Watersport Race Tracker - User Manual
Introduction
Watersport Race Tracker is a professional-grade iOS application designed for watersport enthusiasts, particularly sailors and e-foilers. The app provides precise GPS-based race tracking, timing, and analysis features to help you improve your performance and track your progress.
Key Features
- GPS-based race tracking with centimeter-level precision
- Support for both sailing and e-foiling with sport-specific optimizations
- Multiple race types (moving start, standing start)
- Real-time speed and distance tracking
- Detailed race analysis and statistics
- Track creation and management
- Watch app integration for easy race control
- Offline functionality for remote locations
- Cloud synchronization of tracks and races
Getting Started
Prerequisites
- iPhone with iOS 16.0 or later
- Apple Watch (optional, for remote control)
- GPS signal
- Internet connection (for online tracks)
- iCloud account (for data synchronization)
First Launch
- Open the app
- Grant location permissions when prompted
- Allow background location access for continuous tracking
- The app will initialize GPS services
- Sign in with your Apple ID for cloud sync
Initial Setup
- Choose your primary watersport (sailing/e-foiling)
- Set your preferred units (metric/imperial)
- Configure notification preferences
- Set up watch app if available
Track Management
Creating a Track
- Tap the "+" button in the track list
- Choose between:
- Creating a track on water (requires GPS)
- Creating a track on map (manual placement)
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set waypoints
- Save your track with a descriptive name
Track Types
- Local Tracks: Stored on your device
- Online Tracks: Available to all users
- Private Tracks: Only visible to you
- Shared Tracks: Shared with specific users
Track Settings
- Set start/finish line
- Configure waypoints
- Choose watersport type (sailing/e-foiling)
- Set track direction
- Configure lap counting
- Set minimum speed requirements
Race Features
Starting a Race
- Select a track from your track list
- Choose race type:
- Moving start
- Standing start
- Wait for GPS signal
- Follow the start procedure
During the Race
- Real-time speed display
- Distance tracking
- Lap counting
- Waypoint progress
- Current position on map
- Speed graph
- Compass heading
- Wind direction (if available)
Race Types
Moving Start
- Cross the start line at speed
- Minimum speed required: 1 m/s
- Race starts automatically when crossing the line
- Visual and audio feedback when starting
Standing Start
- Position yourself at the start line
- 3-second countdown begins
- Race starts when countdown ends
- Visual countdown display
Race Recording
Automatic Recording
- GPS position (10Hz sampling)
- Speed (real-time and average)
- Time (total and lap)
- Distance (total and current)
- Waypoint passages
- Environmental data (if available)
Manual Controls
- Start/Stop race
- Pause/Resume
- Lap counting
- Emergency stop
- Waypoint override
- Manual timing adjustment
Race Analysis
Available Statistics
- Total time
- Lap times
- Average speed
- Top speed
- Distance covered
- Route visualization
- Speed graph
- Wind analysis
- Performance trends
- Historical comparisons
Viewing Results
- Access race history
- Select a race
- View detailed statistics
- Analyze performance
- Compare with previous races
- Export data
- Share results
Tips and Best Practices
GPS Accuracy
- Ensure clear sky view
- Wait for GPS signal before starting
- Keep device in a stable position
- Avoid interference from other devices
- Use external GPS antenna if available
- Calibrate compass regularly
Battery Optimization
- Use low power mode when appropriate
- Close other GPS apps
- Keep screen brightness moderate
- Use watch app for controls when possible
- Enable battery saver mode
- Use external battery pack for long races
Race Preparation
- Check GPS signal strength
- Verify track selection
- Ensure device is securely mounted
- Test watch connection if using
- Calibrate sensors
- Check weather conditions
- Verify battery level
- Test all features before race
Troubleshooting Guide
GPS Issues
No GPS Signal
- Move to open area
- Wait for signal recovery
- Check device GPS settings
- Restart GPS services
- Check for interference
Inaccurate GPS
- Calibrate GPS
- Check for multipath effects
- Verify GPS signal strength
- Update device location services
- Check for software updates
Connection Issues
Watch Connection Lost
- Check Bluetooth connection
- Restart both devices
- Verify watch app is running
- Check battery levels
- Re-pair devices if needed
Cloud Sync Issues
- Check internet connection
- Verify iCloud settings
- Check storage space
- Force sync
- Clear cache if needed
Performance Issues
Battery Drain
- Use power-saving mode
- Reduce screen brightness
- Close background apps
- Disable unnecessary features
- Use external battery
App Crashes
- Update to latest version
- Clear app cache
- Reinstall app
- Check device storage
- Report to support
Watch App Guide
Features
- Race start/stop control
- Lap counting
- Basic statistics
- Emergency stop
- Quick settings
Setup
- Install watch app
- Pair with iPhone
- Configure settings
- Test connection
- Set up complications
Usage
- Start/stop races
- View basic stats
- Control race features
- Monitor progress
- Quick actions
Support and Updates
For support, feature requests, or bug reports, please contact:
- Email: support@watersportracetracker.com
- Website: www.watersportracetracker.com
Update Schedule
- Major updates: Quarterly
- Bug fixes: As needed
- Feature updates: Monthly
- Security updates: Immediately
Version History
- 1.0.0: Initial release
- 1.1.0: Added watch app support
- 1.2.0: Enhanced GPS accuracy
- 1.3.0: Added cloud sync
- 1.4.0: Improved race analysis
- 1.5.0: Added wind analysis
- 1.6.0: Enhanced track management
- 1.7.0: Added performance trends
- 1.8.0: Improved battery optimization
- 1.9.0: Added social features
- 2.0.0: Major UI overhaul