# Around the Sticks

> Yacht racing navigation app for mark bearings, distance, and steering angles. (iPhone/iPad app by Tim Metherall.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/around-the-sticks/id1185277263 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tim Metherall](https://appshunter.io/developer/1185277262)
- Category: Sports, Navigation
- Price: $10.99
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 33 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2017-01-08
- Data updated: 2026-08-24
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/around-the-sticks/id1185277263/reviews.md

## What is Around the Sticks?

Around the Sticks is a richly featured yacht racing course app, providing clear and concise information on mark bearing, distance, shape of turn, side to pass and steering angle relative to mark. Optimized to perform autonomously in race conditions, the app requires very little user inputs, leaving you free to concentrate on the racing. Never get lost out on course again! 

Key features include:

-Designed specifically for use in race conditions, and operated through a waterproof casing. Phone will not go idle whilst racing, rather the screen will dim and can be awakened by tapping anywhere on the screen (user settable) to save battery.

-No internet connection is required whilst racing.

-Buttons on main screen are automatically locked to prevent accidental activation.

-One touch race: Once race is started (either with race timer or manually), no further inputs are needed from the user (if all mark positions are known to the app) mark rounding is automatic and the target moves automatically to the next mark. Laid marks, (without set/known coordinates) can be incorporated into courses to maintain the sequential structure. In these cases, once rounded an easily activated manual advance option advances to the next mark.

-The main screen includes a link to course description, progress through the course, clear and easy to read bearing to and distance to, name and picture of the next mark, the side it must be left to, plus the name of the following mark of the course. Speed Across Ground and VMG to the mark are also included on the main screen.

-Once near (distance user settable) to the next mark, proximity mode is activated. The shape of the turn and the bearing to the following mark are pre-emptively displayed, allowing the crew to prepare for the turn

-Race start timer with sync signals for 5, 4 and 1 minutes to start, a user-settable timer button and clear audio cues. This can be used to trigger the start of a course within the app, or as a stand-alone feature

-Clear help captions help explain features when you're getting started. Tap on a feature to display a caption explaining its function. Once you're familiar with the app, captions can be disabled in user settings

-Create and store your own marks and courses, either by entering co-ordinates or "pinging" current location. User courses can be compiled with a combination of existing and custom marks, in a few moments. Ideal for race days where you're handed a new course at the last minute. It's also easy to enter into the app the entire course list for your club at the start of the season, so any course you may require is instantly accessible

-Around the Sticks comes pre-loaded with marks and courses from Melbourne, Australia, this database will be extended regularly to include more territories/clubs, and stay tuned for course sharing options between users..

-Warning: As with all navigation apps, continued use of GPS may drain the battery life faster than normal. It is recommended that the app's easy to use timed screen dimming feature is activated to minimize this.

## Key features

- Autonomous race condition optimization
- Offline internet connection required
- One-touch race mode
- Proximity mode for mark turns
- Race start timer with sync signals
- Custom mark and course creation
- Pre-loaded and expandable course database

## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/around-the-sticks/id1185277263/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Excellent Application

*2025-11-04*

Great functionality and easy to use…

### 5/5 — Great app, I never leave the pen without it!

*2021-06-26*

Easy to use and has all the information I need.

### 5/5 — Brilliant

*2021-05-27*

Great app. Very lucky for us that someone took the time to develop this, and a must for anyone racing in Port Phillip.

### 2/5 — Needs updating

*2021-03-14*

Useful app but courses aren’t being updated

### 5/5 — Secret weapon

*2019-05-08*

If you aren’t using this app to race on Port Phillip bay you are at a disadvantage! Courses are all pre-loaded, select your race and start the timer. The heading to next mark, distance to it and a graphic of what the mark looks like appear and as you round it the next one appears! Brilliant!!!

### 5/5 — Works A Treat!

*2017-02-10*

For keel boat racing around the sticks in Port Phillip Bay and Geelong this is essential kit.
I've used this in several races now and there is no hint of buyers remorse, unlike my experience with most other yacht racing apps.

## Frequently asked questions about Around the Sticks

### What is Around the Sticks?

Around the Sticks is a yacht racing course app that provides clear and concise information on mark bearing, distance, shape of turn, side to pass, and steering angle relative to the mark. It is designed to perform autonomously in race conditions with minimal user input.

### Does Around the Sticks require an internet connection to use?

No, an internet connection is not required whilst racing. This allows for uninterrupted use during regattas where connectivity may be unreliable.

### How does the 'one touch race' feature work in Around the Sticks?

Once a race is started, the app automatically handles mark rounding if all mark positions are known. It progresses to the next mark automatically. For laid marks without set coordinates, a manual advance option is available after rounding.

### Can I create my own courses in Around the Sticks?

Yes, you can create and store your own marks and courses by entering coordinates or 'pinging' your current location. User courses can be compiled with existing and custom marks, making it ideal for last-minute course changes.

### What devices is Around the Sticks compatible with?

Around the Sticks is supported on iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is designed for iOS devices.

### How much does Around the Sticks cost?

Around the Sticks is a paid application priced at $10.99. There are no in-app purchases or subscription fees associated with its use.

### How often is Around the Sticks updated?

The app was last updated on June 29, 2022, with version 2.6.4. The developer plans to extend the pre-loaded database of marks and courses regularly.

### What is the age rating for Around the Sticks?

Around the Sticks has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users of all ages, with no mature content.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.6.6 — 2026-06-03

Fixed an issue where start timer buttons were sometimes appearing when not required

### 2.6.5 — 2026-05-20

Fixed a problem where the swipe between marks button disappeared after a manual start
Bug fixes in preparation for the upcoming version 3 release

### 2.6.4 — 2022-06-29

Fixed problem where text was illegible in Dark Mode

### 2.6.3 — 2022-06-26

Fixed bug where Course button caused app to crash

### 2.6.2 — 2022-04-25

-Graphics improvements
-User Courses now displayed at top of courses list
-New magnetic declination data

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## More apps by Tim Metherall

- [Around the Sticks Lite](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/around-the-sticks-lite/id1231934112)

All apps by Tim Metherall: https://appshunter.io/developer/1185277262

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-24.*