2026 Comparator
4 CPUs / central navigation processors for offshore racing compared on the criteria that matter in regatta: servo frequency, Wave mode, integrated polars, high-resolution 3D sensor integration, open ecosystem. From entry-level IRC club to top-tier IMOCA/Class40. Complementary comparator to the cruising autopilot comparator (Raymarine / Garmin / B&G NAC-3).
B&G
1424 € HT
Pour qui : 35-45 ft sailboat, IRC entry racing, amateur crew, coastal regatta + performance cruising program
View H5000 CPU HydraB&G
2992 € HT
Pour qui : 40-55 ft IRC club/RORC racing sailboat, regular regatta crew, VPP polars used, serious tactical navigation
View HerculesMadintec
3911 € HT
Pour qui : IMOCA / Class40 / TP52 offshore racing sailboat, trained racing crew, Wave Mode reference requirement, open NKE/B&G ecosystem
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 being uploaded, quote on request.
| Criteria | B&G H5000 CPU Hydra | B&G Hercules | Madintec MAD Brain Box | Pixel sur Mer Exocet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor price (excl. VAT) | ~ 1,424 € | ~ 2,992 € | ~ 3,911 € | ~ 9,990 € |
| 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 |
| Compatible 3D HR sensors | WS320 / WS710 | WS720 / WS730 / B&G full | 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 racing program level, based on 60+ autopilot installations for racing 2020-2026 (IRC cruising regatta, 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 wind sensors + NAC-3 + T1 actuator installed: ~ €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. Polar data imported from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress), real-time layline calculation, Wave refined mode. If you regularly race IRC at club / 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 2 seasons.
Budget Hercules + full H5000 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. Market-leading Wave mode (often copied, rarely matched), 50 Hz frequency, open ecosystem (NKE / B&G / custom sensors). Core choice for most Class40 amateur and IMOCA "entry-level" 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 excl. VAT for the base processor) is the French professional standard among race 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, rig load). At this level, you move beyond a "pilot" to a tactical navigation and structural monitoring central unit. Quote available on specific specification sheet.
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 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 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 off-the-shelf 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 off-the-shelf sensors.
The H5000 CPU Hydra (€1,424 ex VAT) is intentionally firmware-locked (no polar diagrams, no advanced Layline features). To unlock the Performance firmware, you need a unlock code (~€1,585 ex VAT). Total cost: €1,424 + €1,585 = €3,009 ex VAT, which is slightly more expensive than buying the Hercules directly (€2,992 ex VAT). If you know in advance that you need polar diagrams, buy the 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. The full online listing 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 — 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 trajectory. Without Wave Mode, the autopilot reacts to the heading deviation after the swell has already caused the boat to drift (1-2 second delay = 5-10° of lost heading). With Wave Mode properly configured, the autopilot anticipates the arrival of a wave and adjusts preemptively, resulting in a 50% reduction in average heading deviation 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 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 sensors 1.1 m / 1.4 m, compatible with H5000 + Hercules. Pixel sur Mer Exocet: accepts custom calibrated sensors (proprietary analog acquisition). The sensor choice must be made before the processor — not the other way around.
Pixel Exocet is a modular system — the base control unit at €9,990 ex. VAT includes the central processing unit + WiFi/Ethernet + I/O acquisition protocol. The complete system adds: expansion modules (Digital In 16 channels ~ €1,200 ex. VAT, connection boxes ~ €500 ex. VAT each, control keypads ~ €320 ex. VAT, custom cables ~ €300 ex. VAT/m). On a full IMOCA, the total Pixel system cost easily reaches €30,000 to €80,000 ex. VAT, with optional structural monitoring (Luna Technology fiber optic interrogator at €25,573 ex. VAT for Vendée Globe programs).
The used MAD Brain Box market exists (Madintec hardware, well known for its longevity; units 8–10 years old are still seen in Class40s). Points to check before purchase: firmware version (advanced MAD modes require firmware ≥ v4.2), condition of I/O connectors (sensitive to corrosion in damp environments), is warranty still valid (Madintec usually 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 gear).
Skysat has been distributing B&G/Navico, Madintec, Pixel sur Mer, and NKE Marine Electronics since 2018. Comparator based on 60+ autopilot installations for racing 2020–2026 — regattas IRC cruising, offshore racing, IMOCA, Class40, TP52. 2026 indicative distributor prices (VAT excluded) for processor only (excluding 3D HR sensors, excluding ram, excluding displays, excluding custom interfaces, excluding installation labor and calibration). NKE Gyropilot 3 listed in FAQ — NKE catalog being progressively uploaded to the store; quotes available on request for any unlisted reference.
