This new September 2026 Pathfinder Sailing App update 2.1.0 (17) introduces several exciting features to help racing sailors get better starts and sail the course faster.
Support for Tidal Current GRIBS in the Live Map screen
Current GRIBs are a great tool for racing sailors, allowing you to easily see the strength and direction of the current you are sailing in and to identify where you might be able to gain an advantage on the race course.
Users can view free NOAA GRIBS or proprietary GRIBs from other services, such as Tidetech, under their separate subscription services.
NOAA Current GRIBs
NOAA Current GRIBs are free, showing predicted current direction and current strength for most U.S. sailing regions. They are easily downloaded directly through the Pathfinder app and are provided for several US regions, including:
- East Coast: Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and Gulf of Maine
- West Coast: SF Bay, Puget Sound, and NOAA West Coast
- Gulf Coast: Tampa Bay, and Northern Gulf
- Great Lakes: Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, Lake Superior, Lakes Michigan and Huron
- Alaska
- Alaska
Many users prefer to subscribe to other services to obtain their GRIBS, and Pathfinder will support those as well. Just download the GRIB to your iPhone Files and click on the round current icon in Live Map to point to it and view it in Pathfinder Live Map.
Live Map Chart Background
You can now switch between a standard map background, a satellite background, or a NOAA raster chart (where available) based on your location.
Support for Course Extension Lines in Live Map
The Boat icon now includes a course extension line to view your Heading and track your Course Over Ground (COG) when using the Live Map in Chart View.
Plus Plan subscribers with connected wind instruments have an additional line for Opposite Course Over Ground (OpCOG). This shows your actual Course Over Ground, or COG, which will include the effects of current, windage, and leeway
Start screen Line Bias Indicators
The addition of start-line-favored end indicators provides a quick visual reference for port or starboard line bias. Line bias of 10° or more is shown as double arrows to grab your attention.
