind to ±0.3°. NKE 3D HR II: standard for French racing, compatible with Madintec MAD Brain Box and NKE Gyropilot 3. B&G WS720 / WS730: vertical ultrasonic 1.1 m / 1.4 m, compatible with H5000 + Hercules. Pixel sur Mer Exocet: accepts custom calibrated sensors (proprietary analog acquisition). Sensor choice 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: extension 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, the Pixel integrated system easily costs 30,000 to 80,000 € HT, 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, highly reputed for its longevity; units 8-10 years old are still in service in Class40). Mandatory checks before purchase: 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 typically offers 12 months on certified used units). Our recommendation: go through an authorized dealer (Skysat offers a certification service + 6-month warranty on racing used equipment).
Skysat has distributed B&G/Navico, Madintec, Pixel sur Mer, and NKE Marine Electronics since 2018. Comparator based on 60+ autopilot installations for racing 2020-2026 — IRC cruising regattas, offshore racing, IMOCA, Class40, TP52. 2026 indicative distributor prices (VAT excluded) for processor only (excluding 3D HR sensors, ram, displays, custom interfaces, installation labor, and calibration). NKE Gyropilot 3 referenced in FAQ — NKE catalog is being progressively uploaded to the store; quotes available on request for any unlisted reference.
