Software

I'm a cheapskate. I don't like paying money for expensive applications that I then either only use a subset of features from or get frustrated with. I also like the idea of contributing to open source projects, at some imaginary point in my life where I have the time...

Kraken came with no Chartplotter but a great set of Nexus instruments. Initially I was thinking of adding a chartplotter but for now I've changed my mind. Having lived for years with a Garmin 76cs I'll keep using this trusty device and look to setup a laptop as an interface to the instruments. This gets me a step closer to writing some analysis software that interfaces with the NMEA data too... more for another day.

I'll also keep some paper charts around!

OpenCPN

Years ago I downloaded an early version of this and was pretty frustrated. Having just installed the latest stable build I can say things have changed, far few bugs, cleaner data display and generally a better user experience all around.

UGrib

Software for downloading and displaying GRIB weather data. Easy interface, specify area to download information for either graphically or using longitude and latitude or visually on a world map (I recommend a significant margin around to get a feel for how the pressure systems are moving) and then visualize that data.

Note that OpenCPN can overlay the GRIB information over the top of the map.

Nexus Race

This software displays lots of information from the Nexus instruments. I'm particularly interested in a couple of its features

• graphing true wind direction over time
• incorporation of polars so you can see how far off target you are

Bluewater Racing

Haven't used this yet, but it has the ability to plot polars onto grib data.

• So far I've been having a few issues with the software though it looks like it probably has potential if you can get it to work.
• Can't click to enter waypoints - perhaps there's a trick?
• Entering coordinates I just get a "float" format error
• Couldn't close it, had to hit the process manager

Adrena Navigation Software

• Not much use yet, nice integration of grib data.
• Paid versions look like they have a LOT of features...
• Feature table

QtVlm

Free software that has some route plotting based on GRIB. Pretty functional though I find myself wanting to influence the GRIB data more than it allows (namely to add some sort of regional influences for our coastal races).