Everything you need to know about SailSensor: from how the sensors work to installation, from the app to the configurations available for cruising and racing.
SailSensor is the world's first real-time aerodynamic monitoring system for sails. It measures pressure directly on the sail surface through wireless sensors and turns that data into visual and acoustic information you can read in real time on the app, letting you optimise sail trim with objective data instead of relying on experience and intuition alone.
Traditional systems rely on indirect data such as wind speed, course angle or boat speed. SailSensor is the only system that directly measures the aerodynamic response of the sail, namely the pressure the wind exerts on its surface. This provides information no other instrument can give: knowing exactly how the sail is working at any given moment.
Yes, SailSensor holds a certified European patent. The technology behind the system is developed from an original technical principle, integrated into a product designed for real-world use under sail.
Tests show that optimal trimming based on SailSensor data can deliver a performance improvement of up to 15%. Even small trim errors can cost precious seconds in a race: having objective data lets you reduce those errors significantly.
Each sensor is a compact, aerodynamic device designed to integrate onto the sail with minimal impact on airflow. It measures roughly 30×30×7 mm and weighs just 11.5 grams. The low profile is engineered not to alter the behaviour of the sail.
The sensor is made up of three elements: the aerodynamic cover, the internal electronics and the waterproof cap.
Yes, the sensors are IP67 certified, which means they are fully protected against dust and can withstand temporary immersion in water. The cap is specifically designed to prevent water ingress and protect the internal parts from the elements.
Each sensor is fitted with a coin cell battery providing 6 months of continuous use.
The sensors are designed for simple, non-invasive installation on the sail surface. The kit includes everything needed for fitting. With the purchase of any configuration, a free onboarding video call is included to guide you through the first installation and configuration of the system.
No. The compact, low-profile shape of the sensors is specifically designed to keep the impact on airflow to a minimum. Weighing just 11.5 grams and measuring 30×30×7 mm, the aerodynamic disturbance is negligible and does not alter the behaviour of the sail.
The sensors use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to transmit data to your smartphone with minimal latency. The sampling frequency is 1 Hz, ensuring a steady, real-time data stream while under way.
The app collects data from the sensors in real time and turns it into a visual pressure map of the sail, with a colour gradient that makes it easy to read. Beyond the graphical display, it provides navigation data (speed, heading, heel) and intelligent acoustic feedback that indicates the trim status without you having to look at the screen.
The SailSensor app is currently available for Android (minimum version 8.0 Oreo). It can be downloaded free of charge from the Play Store.
The system provides acoustic signals with variable frequency and tone directly on your smartphone, for hands-free sailing:
Yes. Data is saved locally on the device and, with the PRO subscription, also in the cloud for 12 months. This lets you review your outings, compare different sessions, analyse trends over time and access your data remotely.
Yes, with the SailSensor 18 Pro+ configuration by adding the optional NMEA2000 interface. This integration lets you combine sail pressure data with boat data — wind, speed, heading, heel — for a complete performance analysis.
Yes, with the PRO subscription the system connects to online weather stations to obtain real-time local wind data, and lets you download course maps from specialised sites. This makes it possible to compare performance on specific courses and plan races and training sessions.
Absolutely. SailSensor is also designed for those who want to sail with greater awareness and start reading the sail more clearly and immediately, without being a professional. The SailSensor 6 configuration with 6 sensors is ideal for amateur sailors and small boats, at an accessible price of €1800.
No. The app is designed to be intuitive: the pressure map with its colour gradient makes reading immediate even for those with no experience of technical instrumentation. The acoustic feedback then lets you understand the trim status without even looking at the screen. An onboarding video call is included with your purchase to guide you through the first steps.
Yes, this is one of the most useful aspects for a cruising sailor. Today sailors take years to develop the feel needed for trimming: SailSensor accelerates that learning curve by providing objective, immediate feedback on every adjustment. You can see the effect of trimming in or easing out in real time and understand exactly what works best.
Yes, the system adapts to any type of sailing boat. The 6-sensor configuration suits dinghies and small cabin cruisers, while the configurations with 12 or 18 sensors cover larger boats, delivering a more detailed and complete pressure map of the sail surface.
In a race, even small trim errors can cost precious seconds. SailSensor lets you analyse trim and adjustments with objective, continuous support, eliminating guesswork-based settings. The result is a measurable performance improvement of up to 15%, with the ability to compare different sessions and optimise tactics based on real data.
Use during a race depends on the rules of the specific class and event. For ORC, IRC and many offshore classes there are no restrictions on the use of electronic instrumentation. We recommend checking the class rules before each competition. In any case, SailSensor is an outstanding tool for pre-race training, where there are no restrictions.
With the PRO subscription you get access to advanced analysis tools:
For a professional racing team we recommend:
Both are designed for those seeking maximum control and the option of more in-depth analysis.
Yes. The acoustic feedback can be played on your smartphone but also on onboard speakers (where a boat system with a BTLe connection is available), ensuring it remains audible even in demanding sailing conditions. The variable tones are designed to be recognisable even with background noise, and the “silence = optimal conditions” mode keeps distractions to a minimum.
Five hardware configurations are available (prices excluding VAT):
The basic app is free and includes real-time data display, the pressure map and acoustic feedback. For advanced features there is the PRO subscription:
The PRO features include: NMEA2000 integration, historical map, 12-month cloud storage, course map downloads, wind data from internet stations, advanced performance analysis, priority updates and support.
Yes, there are strategic bundles that combine hardware and the PRO subscription on favourable terms:
For the launch promotions there is a 20% discount on all hardware, the first year of PRO free with any kit. Contact us to check the current promotions.
All SailSensor products are covered by a standard 2-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects with free replacement.
Technical support is structured on two levels:
In addition, the purchase of any kit includes a free onboarding video call for the initial installation and configuration.
You can reach us through the contact form or write directly to info@sailsensor.it. Through a technical conversation we will help you identify the configuration best suited to your boat and your way of sailing.
Contact us with any question. We will help you work out which SailSensor configuration best suits your sailing needs.
Contact us!