Software updates for racing sailors
30 Aug 2015
Raymarine’s LightHouse release 14 includes three layline modes
Raymarine is another company that has launched its latest free update, this time to its LightHouse II operating system for its multifunction displays (MFDs).
LightHouse II release 14 incorporates tools to help sailors determine the quickest, most efficient ways to navigate while racing or cruising.
These include LightHouse QuickCourse that lets skippers display a new racecourse based upon pre-entered race mark identification codes.
LightHouse SmartMarks visual waypoint rounding indicators provide visual cues for rounding buoys in a port or starboard direction.
A virtual start line shows the position of the boat relative to the starting line, using latitude/longitude positions, waypoints and marks.
Three layline modes enable sailors to judge when to tack to make the mark.
These modes include mirrored true wind angle (TWA), user selectable fixed angle and polar data mode, which enables customised laylines to be displayed based on the vessel’s individual hull design. Wind and tide can also be added.
“With the latest release of LightHouse II, we developed our advanced sailing tools to make navigating under sail even easier,” explained Grégoire Outters, VP and GM of FLIR Maritime, parent company of Raymarine.
“Cruisers can sail smarter and racers can now get the winning edge by using our exclusive on screen visual aids to make better tactical decisions.”
Other developments from Raymarine include the launch of its new eS Series of HybridTouch MFDs that incorporate three high performance navigation displays.
Displays can be accessed from smartphones or tablets anywhere on board using eS Series’ integrated Wi-Fi and Raymarine mobile apps.
The eS Series can also expand further with support for multiple displays, Evolution autopilot control, entertainment, engine and digital switching integration options.
And other advance is shared between Raymarine and Navionics which have partnered to deliver new SonarChart live functionality to Raymarine Dragonfly PRO and Wi-Fish devices.
As with the Lowrance and Navionics partnership, the new chart appears as an additional layer over an existing map while up-to-the-minute details are saved and stored on a mobile device for continued private use and can be edited and refined over time.
SonarChart Live, for use with compatible Raymarine devices, is available through the Navionics Boating app for iPhone and iPad.
The new partnerships with Navionics have been made possible by advances in technology such as Wi-Fi connectivity, according to Navionics UK GM, Lance Godefroy.
And the chart layering is really ‘taking off’ with many lakes being covered for the first time.
“Connectivity is increasing and is being more widely used,” explained Mr Godefroy. “We have an app on our website which more and more people are downloading and using.
“It logs in real time and is being used as an instant way of getting an idea of what is underneath a boat. The more people that go over an area, the more the dynamic layer will change and improve.
“It’s particularly useful for vessels that may have a big draft.”
The software has already been used to good effect by fishermen on Chew Reservoir near Bristol who for the first time have had access to depth information.
“This community layer is continually improving as we receive thousands of logs,” explained Mr Godefroy. “We’ve put in fail safe mechanisms so if the data we receive is out of kilter with other aspects in the area we can’t use it.”