Sailmate instructions

Sailmate is a Finnish user-friendly navigation support app for leisure boaters, available for mobile devices. The app includes multiple maps, harbor information, route planning, and marine weather – all in one place.

The free version allows you to view familiar and reliable nautical charts from Traficom. Additional features are available with annual subscriptions to Sailmate Premium or the Scout routes.

Sailmate is developed by Nautics Oy, an independent Finnish start-up. Harbor information and maps are provided by Suomen Vierassatamat Oy. The Scout routes content is created by Turun Partio-Sissit ry. Septic station data is provided by the online service septit.net.

We develop this app with love and passion for boating, the sea, and Finland’s thousands of lakes!

Mobile operating system requirements:

Apple iOS 13 or Android 6 or newer

The device must have access to the App Store or Google Play Store. Downloading the maps requires approximately 800MB of storage space.

Sailmate works on most commercially available smartphones and tablets, but unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to confirm compatibility in advance. The easiest way to check is by downloading Sailmate Free and testing it.

Some tablets (e.g., certain iPad models) only have GPS functionality in versions that include a SIM card slot. If you plan to use location services, make sure your device has GPS.

Your device must be able to access either Apple’s App Store or Google Play Store. Some Huawei models no longer support Google services, meaning Sailmate cannot be used on these devices.

Premium users can download nautical charts to their mobile devices, allowing them to function quickly even without an internet connection. Downloading charts is highly recommended, as data connections may be slow out on the water. The charts require approximately 800MB of storage space.

Your mobile device determines the location point shown on the map. The accuracy of this location depends on the quality, features, and software of the device. Factors such as the device’s position in the boat, movement, signal reflections, and satellite tracking time can also affect location accuracy.

It is technically possible for hostile interference to disrupt satellite navigation systems, which could significantly reduce positioning accuracy.

Under normal conditions, Sailmate provides sufficiently accurate positioning for navigation support. However, it is not a replacement for a plotter. The actual location should always be confirmed using a marine plotter and visual observations.

Sailmate Free is intended for viewing nautical charts without licensing restrictions. Sailmate Premium is designed as a navigation tool and accurately displays your location on the chart.

Because Sailmate continuously tracks your location, it consumes a relatively high amount of battery power. Ensure that you have enough power and use a charger or power bank if necessary. Keep in mind that direct sunlight can cause devices to overheat and shut down.

The harbor information available to all users, along with the blue-background harbor maps available to Premium subscribers, are the same as those in the Käyntisatamat/Veneilykesä books (available at satamaopas.fi).

Some harbors shown in the Scouts’ routes service also appear in Turun Partio-Sissit’s Suuri Satamakirja (satamakirja.fi), but most of them are other harbors, mainly natural harbors not included in the book. Currently, harbor descriptions are primarily available in Finnish.

The harbor information in Sailmate is intended to help boaters choose and use harbors for recreational boating.

The blue-background harbor maps are provided by Suomen Vierassatamat Oy and are based on reports from harbor operators.

The harbor data in the Scouts’ routes package is collected by Turun Partio-Sissit, and most of it has been personally verified. The suitability of all Scout harbors has been checked using aerial and satellite images. Depth information is a general estimate and does not guarantee actual depth.

Harbors should be approached carefully, at a slow speed, and water depth should be confirmed before docking if necessary. If you notice incorrect depth information while using these harbors, please report it to us at tuki@nautics.fi, and we will investigate. We appreciate your feedback!

Sailmate is not an official nautical chart or maritime publication as defined by water traffic laws, and users should not rely on it as such. It is not a safety product and is not designed to prevent accidents. It is also not an emergency alert or response system and does not contact emergency authorities.

Although Sailmate is designed for boating, the devices used with it are generally not

built for marine conditions. This may result in usability limitations, including potential inaccuracies in location display. Sailmate does not replace a proper marine plotter.

Despite these limitations, Sailmate is an excellent navigation aid and safety tool. It also serves as a backup device in case of technical failures.

Yes, it can. Sailmate may create a burning desire to get out on the water safely. If you frequently experience these symptoms, we recommend heading out to the sea or lakes to enjoy the world's most stunning nature!