Nautical applications before setting sail

Going sailing is one of those experiences that combines adventure, tranquility, and a touch of uncertainty. And while nothing replaces a sailor’s intuition or the classic weather report on the radio, today we have an arsenal of apps in our pockets that make life much easier on the water. Whether we know little, much, or nothing at all, it’s important to keep in mind that knowledge can sometimes be deceiving, so in today’s blog post, we’ve prepared some interesting tips and guides for before you set sail:

How do we know which way the wind is blowing ?

Windy

A benchmark among sailors, it allows comparison of weather models (ECMWF, GFS, ICON). It offers very clear maps of wind, waves, and pressure, useful for planning safe voyages.

Windfinder

It stands out for its Superforecast, highly reliable high-resolution forecasts for coastal areas. Ideal for quick forecasts and comparing wind spots.

PredictWind

Widely used in regattas and ocean sailing. It combines different models, calculates optimized routes based on wind and currents, and allows data to be downloaded for offline use.

Ventusky

It presents information with highly visual animated maps: wind, temperature, waves, and rain. Excellent for intuitively interpreting weather patterns.

To know which direction we’re heading and for those who like to research maps:

Navionics (Formerly known as ” Boating “)

It’s a high-precision digital nautical chart app with up-to-date information on depths, buoys, lighthouses, and ports. It’s a practically indispensable tool for modern navigation and planning. You can add or view points of interest, such as anchorages, and the seabed (rock, sand, mud, etc.). It’s a very comprehensive application.

Savvy Navvy

This is an intuitive navigation platform that integrates charts, tides, weather forecasts, and automatic route calculation. Its simple interface makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced sailors.

I can’t see who’s around me, who’s near?

MarineTraffic


This application, based on the AIS system, allows you to view the real-time position, heading, and speed of vessels worldwide. It is especially useful for increasing safety in areas of heavy traffic, during port entry maneuvers, or simply for monitoring maritime activity. Keep in mind that not all ships have AIS or radar capable of monitoring the positions of other vessels within a specific radius or in the vicinity of your own location.
Another application is Vessel Finder . It’s very feature-rich and practical, and it also provides data on other vessels.

To control tides and anchorages

My Tide Times / Tides Planner

These specialized tide apps display detailed tables and charts of high and low tides for any location. They are especially useful for planning anchorages, estuary entrances, or coastal navigation, ensuring that water levels and associated currents are taken into account. Several factors must be considered, so while monitoring the tide, it’s essential to consult (updated) nautical charts to check the depth at low tide.
Lest we forget to consult it, let us sail now on our return journey, lest we be able to go back the way we came.

At Marmitako Sailing, we don’t just teach you how to get a sailing license; we train people to gain confidence at sea and to use their knowledge practically. In addition to guiding and advising you every step of the way, we support our students so they can enjoy sailing safely and independently, combining theory, practice, and real-world experience.

These tips can be helpful, especially for those new to sailing or who enjoy exploring the maritime world. However, it’s important to remember that the experience and judgment of qualified professionals always take precedence: nothing replaces training, supervised practice, and direct observation from those who know the sea. It’s unwise to rely solely on hearsay or personal intuition; safety and efficiency at sea depend on combining curiosity with respect for the rules, experience, and reliable information.

Before casting off, download any information you’ll need for offline use . Out at sea, coverage isn’t always reliable.

With these apps, sailing becomes safer, more practical, and, of course, more fun. But if you really want to gain confidence, learn to read the sea, and be taught how to sail safely, there’s nothing better than a hands-on approach: participate in our Sailing Days or Sea and Wind Workshops , where we combine theory, practice, and professional advice so you can enjoy the sea with peace of mind and knowledge.