ARRIVALS
Tacktick Race Master
Wireless instrument maker Tacktick has just released a new model, Tacktick Race Master The solar powered technology is used by GBR Star sailor Ian Percy which rates the instrument's new Start Line function particulary – “‘really helps us to make the right decision at the start of each race.’
In standard mode Race Master comes with racing software enabling easy to set-up lift/header information as well as compass, start line and timer data. The new Start Line feature gives both ‘at a glance’ start line bias as well as mean wind line bias information.
In Micronet mode, when Race Master is wirelessly networked to appropriate transmitters, a host of additional data such as speed, speed trim, depth, wind and GPS information can be displayed. Also, Race Master data can be displayed on any number of Remotes throughout the vessel and Race Master itself can be driven and the data changed using these Remotes.
Other new features include a two-line LCD display, with improved viewing angles, larger digits and Polaroid friendly screens. It also features the most efficient solar panels for better charging rates together with 300 hours autonomy from inbuilt – and easily accessible – lithium batteries. Waterproof to 10m, it weighs a 445g, and doesn't require cabling.
For more information contact distributor Oceantalk on 02 9981 9500 or visit www.oceantalk.com
Simrad AP12 autopilot
Simrad’s AP12 and AP14 are compact autopilots suitable for a wide range of craft. Ideal for single or twin outboard boats, or inboard or sterndrive powered boats (up to 9m). Both autopilots feature Fluxgate compass technology to maintain course accuracy and incorporate electronic intelligence to adjust the steering action to prevailing sea and wind conditions. The AP12 series comes with a low-profile, fixed surface-mounted control head with simple push button control and LED indication, while the AP14 series has a portable/handheld control unit with an easy-to-read LCD screen to display heading and navigation information. The handheld control can also be easily operated while it’s attached to the bulkhead bracket.
The same course computer is used for the hydraulic pack versions (AP12H and AP14H), and microprocessor technology is built into the sophisticated rotary drive unit for the cable steering versions (AP12R and AP14R).
Both hydraulic systems and cable systems can be integrated with GPS by NMEA2000 standards for networking. Linked to a GPS, a single press of the ‘Nav’ key tells the autopilot to take its commands from the GPS and intuitively follow a path to the next waypoint.
Further information: Navico (07) 5523 6500 or visit: www.simradyachting.com
Burke gloves
Burke Pro Synthetic Full finger gloves are designed to give extra protection to crew when trimming with the use of Kevlar. The synthetic glove now comes in a full finger model. All of the original glove's features are still there: anti-snag, contoured wrist band, watch cut-out and double touch tab closures. The soft synthetic drying leather is designed to remain comfortable in all conditions and now, with the three fingers fully covered, provides additional protection. Made using Kevlar thread, extra reinforcement and articulated thumb these gloves are made to stand up to the pressures tough sailing. RRP $32.61
Available from leading chandlers in sizes XXS – XXL or www.burkemarine.com.au
Navman HD radar
Navman has introduced its first High Definition (HD) Digital Radar solution. Compatible with Navman’s 8120 and 8084 non-networked, multifunction solution, the new Navman HD Digital Radar offers target discrimination, separation and presentation.
Navman’s enhanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) techniques, combined with 10-bit target discrimination is intended to provide unparalleled radar images – crisp shorelines, navigation aids, and panoramic displays of harbour approaches, highlighting details of breakwaters and slipways. The design also aims to reduce the distortion effects of rain and snow. View options are: radar-only or in chart-overlay modes with adjustable transparency levels. Users can adjust static or floating Electronic Bearing Lines (EBLs) and Variable Range Markers (VRMs), and defining inner and outer ranges for Guard Zones and AIS targets is just as easy. For more information: www.navman.com.
All Piss & Wind by David Salter
A lifelong association with sailing is described with affection in this crisply written memoir by journalist David Salter, a long-standing columnist of this magazine. Aimed at both the yachting enthusiast but with many chapters accessible and of interest to the general reader, the 263 page book is packed full of insight and above all humour. The Sydney born writer grew up messing about in boats and progressed to the challenges of Sydney-Hobart races, meeting many luminaries during his voyages, including the legendary Sir James Hardy OBE who pens the forward. Some of the pieces were originally written for this magazine but the many new pieces are real gems – David's brief, unflattering but colourful account of a tyPublished by Random House Australia.
