Flying Start: Sailor
Sailing Race Timer & GPS
Details
Features
Background Location Access
About
This app provides a specialized countdown timer and GPS instrument panel for sailing races. It helps racers optimize their start with features like distance to line, time to line, and off-center start detection. Track your performance and sync with your crew for a better racing experience.
What's New in Flying Start
1.2
August 19, 2026
Race replay is here. RACE REPLAY Every race you sail is recorded. Open it in MY RACES and watch your own GPS track play back on a satellite map. Scrub to any moment and see exactly how your start went. NEW TAB BAR RACE, MY RACES and SETTINGS are now three tabs along the bottom. Settings is a full page instead of a slide-up sheet, so nothing is buried. 6-5-4-1-GO The six minute sequence many clubs use joins Quick Start, 5-4-1-Go, 3-2-1-Go, 1-Go and Pursuit. A TIGHTER GUN Your countdown now sets itself against a network time source. Every phone and watch on the start line counts to the same second. ALSO IMPROVED The screen stays awake the whole time the app is open, not only during a countdown. Your trail and position are drawn on every map. FINISH is ready the moment the gun fires. FIXED MY RACES could show an empty calendar. It now loads your races correctly.
MoreSubscriptions & In-App Purchases
Flying Start Pro
Pro racing instruments on iPhone and Apple Watch.
Developer apps
FAQ
What is Flying Start?
Flying Start is a specialized countdown timer and GPS instrument designed for sailing races. It helps sailors optimize their start by providing real-time data and alerts.
What features are free in Flying Start?
The free version of Flying Start includes a standard 5-4-1-Go countdown, a Quick Start mode for instant timing, and basic race timing capabilities.
What does Flying Start Pro offer?
Flying Start Pro unlocks advanced features such as Distance to Line (DTL), Time to Line (TTL), Course Over Ground (COG), OCS alerts, start ratings, season statistics, Apple Watch integration, sunlight mode, crew sync, and GPS track recording.
How much does Flying Start Pro cost?
Flying Start Pro is available via subscription with two plans: $4.99 per month or $19.99 per year. The annual plan includes a 14-day free trial.
Does Flying Start have ads?
No, Flying Start does not contain advertisements. The app is free to use with optional in-app purchases for premium features.
Can Flying Start be used on Apple Watch?
Yes, Flying Start offers full countdown timer functionality on your Apple Watch, working independently or synced with your iPhone. Key GPS instruments like DTL, TTL, and COG are also available on the watch face.
How does Flying Start help with race starts?
Flying Start provides real-time Distance to Line (DTL) and Time to Line (TTL) to help you gauge your approach. It also features Off-center start (OCS) detection with visual and haptic warnings if you cross the line early.
How often is Flying Start updated?
The latest version of Flying Start is 1.2, which was last updated on August 19, 2026. This indicates a relatively active development cycle.
