REVIEW The smart wind sensors that help us go sailing

They tell us the intensity of the wind and its direction, they are our beacon when we sail, they help us know if we are sailing well or if we need to reduce the sails. We are talking about the sensors and wind stations that tower over the masts of our boats. A sailor cannot fail to know exactly wind direction and intensity: here are what the market leaders offer, wired and wireless, vertical and otherwise.

GARMIN / GWIND

This wired solution provides frontal wind detection for more accurate data in light wind conditions and is equipped with dual direction stabilizers for greater accuracy. www.garmin.com

VDO MARINE / VERTICAL SENSOR

Very accurate, the VDO Marine wind sensor-in this case in its vertical configuration-has a carbon rod. The NMEA 2000 interface ensures its compatibility with on-board electronics. www.veratron.com

B&G / WS700

The new B&G WS700 wind sensor is mounted on a mast (measuring from 0.80 to 1.80 m) that elevates it above sailplane disturbances thus providing highly accurate wind data. The measurement error is less than ±0.5 for wind direction and ±0.2 for wind speed.Five times per second). www.bandg.com

RB / SAIL TIMER

A wireless sensor that transmits data not only to chartplotters (via NMEA) but to various Android/iOS applications. Solar-powered. It comes with all necessary mounting hardware and works with boats of all sizes. wi-rb.com

NKE / CARBOWIND HR SENSOR

The Carbowind sensor, thanks to its long carbon tube, is positioned more than a meter above the masthead, thus outside the disturbances generated by sails. The carbon vane provides great lightness as well as excellent vibration resistance. With very low inertial movement, and thus great responsiveness, this sensor is ideal for the sailor who wants to know instantly about changes in wind direction.

www.nke-marine-electronics.com

RAYMARINE / T120 WIRELESS

This rugged, solar-powered, wireless wind sensor sends data from the top of the mast wirelessly to multifunction displays and is a good choice for your cruising boat. www.raymarine.it

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