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In high-performance offshore sailing, reliability is everything. When conditions are extreme and decisions must be made instantly, having access to accurate data—anytime, anywhere on the boat—can make all the difference.
For British offshore sailor Will Harris, recognized for his leadership and performance at the highest level of the sport, this is not theoretical—it’s daily reality. As co-skipper in campaigns such as The Ocean Race with Team Malizia and winner of the 2025 Admiral’s Cup, Will Harris operates in some of the most demanding environments in modern sailing.
His experience offers a clear insight into how SailProof tablets are being used in real-world, high-stakes scenarios.
From Offshore Racing to Inshore Performance
During the Admiral’s Cup, Will Harris used the SailProof tablet across both inshore and offshore racing on a fully crewed yacht. One of the key challenges was maintaining constant access to navigation software typically located below deck. The solution was simple: stream that data directly to the tablet.
What stood out immediately was usability in motion. With a wrist strap, Will Harris could secure the tablet while actively sailing, moving across the boat, assisting with maneuvers like tacks, and instantly returning to navigation tasks without disruption.
This seamless transition between physical performance and tactical decision-making is critical in competitive sailing, where seconds matter.
Built for Real Conditions at Sea
Racing yachts are exposed, wet, and constantly in motion. Devices that work in controlled environments often fail when faced with saltwater, spray, and sunlight.
According to Will, this is where SailProof clearly stands apart.“The boat is very exposed, gets very wet, and I was able to use the touchscreen very well even though it was super wet,” he explains. “Having a sunlight-readable display is really important for these conditions.”
The tablet remained fully functional in heavy spray, with a responsive touchscreen even when soaked. Its sunlight-readable display ensured visibility in all conditions—essential when sailing in open waters under direct sun. In his words, it performs “much better than any sort of iPad or anything like that” in these environments.
A Heads-Up Display for Modern Racing
During The Ocean Race with Team Malizia, Will explains that they spent significantly more time steering the boat. From the helming position, they couldn’t see the onboard instruments located inside, which made access to real-time data more challenging.
Here, the SailProof tablet became a critical interface. Mounted within view, it acts as a real-time heads-up display, giving the helmsman access to key data: navigation, autopilot systems, and live instrument feeds. By connecting directly to onboard systems, it ensures that essential information is always accessible—even in the most physically demanding positions on the boat.
Again, reliability under exposure was key. Constant waves, water impact, and sunlight did not affect performance, allowing the crew to depend on the device throughout the race.
A True Backup System at Sea
Beyond performance, redundancy is a fundamental principle in offshore sailing. Systems can fail, and when they do, having a reliable backup is critical.
The SailProof tablet, with its built-in dual-frequency GPS and installed navigation charts (such as Navionics), serves as a standalone navigation tool. “It was basically like a fail-safe—if we were to lose all the instruments or have a blackout on the boat, I knew I could go straight to the SailProof and have high-quality GPS and navigation,” Will Harris explains. This level of independence transforms the device from a support tool into a true safety asset onboard.
Technology That Matches the Demands of Modern Sailors
Will Harris represents a new generation of offshore sailors—combining technical expertise, physical performance, and strategic thinking at the highest level.
His use of SailProof highlights a broader shift in sailing: the need for technology that doesn’t just assist, but adapts to real conditions and enhances performance without compromise.
