RaceQs is a sailing app which doubles as a race computer and a 3D-GPS tracker/logger.

During the start sequence the app displays and tells your distance to the start line and time to the gun. Sail short distance on port and starboard tacks and raceQs will tell which end of the line if favorable and by how much. During the race it provides wind shift notification, boat speed, course and drift* as well as important cues related to boat handling efficiency. In addition to appearing on the phone screen the information is also relayed via Bluetooth headphone as voice cues so you can keep your eyes on the course, hands on the sheet and tiller while the iPhone is safely stored down below*.

As 3D-GPS tracker / logger, the app stores not only GPS tracks and speed but also boat 3D motion: heel, pitch and yaw. This data is sent to raceQs.com replay engine where a boat avatar mimics the real boat motion on its cyber map. RaceQs is an invaluable tool for post-race analysis and allows you to compare your tactics and boat handling with your competitors.

* in order to capture 3D motion the iPhone has to be properly mounted. The mounting is optional and lack of it will not affect the majority of the app’s functions. Velcro or glue a phone case down below in such a way that enclosed iPhone is facing up, and parallel to the boat center line. For more mounting tips check raceQs.com.
Depending on your boat position and the duration of the race you can customize the extent of the voice cues from bare essentials to everything worth knowing.

Start Screen display:

Cancel icon – resets time sequence and if held for five sec – resets the start line.
Up / Down arrows – increase / decrease time sequence by one min prior or during the start sequence.
Gun icon – starts the time sequence; pressing a second time rounds the countdown to the nearest min.
Pin and RCB icon – sets each side of the starting line. Pressing a second time will reset corresponding mark and redraws the line. Line can be set prior or during the sequence.
Port and Starboard tack icons – sets the direction of port / starboard line approach.
Speaker icon – relays time and distance to the starting line.

Dashboard Screen display:

-Start Mode:
Distance to line (m) One bar = 10 m
Time to start (min and sec). One bar = 10 sec.
-Race Mode:
Current speed (kn) and difference between current and avg. speed. One bar = 0.2 knots
Current course and difference between the current and avg. course. One bar = 2 degrees

Cues:

Speed – average boat speed over last 60 sec (or interval set in the settings screen)
Course – current boat course (True North)
Drift* – angular difference between current course and heading.
Wind shift – rapid change of wind direction
Course is Unstable – rapid shift of boat direction during a short period of time – indicates less efficient sailing.
Slower than Expected – unexpected drop of speed unwarranted by the conditions – can be turned off during the start, tacking and mark rounding.
Heel is Unstable* – too much rocking motion unwarranted by the conditions – indicates less efficient sail trim.
Too Much Heel* – boat is sailed with too much heel which will result in excessive drift and poor pointing ability.

Settings Screen options:

Track Upload: upload your 3DGPS track to raceQs.com for post-race review and analysis.
Voice Cues: turns on or off voice cues capability.
Launch at: delay launch based on pre scheduled time to save battery. Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.
Calibrate*: optional calibration if mounted on an inclined surface.