Routing / Chart plotting

[ikold]

This may be a silly question but since I can't find the answer with google I thought I'd ask it here.

With today's latest and greatest chart plotters electronics, auto pilots, etc can you plot a route put up your sail plan and have the computer sail the "perfect" angle into the wind then tell you when to tack/jibe ? Obviously there is a best angle/speed for a given destination was just wondering if the computers can do all that for you now or not.

Can anyone point me to a website where they explain how that all works?

Thanks

[Kenomac]

Using your windows based laptop computer, Maxsea and Nobletec software offers that feature when you download the weather grib files. It will lay out the best course for you, tacking included related to the weather forecast. Haven't yet used mine for that purpose, but hope to this summer. With this program, I can also use my Ipad as a repeater.

Check it out on youtube, search: Maxsea demonstration

[ikold]

Is one product better then another? Is Nobeltec the better software.

Can they react to the actual wind as being recorded only based on the forecast? Can they interface with XM weather.

Thanks

[Kenomac]

Nobletec is the American software, Maxsea is European. The same company different continent. They work off the forecast. Watch the video and do your own homework.

It's your job as the skipper to reach to the actual wind. The software isn't magic.

[bobconnie]

Ahh it's so simple to ck the weather reports and your tell tails, what need is there for stuff like this ?? Im really wondering ? I mean ya can't tell which way the winds blowing ?? I don't mean to be a arsehole but Ive never had this problem in over 50 yrs of sailing!! and Im wondering if folks really use stuff like this ??

[daddle]

People try, but nobody can plan a route and then sail it with any reliability. Not even the trade winds blow at predictable angles. I don't even bother picking a destination. Only a general idea. The best destination can so likely change to a somewhat different port.

As for when to tack and gybe ... well talk to expert racers about that and see if you can get an agreement on when to best tack or gybe ... only the winner will know ... and only after the race.