Time to distance
SailPro’s Time to Distance (TTD) feature lets you mark a start line position and calculates how early or late you’ll arrive based on your current speed and the countdown timer. This real-time data helps you perfectly time your approach to the start line.
How Does TTD Work?
SailPro’s Time to Distance (TTD) feature is designed to help you nail the perfect start by combining real-time calculations with intuitive functionality. Here’s how it works:
Step 1 – Mark Your Start Line Position
Before the race, you sail to a specific point on the start line and mark that position by clicking the TTD button. This position is stored in SailPro’s memory as your ‘starting’ point.
Once you click the TTD button you will see the Direction information change to new readouts:
Distance (m) – display the actual distance your device is in meters away from the TTD saved location.
TTD (sec) which is the time in seconds that it would take you at your current boat speed to return to the TTD saved location.
Step 2 – Start your countdown timer
As soon as the race commmittee fires the start gun start your count down timer.
SailPro’s ‘Speed’ tile shall now change to show; ‘Line Arrival Time’ or (LAT). This shall display in seconds and show whether you will be late or early based on your current boats speed.
As you move further away or closer to the TTD location or your boat speed changes this calculation shall be updated every (1) second.
*Press play to hear SailPro call out boat speed and bearing (heading) based on course over ground calculation.
Step 3 – Race Starts
SailPro’s TTD feature will run until the countdown timer reaches ’00:00′ at which point both of the ‘Speed’ and ‘Heading’ tiles return.
Adjusting the TTD Audible Frequency
You can modify the frequency that SailPro shall call out the TTD calculation by heading over to the ‘Settings’ page and scrolling down until you reach the ‘TTD Frequency’ this is set by default to ’10 seconds’ you can change this here and always remember to click ‘Save’.
TTD Questions?
The following list answers some of the more common questions about SailPro TTD Feature.
Q. How accurate is the TTD Feature
TTD is actually very accurate; however, there are a number of factors that may affect its operation:
- GPS Accuracy: TTD utilizes the GPS on your device, and its accuracy depends on several factors, such as the number of satellites available and the quality of your device’s GPS. (Please note that not all devices are equal when it comes to GPS accuracy.)
- Dynamic Calculations: TTD uses your current location and boat speed to calculate how long it will take to return to the TTD saved location. As these variables change—e.g., you accelerate or decelerate—the calculations will adjust accordingly.
- TTD does not utilize your current bearing to the TTD saved position. It calculates only based on your current position, boat speed, and the distance and time required to return to that position. If you are sailing away from the TTD saved position, you will need to account for the additional time required to adjust your heading.
Q. Is TTD feature adubile like the other SailPro features?
A. Yes! SailPro TTD does audibly tell you ‘Late’ or ‘Early’ in seconds you shall be from the TTD and the time remaining to the start.
Q. What's the 'best' practice for using SailPro TTD?
- Set Your TTD Position
- Sail to your preferred location on the start line and click the TTD button.
- Remember, the TTD position is based on where your device is, not where your boat’s bow is relative to the line. If you have a larger boat, either take the device to the bow to align it with the start line or wait until the device itself crosses the start line.
- Monitor TTD Data
- Once the position is saved and TTD is activated, the heading tile will display the distance (in meters) and the time required to reach the saved position at your current speed.
- Sail Away from the Line
- Begin sailing away from the start line. When the start gun is fired, click the countdown ‘Start’ button. The Speed Tile will then update to show whether you are early or late to the line based on your current speed.
- Approach the Start Line
- Maintain your normal sailing speed away from the line while monitoring the Line Arrival Time. When it approaches approximately 0, begin returning to the TTD position on the start line. Adjust your speed to match the 0 arrival time.
- Fine-Tune Your Speed
- As you approach the line, listen to the late or early updates from SailPro and make adjustments to your speed. The goal is to cross the start line precisely when the countdown reaches 0, maximizing your tactical advantage.
By following these steps, you can use TTD to master your race starts with precision and confidence.
