Functionality Overview | Dinghy Coach

Sailor Recording

For sailors recording their own training or racing, then reviewing the session afterward.

Training

Training mode - records the session while showing speed, bearing, and heel feedback on the water.
Heel feedback - uses clear full-screen visual cues to help sailors spot trim and balance changes while sailing.
Speed callouts - optional spoken speed updates can be enabled for hands-free feedback.
Bright, simple display - sailing screens are designed for sunlight, wet hands, gloves, and quick glances.

Race

Race mode - records clean race tracks with a reduced on-water display.
Race-ready data - recorded tracks can be reviewed later with course, segment, and comparison tools in the web debrief.
Consistent playback - current recordings are optimized for smooth replay and compact upload size.

Offline Recording

No mobile signal required - sessions are recorded locally on the phone while sailing.
Upload later - tracks can sync when internet access is available again.
Short-session control - very short sessions stay local by default unless the sailor chooses to include them in automatic uploads.

Uploads

Background sync - completed sessions are queued and uploaded without needing the sailor to keep the screen open.
Retry support - failed uploads can be retried from the session history.
Debrief-ready tracks - uploaded tracks appear in the web debrief library for playback and analysis.

Session History

Past sessions - the app shows local sessions, upload status, retry actions, and deletion options.
Coach-led sessions - sessions created during coaching can also appear in history and upload when available.
Local-first handling - sailors can keep working with recorded sessions even before cloud sync completes.

Device Code

Personal device code - each phone has a short code that can be used to find that device's tracks in the web library.
Quick web link - the app can open the web debrief filtered to the phone's own tracks.
No account needed - the device code supports ownership actions without requiring a login.

Coach

For coaches coordinating a group on the water, capturing useful context, and creating sessions that are ready to debrief.

Fleet Setup

Coach dashboard - a dedicated on-water screen for managing connected sailors.
Local coaching - coach and sailor phones work together on the water without relying on a cloud relay for live control.
Roster management - the coach can see connected sailors and control when the roster is open or locked.
Live status - sailor tiles show connection state, recent speed, and whether important controls have been received.

Race Setup

Race sessions - coaches can set up race-focused sessions for later replay and comparison.
Wind capture - wind direction can be captured on the coach device and carried into the debrief.
Course marks - committee boat, pin, and numbered marks can be captured for course-aware analysis.
Course order - race course sequences can be represented so the debrief understands legs and roundings.

Starts & Commands

Remote start and stop - the coach can start and finish recording across the group.
Countdown sequences - common start countdowns can be run across sailor devices.
Abort support - start sequences can be cancelled and the updated state is sent to sailors.
Coach commands - clear on-screen messages such as Go Home, Come to Me, and Follow Me can be sent to sailors.

Voice & Notes

Group voice - the coach can use push-to-talk to speak to the fleet.
Individual voice - the coach can speak to a selected sailor when needed.
Headset controls - supported headset buttons can be used for push-to-talk workflows.
Voice notes - the coach can record spoken observations during the session for later debrief.
Transcript support - voice notes are transcribed on the device and restored in the web debrief.

Session History

Local session storage - coach sessions are saved locally before upload.
Background upload - session data, course context, notes, and linked tracks can sync after the session.
Debrief continuity - coach-created sessions open in the web debrief with the available boats, course details, and notes.

Debrief

For reviewing tracks, comparing boats, understanding race moments, and sharing useful conclusions.

Open Hub

Sessions and tracks - the web app opens from a single library hub with separate session and track views.
Venue filtering - sailors and coaches can search around a venue or location and choose a radius.
Device-code filtering - the library can be filtered to tracks or sessions associated with a device code.
Favourites - useful places and filters can be saved in the browser for faster repeat access.

Imports

Unified import - supported files can be dropped into one import flow instead of separate tools.
Dinghy Coach tracks - native recorded tracks can be loaded directly.
GPS and sailing formats - FIT, TCX, GPX, generic CSV, Vakaros CSV, and Vakaros VKX files are supported.
Imported-track upload - converted tracks can be opened in the debrief and added to the track library.

Playback

Single and multi-boat replay - one or many boats can be replayed on the same timeline.
Timeline controls - scrub, pause, and change playback speed while reviewing a session.
Loop playback - selected moments can be replayed repeatedly for coaching or clubhouse review.
Boat trails - configurable trails help show recent movement and tactical choices.
Map background - an optional map underlay can be enabled during debrief.

Multi-Boat Sessions

Session comparison - multiple boats can be loaded together for synchronized review.
Add nearby boats - matching tracks near the session can be discovered and added to the debrief.
Remove boats from view - a boat can be removed from the current debrief without deleting the underlying track.
PY handicap - Portsmouth Yardstick values can be used for cross-class comparison.

Races

Race-session debriefs - race sessions can carry start timing, course setup, and fleet context into review.
Automatic session building - uploaded race tracks can be associated with the relevant race session when timing and location line up.
Race start focus - race-aware playback and comparison can use the race start as the meaningful reference point.

Stats

Boat comparison - compare duration, distance, sustained speed, and maximum speed across boats.
Manoeuvres - tack and gybe counts plus best, worst, and average loss help identify repeatable gains.
Live overlay - optional boat labels can show speed, VMG, heading, and heel during playback.
Segment filtering - stats update for a selected drill, race, leg, or time window.

Course Analytics

Wind-aware review - setting wind direction unlocks wind-based performance metrics.
VMC - Velocity Made on Course helps show how effectively a boat is progressing toward the next mark.
Leg summaries - race legs can be broken down by time, distance, speed, manoeuvres, and fleet comparison.
Fleet best and delta - leg tables can show the fastest boat and the time gap to the selected boat.
Mark roundings - rounding views help review approach, clearance, and loss around marks.

Notes & Sharing

Coach notes - voice-note transcripts can appear alongside the session timeline.
Selective visibility - notes can be kept private to the coach or shared with sailors.
Save and restore - sessions can preserve tracks, course data, boat settings, annotations, segments, and notes.
Share links - debriefs can be shared by link, email, WhatsApp, or native device sharing where supported.

Data & Access

A high-level summary of how Dinghy Coach keeps access simple for v1.

Access Model

No accounts - Dinghy Coach does not require sailors or coaches to create a login for normal use.
Device-code ownership - device codes help associate tracks and sessions with the device that created them.
Public shared links - saved sessions are designed to be easy to open and share with sailors.
Protected changes - edits and ownership actions are protected without exposing a full account system to users.

System Overview

Android app - records sessions, supports coaching workflows, captures race context, and handles uploads.
Web debrief - opens sessions and tracks, imports external files, replays boats, analyzes data, and shares debriefs.
Cloud sync - stores uploaded tracks and saved session information so sessions can be reviewed from the web.
Website - provides product information, onboarding, help, and support pages.

Runtime Needs

On-water recording - uses phone GPS and sensors while recording.
Coaching - works best when coach and sailor devices are prepared and connected locally on the water.
Voice - requires microphone permission when voice communication or voice notes are used.
Sync and debrief - internet access is needed for cloud upload and web review.

Versions

Component	Version
Android App	1.1.6
Web Debrief	1.1.0
API	1.1.0
Website	1.1.0