How Upwind works
Everything you need to know, from your first Rec to GPX export.
What is Upwind?
Upwind is a sailing tracker for Apple Watch and iPhone: live speed (SOG) and course (COG), session recording with a speed-colored track, speed-over-time chart, coordinates and stats. It's free, with no accounts and no ads.
How do I record a session?
Open the app and you immediately see live data (monitor mode): nothing is saved. To record, tap the Rec button; to stop, tap it again and confirm. Recording never starts on its own.
What's the difference between monitor and recording?
Monitor just shows the data. Recording saves the full track, computes distance, average and maximum speed, and on Apple Watch also saves a “Sailing” workout to Health (if you granted permission).
Does the Watch work without the iPhone?
Yes. The Apple Watch records on its own using its GPS. When the iPhone and Watch are near each other again, Watch sessions sync to the iPhone automatically.
And the iPhone without the Watch?
Yes, the iPhone is a full tracker too: the Tracker tab shows live data and, via the button in the top-right corner, a split view with a live map, speed-colored track, chart and coordinates.
What do the map and chart show?
The track color represents speed (cyan = slow to coral = fast, scaled to the session). The speed chart lets you go back in time: with the Digital Crown on the Watch, by dragging on the iPhone — you'll see the speed, time and coordinates of that moment.
On iPhone and iPad you can also switch to a satellite view with the button in the corner of the map.
Why does the app turn red at night?
That's night mode: after sunset the colors switch to red to preserve night vision. It engages automatically (and you can force it with a long press on the screen).
How do I get my sessions onto a new iPhone?
Automatically, via iCloud: if the phone is signed in to your Apple account, sessions are also stored in your private iCloud space. On a new iPhone (same account) they reappear on first launch.
Can I share a session with a friend?
Yes: in the session menu choose “Share Session” and send it, for example, via AirDrop. The recipient taps the file and, if they have Upwind, the session lands in their list with its name and full track. Sending it twice never creates duplicates.
Can I import tracks from other apps?
Yes: Upwind opens GPX files (“Open in Upwind”, or the import button in the sessions list). If the GPX has no speed data, it's derived from the track points.
What format are the coordinates in?
Nautical format: degrees and decimal minutes (e.g. 40°38.512′N 14°45.600′E).
How much battery does it use?
Recording uses GPS continuously: on Apple Watch a few-hour session is fine, but for long days start with a full charge. Monitor mode uses less.
For sessions longer than a couple of hours, the recommendation is to record with an iPhone or iPad connected to onboard power, keeping the Watch for glancing.
Why does the speed “wander” while I'm not moving?
That's normal GPS noise when the signal is obstructed (indoors, below deck, in a harbor). In open water accuracy is a few meters and readings are stable. The app filters low-quality fixes anyway.
What happens to my data?
It stays on your device and in your private iCloud. No accounts, no developer servers, no tracking. Details in the privacy policy.
I found a bug or have an idea
Write to [email protected] — feedback is welcome.