Regatta Timer Watch vs TackSense
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Regatta Timer Watch
Sailboat racers can achieve perfect starts with this ISAF-compliant countdown timer. It offers customizable countdown sequences, audible alerts, and a sync function to align with race committee signals. The app runs natively on Apple Watch and can also be used on iPhone.
- ISAF compliant countdown timer
- Customizable countdown sequences (1-5 minutes)
- Audible alerts and haptic feedback
- Sync function for race committee alignment
- Natively runs on Apple Watch
- iPhone compatibility
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Make the perfect start when sailboat racing, using this ISAF compliant countdown timer with sync function. The default countdown timer is the 5 minutes start sequence (ISAF 5.4.1.0), but you can change the sequence easily just by changing the countdown time to 4, 3, 2 or 1 minute. During the countdown to the start signal, alert beeps are played on the Apple Watch each minute & ‘taps on your wrist’ inform you how much time is left until the start signal (be sure to keep your screen on!) Did you miss the initial warning signal by a couple of seconds ? No problem: just use the sync function at the next warning signal and the countdown timer will synchronise with the racing committee timer. The sync function is always 'sync down' - even if you were a full minute 'late', you can sync at the next signal with a press on the sync button. Are you not sure how many minutes you are from the start signal ? Just check if the flags on the racing committee boat are corresponding with the flags on your screen. It is not necessary that your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone: the app runs natively on Apple Watch. You can even choose to install the app only on your Apple Watch. Although Regatta Timer Watch is optimised for Apple Watch, you can also use it with only an iPhone: Apple Watch is optional. Happy Sailing ! -------- Pro-Tips: 1. Allow the HealthKit permissions to keep running in the background - even with wrist down you will have countdown sounds & haptics 2. Set the 'Return to clock' setting to 'After 1 hour': Since you want the timer to remain visible during the countdown, it is recommended to disable the 'Return to clock' feature on your Apple Watch: Settings > General > Return to clock > After 1 hour (Regatta Timer will remain active for 1 hour). If you don't change this setting and your display returns to the clock, just double press the Digital Crown to go back to the Regatta Timer countdown timer.
TackSense
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TackSense is a simple sailing aid that helps you understand your point of sail from wind direction, boat heading, wind speed, and gusts. Enter the conditions, and TackSense shows a clear visual guide for the sailing angle, likely sail position, reefing considerations, and downwind caution zones. It is designed for quick use on deck when you want a fast sanity check without clutter, accounts, or unnecessary complexity. TackSense can help you identify whether you are close-hauled, reaching, running, near the no-go zone, or in a wing-on-wing zone. It also provides practical trim suggestions such as when sails should be trimmed in, eased out, or when a more conservative setup may be appropriate. Features * Point-of-sail calculation from wind direction and heading * Wind speed and gust input * Clear sail-position diagram * Main and headsail setup suggestions * Reefing considerations based on wind strength and gusts * Downwind caution notes, including wing-on-wing and gybe risk zones * Simple terminology for newer sailors * Works on-device * No account required TackSense is not a chartplotter, navigation system, weather service, or replacement for seamanship. It provides general sail-setup guidance based on the information you enter. Always consider local conditions, sea state, crew ability, vessel setup, and official weather information before sailing. Built for sailors who want a fast, visual answer to a basic but important question: What point of sail am I on, and how should the sails roughly be set?
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: TackSense at Free against Regatta Timer Watch's $2.99. Regatta Timer Watch's advantage is chart position (#37 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
TackSense is free to download; Regatta Timer Watch costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | Regatta Timer Watch | TackSense |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2.99 | Free — better |
| Positive reviews | 21.4% of reviews | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Best chart rank | #37 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Digitmedia | Magnus Soderstrom |
In-app purchases
Regatta Timer Watch
No in-app purchases
TackSense
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Regatta Timer Watch free?
Is TackSense free?
Do Regatta Timer Watch or TackSense have ads?
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