Over the next few weeks we will share a series of information that together form an essential guide to sailing. The aim is to inform those who are taking their first steps in the world of nautical electronics and to refresh the memory of the most experienced on the basic notions of sailing instrumentation.

If you have sailed in dinghies or small boats, you will be used to measuring wind speed and direction.

without using instruments. The fact that these small boats do not have electronics forces you to do all the calculations yourself.

However, when it comes to larger boats, you have the option of using electronic devices in addition to your skills. Having accurate instruments is your best defense against the unexpected, not to mention that they help you stay on course to reach your destination safely and following the best possible route. Instruments do not replace your skills or knowledge as a navigator, but rather help you improve and validate them.

It's essential that your instrumentation is durable, highly visible, and has an easy-to-use interface and menu - after all, the last thing we want is to spend time trying to figure out what our electronics are telling us. Look for bright, clear displays that are readable from all angles and in plenty of light. Another factor to consider is compatibility. There's no point in having a state-of-the-art chartplotter if it can't display data from your wind equipment and give you the information you need most.