Waterspeed vs SailingWatch (2026): which Apple Watch sailing app?
SailingWatch is built for the race start: pinged line, bias, tack angles and laylines on the wrist. Waterspeed has a race countdown and goes deeper on analysis after the race, on more devices.
By Paula Acebo
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Choose SailingWatch if the start is what you want help with: it pings both ends of the line, shows line bias and distance to the line, and gives tack angles and laylines on the wrist. Choose Waterspeed if you want a race countdown plus detailed analysis afterwards, sail with Android or a Garmin, or also windsurf, wing or paddle.
Compared as of October 2026, from SailingWatch’s App Store page (US) and website, and Waterspeed’s help centre. We make Waterspeed; corrections welcome at support@waterspeedapp.com.
How do Waterspeed and SailingWatch compare?
| Waterspeed | SailingWatch | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Sailing and 30+ other watersports, training and racing | Sailboat racing: dinghies, keelboats, yachts |
| Race countdown | Yes (Pro): alerts at 4 min, 1 min, 30 s and the last 10 s; Action Button on Ultra | Yes, synced to the committee boat in one tap |
| Start line | Not listed | Ping both ends, line bias, distance to line |
| Tack angles and laylines on the wrist | Not listed | Yes, with a lifted or headed call |
| Wind forecast | Forecast and wind alerts | 6-hour forecast strip |
| Analysis after sailing | Each tack and gybe with entry and exit speed; best speeds; replay; VMG, legs and polar chart with Ultra | Track replay with distance, duration and top speed |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch, Android, Wear OS, web; Garmin, COROS, Suunto sync; Vakaros import | iPhone and Apple Watch (iOS 17.6 and watchOS 10.6 or later) |
| Android | Yes | A separate phone app, Race GPS |
| Export | Strava; GPX and CSV (Pro) | GPX, video, Strava |
| Price model | Free; Pro and Ultra subscriptions | Subscription after a 14-day free trial |
| App Store rating (US) | 4.6 (1,112), 22 Oct 2026 | No ratings yet, 30 Oct 2026 |
Where is SailingWatch stronger?
At the start line and on the first beat. Pinging the pin and the committee boat gives you line bias and live distance to the line, and tack angles with laylines help you call shifts upwind. Waterspeed has neither on the wrist.
Where is Waterspeed stronger?
After the race and across devices. Waterspeed breaks the session into every tack and gybe with its speed loss, keeps best speeds over set times and distances, and with Ultra builds VMG by leg and a polar chart from your own track. It runs on Android and Wear OS, syncs Garmin, COROS and Suunto, imports Vakaros, and lets people ashore follow you live.
Can I use both?
Yes. Use SailingWatch on the wrist for the start, export the GPX afterwards, and import it into the Waterspeed web app for the analysis. To check a file quickly, use the free GPX and FIT analyzer.
For more options, see best sailing apps for Apple Watch and race timers and countdown apps.
FAQ
Is SailingWatch on Android?
Its maker has a separate Android phone app called Race GPS. SailingWatch itself is for iPhone and Apple Watch.
Who makes SailingWatch?
An independent developer, Francesco Vezzani.
