SailRacer

freemium

SailRacer is a tactical app for sailors that calculates optimal starts, lay-lines, and maneuvers using wind, polar, and current data. Available on Android, iOS, and InkDisplay.

Productivity

Data & Analytics

About

SailRacer is a feature-rich tactical sailing application built for competitive sailors who want every possible edge on the race course. It combines real-time wind data, sailboat polar performance curves, and current information to calculate the most efficient course at any given moment — from the starting line through every mark rounding to the finish. The app excels at start-line precision, guiding sailors to hit the line at full speed at exactly the right moment. During the race, it continuously updates lay-line calculations and recommended headings, accounting for wind shifts and current effects. It also tracks tacking and jibing performance, measuring distance lost and time spent in each maneuver so crews can improve their technique over time. SailRacer supports a wide range of platforms including Android, iOS, and a companion Watch app. The company also produces InkDisplay, a proprietary high-contrast, waterproof, and shockproof E-ink screen purpose-built for on-deck racing use — nominated for the DAME Design Award at the METS trade show in Amsterdam. A free version is available, with a premium subscription at €35/year unlocking full tactical features. The platform is trusted by sailors racing everything from small dinghies to high-performance offshore machines, making it suitable for club racers and elite competitors alike.

Key Features

Precision Start Timer: Guides sailors to hit the starting line at full speed at exactly the right moment, maximizing advantage from the gun.
Lay-Line & Tactical Calculations: Continuously computes optimal lay-lines and course headings by factoring in live wind data, polar curves, and current effects.
Maneuver Performance Tracking: Measures distance lost and time spent during tacks and jibes, giving crews actionable data to sharpen their technique.
InkDisplay Hardware Integration: Pairs with SailRacer's proprietary high-contrast, waterproof E-ink display for clear, sunlight-readable on-deck data — even through polarized sunglasses.
Multi-Platform Support: Available on Android, iOS, smartwatch, and the dedicated InkDisplay unit, ensuring data is always within the crew's view.

Use Cases

Optimizing regatta start timing to cross the line at full speed at the precise moment the gun fires.
Calculating real-time lay-lines and optimal headings during upwind and downwind legs, factoring in wind shifts and tidal current.
Analyzing tacking and jibing maneuver performance to identify and reduce distance and time losses.
Displaying critical tactical data on a sunlight-readable InkDisplay screen mounted in the cockpit for the helmsman or tactician.
Monitoring and comparing race performance across multiple events to drive continuous improvement for a sailing team.

Pros

Comprehensive Tactical Data: Integrates wind, polar, and current data into a single decision-support tool, reducing cognitive load during high-pressure racing situations.
Purpose-Built Hardware: The InkDisplay screen offers unmatched on-water visibility and durability, filling a gap that standard smartphones and tablets cannot address.
Large, Active Community: With 60,000+ users across many sailing classes and countries, the platform benefits from a strong user base and ongoing development.
Affordable Premium Tier: At €35/year, the premium subscription is accessible for most competitive sailors, with a free version available to try before committing.

Cons

Niche Audience: The app is purpose-built for sailboat racing and offers little value outside of competitive sailing contexts.
Hardware Cost: The InkDisplay unit, while highly capable, represents an additional hardware investment on top of the app subscription.
Requires Quality Input Data: Accuracy of lay-line and start calculations depends on having reliable polar files and wind instruments, which may require additional setup for some boats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, SailRacer offers a free version with core features. A premium subscription is available for €35/year and can be purchased in-app, unlocking the full suite of tactical tools.

SailRacer is available on Android and iOS smartphones, smartwatches, and the company's proprietary InkDisplay — a high-contrast, waterproof E-ink screen designed for on-deck racing use.

InkDisplay is a dedicated racing display developed by SailRacer featuring a high-contrast reflective screen, large battery, and full waterproof and shockproof construction. It is optimized for visibility in direct sunlight and through polarized sunglasses, and was nominated for the DAME Design Award at METS Amsterdam.

SailRacer combines real-time wind data, your sailboat's polar performance curves, and current data to continuously compute optimal headings, lay-lines, and start timing — giving you and your crew precise, actionable guidance throughout the race.

SailRacer is designed for competitive sailors at all levels — from club racers on small dinghies to crews aboard high-performance offshore racing yachts. It is useful for skippers, tacticians, and the full crew.