Octopus is the cruise version of Adrena's navigation software. In addition to all the navigation functions that can be expected from such a tool, not to mention the routing possibilities, Octopus has developed cruise specific functions that play the safety card whether you are sailing along the coast or making a longer trip.
Maximum wind force and wave height
Logically, a routing gives you the fastest route to your destination. Depending on the wind, it adapts the route to make the most of your sailboat. But what does the crew think? Does he like to encounter strong headwinds and headwinds? Does he enjoy sailing in rough seas?
Octopus integrates these data and proposes to set maximums on wind and sea before starting routing. You don't agree to sail with more than 25 knots upwind and more than 30 knots of wind downwind? Octopus adapts the route so that you do not cross areas where wind prediction has these values. Ditto on wave height. Set the cursor to not encounter more than 5m of wave and the software calculates the route based on it.
If the route is not possible, the software will indicate it to you and will suggest that you look for another departure date.
Note that Octopus also offers routing with the engine. If the wind is too light, depending on your settings, it will tell you to start the engine if the sail speed drops too low.
Finally, if you do not want to arrive at night in a port, instead of requesting routing with a departure date, ask for the same, but with an arrival date and time. The software will tell you when to leave.
Cape index to avoid storms
The Cape Index is an indicator of storm power. It does not locate storms, but indicates their strength if they occur. The representation on the map with coloured areas shows where you put your bow. You visualize the risk areas on your route. This Cape index is not taken into account in the routing, but gives a good vision of what we will encounter. This is particularly effective in the summer in the Mediterranean where thunderstorms are common.
Man overboard signal SART
A SART AIS tag sends a specific AIS message. The Octopus software receives it and decrypts it by sending an alarm in addition to a symbol on the map. A red and white buoy is displayed as soon as the SART AIS is triggered and received.
This safety is ideal, especially when sailing with a small crew. If a crew member falls into the water, the sleeping crew member is immediately woken up by an audible alarm and can then react quickly. All he has to do is return to the point indicated on the card to find his partner.
Numerous alarms configurable by the user
Like all Adrena software, Octopus is fully configurable. The user can also set alarms for his navigation.
- Arrival on shore alarm. It is activated if you arrive near a coast in less than x minutes.
- Dangerous area. The user defines a danger zone by pointing it at the map. The alarm goes off if the sailboat enters.
- AIS collision alarm. If the distance to a boat with an AIS is less than a preset distance, an alarm is triggered.
- Wind speed and direction. If these data vary in strength or direction, an alarm is triggered.
All these alarms can be set on a page that can be easily understood and modified as required.
Octopus, navigation software for cruising, available from 1 259 ? TTC
