Technology and better phone reception have made sailing apps popular. While apps rely on GPS and data and can’t replace charts or seamanship, some are extremely handy—especially for day sailing or passage planning.

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⛵ 1. Rules of the Road

Great for refreshing your knowledge on navigation rules, lights, and signals. Apps like IMRAY’s Rules and Signals and Marine Chart Symbols help keep your basics sharp. (Android & iOS)

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🌊 2. World Tides™

Useful for tidal predictions worldwide, showing tide graphs and tables up to 7 days ahead. Helpful for secondary ports and almanac checks. Try Boatie too for tide, weather, and waypoint tracking. (Android & iOS)

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📍 3. Knot Guide

A perfect reference for tying knots—step-by-step photos, explanations, and best uses. Great confidence booster for essential sailing knots like bowlines and trucker’s hitches. (Android & iOS)

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🛠 4. Predict Wind

One of the better weather apps, offering free forecasts and GRIB files showing wind patterns, swell, wave size, rain, clouds, and isobar maps. Great for more advanced passage planning. Alternatives: WindGuru, iGrib, and Boatie with dynamic tidal charts. (Android & iOS)

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🏆 5. Solent Met

Ideal for sailing around the Solent, providing real-time weather and tidal info from local stations, including wind gusts and historic data. (Android & iOS)

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⚓ 6. ShipFinder

AIS tracking app to see shipping movements near you via 3G/4G. Useful for identifying vessels and aiding navigation in busy waters. Adds situational awareness but doesn’t replace good lookout. (Android & iOS)

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🚀 Note on Electronic Charts & Almanacs

There are many electronic chart apps, like Navionics, but relying solely on your phone for navigation can be risky and expensive. Paper charts and proper pilotage remain essential.