For those iPhone and iPad owners, how about an iTunes gift card? There's an incredible range of applications that are available to assist in your sailing adventures.
Some of our favorites:
Knot Guide: For $1.99, get access to step-to-step guides for 88 knots. Make the most of your time out on calm seas with this app and practice your knots! This will also make you a fascinating party guest. 
Sailing Log: The great sailing log app hasn't been created yet, but in the meantime this app does a pretty good job. And removes the paper and pencil! For $4.99 we think it's worth it to never worry about leaving your log book at home. 
Gone Boating: This app simplifies communicating your sailing plans to friends and loved ones. Create a float plan, add your crew member's contact info, and send all of that information off to those you are leaving onshore. In addition, you can automatically update them along the way as things change. Now your wives will know when you'll be getting home from sailing! For $1.99, it's a pretty cheap safety plan.
Ship Finder: We nerd out over this app! Pick a harbor and this app will use Google maps and ships AIS feeds to tell you what boats are around that area. You can even pull up specific ship's specs, destination and sometimes photos. Then, track those ships as they go around the world. There's a free version and a paid version for $4.99. 
iNavx Marine Navigation: At $49.99, this is one expensive app. However, you get a lot and it's a must have for the cruising sailor. This app brings the official US waterways charts and CHS Canadian charts straight to your phone. Using your phone's GPS, you can plot your location in real-time. The app also supports waypoints and routes, track your log, and provide weather forecasts. 
Weather Alert: This is the app our staff uses. It uses NOAA's weather data to create daily predictions, radar, and satellite information. You can also create weather alerts based on parameters you set, keeping you updated with severe weather ahead. For $2.99, it's a must-have. 
Windfinder: Bonus, this app is free! We use windfinder.com in the office for wind predictions and real time information. Now you can access it on your phone directly through the app. And get wind alerts. Droid Users
One of our staff members is making the switch shortly. What apps should she get?
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2 comments:
I have a weather app called "Marine Weather by Bluefin" which does a pretty nice job.
Motion X GPS is awesome too. It shows your speed, VMG, charts your track, allows you to download NOAA charts, and more. All for $3 (or free lite version)!
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