Beam me up Scotty

State of the art tablet navigation computer from B&G

B&G have launched RaceVision2, a wireless, waterproof tablet PC, which allows navigators the freedom to work from anywhere on board.

The B&G RaceVision2 is a fully portable, independent computer, which can also plug into normal computing accessories, such as disk drives and printers via a USB connection. As well as providing the navigator with complete control on board, data can be saved enabling race planning and preparation to take place off the boat. All wind and navigation data from electronic instrument systems can be integrated on screen with chart data and navigation software, such as Deckman for Windows. Plus the navigator can control and monitor instrument 'damping', calibrations and polar files all on the one screen.

The new wireless PC prevents RaceVision2 accidentally becoming unplugged or caught up during boat handling manoeuvres or sail-changes. Traditionally, laptop PCs are known to be highly fragile and prone to damage on board - meaning they could only be used below decks, but were still vulnerable to water intake from a spinnaker drop or sliding off the chart table during a gybe. The RaceVision2 tablet PC is designed to withstand the impacts of the harshest racing environment and comes in a rugged, fully sealed 6000 series aluminium alloy case, which attains an outstanding waterproof rating of IP67.

B&G’s RaceVision2 uses the latest screen technology overcoming previous difficulties where laptop screens could not be read in sunlight. The toughened display screen is extremely strong, and uses 'transflective' technology, which combines the use of reflective light for sunlight viewing and back-lighting for night viewing.

Running on Microsoft Tablet PC software, RaceVision2 is at the leading edge in PC technology incorporating 'pen computing'. A virtual keyboard is controlled with a magnetic pen, which uses 'digitiser proximity sensing' for fast, touch-screen control. This new touch-screen technology sits behind, rather than on top of, the computer screen and the magnetic field starts reading thepen before it hits the writing pad.

RaceVision2’s transceiver connects to the B&G performance unit which transmits/receives all wind and navigation data to and from the highly robust, PC tablet. The system uses a 'proprietary bluetooth link' with specialist programming to integrate with the on board electronics. Vitally important security coding is built in to ensure that each RaceVision2 unit is programmed to only receive data from the processing unit on board. This means that at a crowded gybe mark the tablet PCs are not suddenly receiving data from the outside boat! Plus, if any navigator changes boat with their own RaceVision2, it can be re-coded to work with the new boats processor unit.

The practical hot-swappable batteries mean you do not lose your essential race data by having to shut down to change batteries - simply swap one out whilst still working on your screen. A waterproof charger means you are not dependent on battery life on long distance races.

B&G’s RaceVision2 evolved from a beta platform prototype, which was developed by Steve Hayles, Diverse’s navigator and software expert, specifically for Tyco in the last Volvo Ocean Race. B&G have developed RaceVision2 from the beta version, in a technical partnership with Diverse Yacht Services, which combines the electronics, software and grand prix navigational and sailing experience of both companies. B&G’s launch of RaceVision2 means that leading edge PC technology is now available to use in the harshest yachting environment. RaceVision2 has been rapidly adopted by leading navigators in the IMS fleet including Dee Smith, Eddie Warden Owen, Ian Moore and Tim Powell, and was prominent in the Swan Europeans.

RaceVision2 is available through all B&G worldwide dealers and retails at £6,500. The introduction of tablet PC technology for the marine environment is a significant evolution for on board wireless communications, providing navigators with the most sophisticated, portable, racing navigation tool.