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. Supplementary comparator to the cruising autopilot comparator (Raymarine / Garmin / B&G NAC-3).
B&G
1424 € HT
Pour qui : 35-45 ft sailboat, entry-level IRC racing, amateur crew, coastal regatta + performance cruising program
View H5000 CPU HydraB&G
2992 € HT
Pour qui : 40-55ft IRC club/RORC racing sailboat, regular regatta crew, VPP polars used, serious tactical navigation
View HerculesMadintec
3911 € HT
Pour qui : Racing sailboat IMOCA / Class40 / TP52, crew trained for offshore racing, requires Wave Mode reference and open ecosystem NKE/B&G
View MAD Brain BoxPixel sur Mer
9990 € HT
Pour qui : IMOCA pro, 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 in the process of being uploaded online, quote available on request.
| Criteria | B&G H5000 CPU Hydra | B&G Hercules | Madintec MAD Brain Box | Pixel sur Mer Exocet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor price ex VAT | ~ 1,424 USD | ~ 2,992 USD | ~ 3,911 USD | ~ 9,990 USD |
| Servo 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 |
| 3D HR compatible 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 club entry | IRC club + RORC | IMOCA / Class40 amateur | IMOCA pro / Class40 podium / Volvo |
Our recommendation by race program level, based on 60+ race autopilot installations from 2020–2026 (IRC cruising regattas, offshore racing, IMOCA, Class40).
IRC entry
The B&G H5000 CPU Hydra (1 424 € HT) is the most economical entry-level IRC 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.
H5000 CPU + WS320 sensors + NAC-3 + T1 ram installed budget: ~ €7,500 ex. VAT
View H5000 CPU HydraSerious IRC racing
The B&G Hercules (€2,992 ex-VAT) is our standard for French IRC club racing. Polars imported directly from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress), real-time layline time calculation, Wave refined mode. If you race regularly in IRC club or RORC events, this is the right investment — the €1,500 ex-VAT price gap vs. the H5000 CPU Hydra pays off in pure performance within two seasons.
Budget Hercules + H5000 with full sensors + NAC-3 + WS720 + T1/T2 actuator: ~ €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. Wave mode is the market benchmark (often copied, rarely matched), with a 50 Hz frequency and an open ecosystem (NKE / B&G / custom sensors). It is the core choice for most amateur Class40 and entry-level IMOCA campaigns. Often paired with the NKE Gyropilot 3 — the standard French offshore racing combo.
Budget MAD Brain Box + NKE 3D HR II sensors + actuator + displays: ~ €18,000–25,000 ex. VAT
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, it goes beyond a "pilot" to become a tactical navigation central unit + structural monitoring system. Quote available upon specific specifications.
Budget for complete Exocet system (central unit + 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 their 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 WS720 sensors. Always match the processor to the actual racing usage frequency.
Pixel Exocet is a pro-level modular acquisition system — it requires calibrated sensors with custom calibration curves. Plugging in standard WS320 sensors without a custom analog interface means losing 80% of the system’s precision. 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 standard sensors.
The H5000 CPU Hydra (€1,424 ex VAT) is deliberately firmware-locked (no polars, no advanced Layline). To unlock the Performance firmware, you need an unlock code (~€1,585 ex VAT). Total cost: 1,424 + 1,585 = €3,009 ex VAT, which is slightly more expensive than buying Hercules directly (€2,992 ex VAT). If you know in advance you need polars, 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 full online listing on the store is in progress (most NKE products are currently in draft and 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 unlisted NKE product, 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 tier pro. The key difference: here we discuss central navigation processors (tactical + polars + multi-source data acquisition), whereas there we discuss autopilots (pure heading 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 caused drift (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 moderate to 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 (3D high resolution) measure wind in 3 axes + compensate heel + heel/heading to provide accurate true wind to ±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 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 central unit at 9 990 € HT includes the 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, we’re talking about 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 market for MAD Brain Box exists (Madintec hardware, highly reputed for its longevity; units from 8-10 years old are still seen in Class40s). 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: buy through an authorized dealer (Skysat provides 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+ race autopilot installations from 2020–2026 — regattas (IRC cruising, offshore racing, IMOCA, Class40, TP52). 2026 indicative distributor prices (HT) for processor only (excludes 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.
