Setup
A simple setup for sailors first, then clubs and coaches: run sessions alone, with others, or in coached sessions from getting phones on boats to a calm debrief.
This is the same default flow for solo sailing, group sailing, club racing, and coached sessions.
- Set up
Charge phones, fit waterproof cases, and mount them securely.
- Start recording
Each boat starts a session on the Android app before launching (or as soon as practical).
- Sail the session
Sail as normal. Keep the session focused on one or two objectives.
- Finish and get ashore
Stop recording once back in or once the session ends. Tracks upload automatically when mobile data or Wi-Fi is next available — no action needed.
- Debrief
Open the debrief tool on a computer or tablet and review key moments together.
Equipment
Boat kit
- Android phone (second-hand handsets are often sufficient)
- Waterproof case
- Secure mounting or lanyard
- Optional: Bluetooth speaker for push-to-talk coaching
Coach setup (optional)
- Tablet or laptop for the debrief
- Optional: portable Wi-Fi hotspot (useful if phones don’t have data)
- Charging power bank(s)
- A simple session plan (objectives + drills)
Common questions
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Do sailors need mobile data on the water?
No. Sessions can be recorded offline. Uploading can happen later when a connection is available.
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Can we run this with a club hotspot?
Yes. A portable Wi-Fi hotspot can work well on shore, and sometimes on the water depending on range.
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Do I need one phone per boat?
For best results, yes. Some groups share phones between boats across sessions, but one per boat is simpler.
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Will this work for club racing as well as training?
Yes. The same flow applies: record the race, then debrief afterwards. Comparison is often more useful with more boats.
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How do we mount the phone safely?
Use a waterproof case and a secure attachment. Avoid anything that can snag sheets or trap a sailor.
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What about battery life?
Charge before the session. For long days, use a power bank between sails.
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What if the phone gets wet or a session ends abruptly?
That happens. The aim is robust “good enough” recording, not perfection.
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How do we keep the debrief calm and useful?
Pick 1–2 moments to focus on, and agree one takeaway for the next session.
Keep it simple: record, review, decide what to change next time.
Next steps
Want to see what a finished debrief looks like before your first session? Open one of the example sessions below.
Questions about running it at your club or training centre? Contact us at hello@dinghy.coach.