Sailing vacations are all about freedom, adventure, and blending relaxation with exploration. What better way to disconnect from real life than sailing new horizons around the world?
But before setting sail on your charter vacation, it’s important to plan ahead and gather the right resources for your trip. Sailing is unlike any other form of travel, so your packing list will need a few extra tools!
And we’re not just talking about sandals and sunscreen. From weather forecasters to navigation aids to star-gazing guides, we’ve compiled the best sailing apps for charter vacations. Ready to set sail like a pro? No matter where you’re adventuring, keep reading for the best sailing apps for safe yet thrilling voyages.
Best Sailing Apps for your vacation
Best sailing apps for navigation
One of the best parts of charter vacations is the freedom to chart your own course. No two sailing vacations are alike! So after choosing the anchorages and islands you want to visit, you’ll want to plan the navigation. But don’t worry, your phone can do the heavy lifting for you with these surprisingly accurate and helpful navigation apps – perfect for complementing and enhancing your yacht’s onboard navigation systems.
Navionics for iOS and Android is like having a personalised guide in your pocket. Whether cruising, fishing, sailing, or diving, the app is a must-have for accessing critical charts and navigation information like:
● Nautical charts to study ports, depths, tides, and currents
● Sonar charts to understand the contours of shallow waters
● Government charts to view waterways in the US, Mexico, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and more
It even works when your phone is offline!
C-MAP for iOS and Android is another option for comprehensive self-mapping while sailing around the globe. With interactive nautical 4D and 3D charts, you can track important data like depth, tides, currents, shaded relief, and marina port plans.
As for tracking other boats, MarineTraffic for iOS and Android connects sailors with the largest network of real-time positions of ships and yachts around the world. Check MarineTraffic during long passages to help ensure your route is clear of obstacles.
Best sailing apps for weather forecasting
Charter vacations always involve adventure – and naturally can leave you at the mercy of the weather, be it sunny and delightful or with high seas.
It’s advisable to always check the weather forecast before planning and departing for your day’s sailing.
Offshore App for iOS and Android is a fan-favorite weather app for hyper-local offshore forecasts. With this weatherman in your pocket, you’ll have access to advanced weather routing to perfect your departure planning. Its sister app PredictWind for iOS and Android is also helpful thanks to its live wind tracking feature.
Another wind-tracking app is the award-winning Windy for iOS and Android, which offers 7-day weather insights specific to water and wind sports. You can test it before downloading by searching your destination on the website!
Best sailing apps for boating safety & communication
When it comes to sailing, it’s always a good idea to be over-prepared rather than under-prepared. Want to boost your safety on the water?
TripWistle Global SOS for iOS compiles emergency numbers from nearly every country in the world. Whether you need police, fire, or ambulance support, this app will tell you exactly who to call.
Safe Skipper for iOS and Android is an educational app for safe sailing with tips and advice for:
● Boat and crew preparation
● Safety checklists
● Critical equipment
● Communications best practices
● Emergency response
With visual guides and simple infographics, Safe Skipper offers much-needed peace of mind.
Additionally, the navigation app Navionics offers some attractive emergency assistance features.
Best sailing apps for finding anchorages
Sailing is only half the fun of charter vacations. You’ll also need to locate anchorages to find optimal spots to park and dock.
Navily for iOS and Android is a cruising guide for locating over 20,000 anchorages and 14,000 anchor-friendly marinas around the world. Extra features include:
● Measuring distances between anchorages to calculate itineraries
● Chatting with other users for help and recommendations
● Booking anchorage slots ahead of time
If you’re sailing in the British Virgin Islands, you can also visit BoatyBall.com to browse various anchorages by island and bay, and even reserve your mooring in advance ( for a fee).
Best sailing apps for music on the water
No charter vacation would be complete without comprehensive sailing playlists! Do you have the perfect music app ready to go?
If you don’t already use Spotify, it’s tough to beat the app’s extensive playlists and custom recommendation features. With Premium, you can also download your favorite tunes for offline jams!
Another unique option for international sailing is TuneIn Radio for iOS and Android. It enables users to tune into local radio stations around the world for a taste of authentic local music. You never know where you’ll find your next favorite song!
Best sailing apps for star-gazing
Ready to observe the night sky like never before? Due to the absence of light pollution in many charter sailing grounds, sailing vacations offer the opportunity for unmatched views of the cosmos – and star-gazing apps can make them even better.
SkySafari 7 Pro for iOS and Android is the best-in-class app for in-depth stargazing. This powerhouse app features details on millions of stars, galaxies, constellations, and other celestial wonders. You won’t be able to put it down!
Stellarium for iOS and Android is an award-winning planetarium in your pocket. Even if you’re new to stargazing, the minimalist design makes it easy to explore its rich library of astronomical knowledge!
With this list of best sailing apps for charter vacations on your side, nothing is standing between you and the perfect voyage.
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Need some support to bring your perfect trip to life? No matter your level of yachting experience, Dream Yacht Charter is here to help. Get in touch today to start planning your sailing charter vacation.
