Navigate the challenging waters of Puget Sound with confidence using cutting-edge AI technology
Note: At the time of posting this article, all links were valid.
OceanConnect emerges as the top choice for Salish Sea sailing with its high-resolution current predictions specifically designed for these complex waters, while PredictWind's AI polars provide the most advanced weather routing for serious mariners.
OceanConnect - Free, Salish Sea-specific
PredictWind - AI Polars & Routing
WRAS - Whale protection alerts
About the Author: This guide was authored by Toni Bailey, co-founder of Oregon Coast AI and experienced sailor who has navigated the waters around Vancouver Island and Puget Sound for over 20 years. Toni's expertise in both sailing and AI technology provides unique insights into how these apps perform in real-world Salish Sea conditions.
| App | AI Features | Price/Year | Salish Sea Focus | Whale Protection | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OceanConnect | ★★★★★ | FREE | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | Local sailing |
| PredictWind | ★★★★★ | $29-$249 | ★★★★ | ★★ | Racing/Pro |
| Orca | ★★★★ | $45-$160 | ★★★★ | ★★ | Navigation |
| Windy | ★★★★ | $19-$60 | ★★★ | ★ | Weather |
| Navionics | ★★ | $49.99 | ★★★★ | ★ | Charts |
| SailGrib WR | ★★★ | $28-$70 | ★★★ | ★ | Budget routing |
| SailFlow | ★★★ | Free-$49 | ★★★ | ★ | Conditions |
| WRAS | ★★ | FREE | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Conservation |
Best Overall for Salish Sea
Built specifically for the Salish Sea by the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS Pacific), OceanConnect delivers the most accurate current predictions available for these complex waters. Unlike other forecasters, it provides high-resolution current maps up to 40 hours into the future.
2025 Testimonial: "I tested OceanConnect during a 40-kilometer trip from Sidney Island to Mayne Island in June 2025. The app correctly predicted favorable currents through a narrow waterway that typically blocks northwest winds. We made it to the music festival before dark - exactly as the app forecast!" - Local sailor and app tester
Best for: Recreational sailors focused on Puget Sound and Salish Sea who want accurate, free current predictions
Most Advanced AI Features
PredictWind's game-changing AI Polars technology learns your unique sailing style and boat performance in real-time. The system tracks your actual sailing data to create hyper-accurate weather routing that matches your boat's location with predicted weather routes.
2025 User Review: "The AI Polars completely changed my racing performance in the Salish Sea. The system learned how I sail at night versus day conditions and now provides incredibly accurate routing through the complex currents around the San Juan Islands." - Mike Chen, Seattle Yacht Club
Best for: Serious sailors and racers who want professional-grade AI weather routing and performance optimization
Modern Navigation Excellence
Orca represents the future of marine navigation with its intuitive interface and intelligent routing capabilities. The app provides weather-aware routing that automatically adjusts for changing conditions, making it perfect for navigating the unpredictable Salish Sea weather patterns.
2025 Review: "Orca's automatic rerouting saved our weekend trip when weather conditions changed rapidly near the San Juan Islands. The app sent real-time alerts and suggested an alternate route that kept us safe and on schedule." - Sarah Mitchell, Bellingham
Best for: Modern sailors who want sleek interfaces and intelligent navigation with strong integration capabilities
Conservation-Focused Navigation
WRAS is essential for responsible boating in the Salish Sea, where endangered southern resident killer whales face threats from vessel strikes and underwater noise pollution. The app alerts mariners when whales are within 10 nautical miles, supporting Washington State's vessel slowdown initiatives.
Conservation Impact: "WRAS has been instrumental in reducing noise and physical impacts to endangered southern resident killer whales. The real-time alerts help commercial mariners and large vessels implement noise-reduction initiatives effectively." - Ocean Wise Marine Biologist
Best for: All Salish Sea mariners committed to protecting marine mammals and supporting conservation efforts
AI Weather Powerhouse
Features the EXP3 AI-powered coastal wind model with 30% improved accuracy. Premium subscriptions range from $19-60/year with enhanced forecasting capabilities.
Marine Chart Leader
The gold standard for marine charts with detailed Puget Sound coverage. Recent price increase to $49.99/year reflects premium chart quality and daily updates.
Budget Weather Routing
Affordable weather routing solution at $28-70/year. Comprehensive navigation features with 300+ polar files for different sailboats.
Real-Time Conditions
AI-enhanced nearcast technology using data from 50,000+ weather stations. Free tier available with premium features for enhanced accuracy.
OceanConnect - Web-based, no installation required
PredictWind - Requires DataHub for full AI features
Orca - Optimized for tablets and phones
SailFlow - Instant conditions from 50,000 stations
PredictWind - Comprehensive departure planning
Orca - Real-time route adjustments
OceanConnect, WRAS - Simple interfaces
Windy, Navionics - Standard sailing knowledge
PredictWind, SailGrib - Weather routing expertise
OceanConnect
Free, Salish Sea-specific current predictions with high accuracy
PredictWind
AI polars and professional weather routing for competitive sailing
Orca
Intuitive interface with smart navigation features
Windy
Comprehensive weather data with AI-enhanced coastal forecasts
Navionics
Premium marine charts with detailed Puget Sound coverage
WRAS
Essential for protecting southern resident killer whales
Ultra-high-resolution 100m tidal current maps covering 90% of global coastlines
Automates Canadian Hydrographic Service tidal current plates for Pacific Northwest waters
National whale protection app for reporting sightings and avoiding vessel strikes
Basic NOAA-based marine weather with buoy data integration
Simple tide predictions with lunar calendar for basic navigation needs
Traditional chartplotter functionality with weather overlay capabilities
Navionics doubled pricing to $49.99/year in late 2024, reflecting Garmin acquisition impacts
OceanConnect and WRAS provide high-quality free alternatives for Salish Sea sailors
Advanced AI capabilities increasingly available only in premium tiers ($100+/year)
• App Store & Google Play: All apps available
• OceanConnect: Direct web access at oceanconnect.ca
• WRAS: ocean.org/whales/wras/
Revolutionary AI learning system launched, providing personalized boat performance data
Extended coverage beyond Salish Sea to include outer Pacific Northwest coast
30% accuracy improvement in coastal wind forecasting with Great Lakes coverage
New premium tier with advanced AI routing and real-time weather adaptation
New AI camera systems for automatic whale detection and ship strike prevention
Better cross-platform data sharing between navigation and conservation apps
Apps adapting to changing Salish Sea conditions due to climate change
For Salish Sea sailing, the combination of OceanConnect's free current predictions, WRAS whale protection alerts, and your choice of premium weather routing creates an unbeatable navigation setup that respects both performance and marine conservation.
OceanConnect + WRAS
Free comprehensive coverage
Add PredictWind Standard
$249/year for AI routing
Include Navionics charts
Full navigation solution
Click to begin the decision process
Testing Period: June 2024 - January 2025
Hours on Water: 40+ hours practical testing
Conditions Tested: Various Salish Sea conditions including challenging tidal races
Follow-up: 30-day usage tracking completed
Co-founder, Oregon Coast AI
After sailing adventures spanning over two decades, I've now dropped anchor in beautiful Oregon to be closer to family and new opportunities. My journey has taken me from open ocean sunsets to the challenging waters Pacific, and each chapter has shaped who I am as both a sailor and technology professional. Today, as co-founder of Oregon Coast AI with my partner Ken, I combine my sailing expertise with cutting-edge AI technology to help mariners navigate more safely and efficiently while protecting the marine environments we love.