# Pursuit Timer — Dinghy sailing race timer

> Multi-start pursuit race timer for dinghy sailing, simplifying PYS handicap starts. (iPhone/iPad app by James Cowlishaw.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pursuit-timer/id1527888338 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [James Cowlishaw](https://appshunter.io/developer/1480506172)
- Category: Sports, Utilities
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 1.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 5 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France), Japanese, Chinese (Simplified, China), European Spanish
- Released: 2020-12-31
- Data updated: 2026-09-06
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pursuit-timer/id1527888338/reviews.md

## What is Pursuit Timer?

Multi-start pursuit race timer for sailing dinghies.
For race management; set it going and toot the horn when the app pings!

Dinghy pursuit races are run in reverse, each class starts according to PYS handicap.

Aim: overtake the boat furthest ahead to win. This is simple for racers, complex for duty teams.

Pursuit Timer simplifies the pursuit start.
Just select the classes and duration.
Start the timer and follow the prompts.
Preview start times and export to CSV or share with competitors.

Multi-start pursuit race timer for sailing dinghies.

## Key features

- Multi-start pursuit race timer
- PYS handicap start management
- Class and duration setup
- Horn signal prompts
- Start time preview
- Export to CSV
- Share with competitors


## Frequently asked questions about Pursuit Timer

### What is Pursuit Timer used for?

Pursuit Timer is a specialized tool for managing the start of dinghy sailing races that use the PYS handicap system. It helps race organizers and participants by simplifying the process of staggered starts based on different class handicaps.

### How does Pursuit Timer handle multi-class starts?

The app allows you to input different sailing classes and their respective durations. It then calculates and prompts you for the correct horn signals for each class's staggered start, ensuring accurate race commencement according to PYS handicaps.

### Can I preview or export race start times with Pursuit Timer?

Yes, Pursuit Timer offers a preview of all calculated start times before the race begins. You can also export this data to a CSV file, which is useful for sharing with competitors or for record-keeping.

### What devices is Pursuit Timer compatible with?

Pursuit Timer is designed for iOS devices, specifically supporting both the iPhone and iPad. It was last updated on September 2, 2024, with version 1.2.

### What is the price of Pursuit Timer?

Pursuit Timer is a paid application, available for a one-time purchase of $2.99. There are no in-app purchases or subscription fees associated with its use.

### Does Pursuit Timer have ads?

No, Pursuit Timer is completely ad-free. Users can enjoy the full functionality of the race timer without any advertisements interrupting their experience.

### What is the age rating for Pursuit Timer?

Pursuit Timer has an age rating of 4+. This indicates it is suitable for users of all ages, with no mature content or themes.

### How often is Pursuit Timer updated?

The app was last updated on September 2, 2024, indicating ongoing development and support. Its initial release was on December 31, 2020.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.6 — 2026-08-29

Bug fix for pre-start sequences other than 5,4,1,0.

### 1.5 — 2026-08-25

Audio Options and Bug fixes. You can now have sounds counting down to each class start in the race.

### 1.4 — 2026-08-21

Improved UI making settings and the start sequence easier to find.
Now supports alternate pre-start sequences (5-4-1-0, 4-2-0, 2-1-0).

### 1.3 — 2026-07-07

Custom Club Selection
  - Added custom PYS (Portsmouth Yardstick) club selection
  - If your club is not listed but you have custom PYS values, you can now request them by email.

Start Sequence Toggle
  - New toggle to enable/disable warning, preparatory, and one-minute signals
  - Located in "Edit Race" view under a dedicated "Start Sequence" section

UI Improvements
  - Navigation title changed from "Select Classes" to "Edit Race"
  - Sort button moved to section header for better discoverability
  - Refined timer controls and launch UI
  - New app icon
  - Cleaner class preview styling

Bug Fixes

  - Fixed timing to use class zero pursuit offsets correctly
  - Fixed start time export
  - Fixed selection logic to properly select first enabled item

### 1.2 — 2024-09-02

v1.2 - Added a preview mode to allow sailors to easily understand their handicap delay after the start gun.
Export start list as CSV via standard share sheet.
Fixed bug restoring enabled boat classes from UserDefaults. Added API declaration for UserDefaults.

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## More apps by James Cowlishaw

- [Time to Win](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/time-to-win/id1480506173)
- [LetterShift](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lettershift/id6757002342)

All apps by James Cowlishaw: https://appshunter.io/developer/1480506172

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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 2026-09-06.*