A good countdown timer is the one piece of electronics almost every racing sailor wears. The Windie Timer Pro, now sold as the Windie Sailing Timer, does a few things very well: it counts down the start, keeps you in sync, and times the race.
Here is how sailors and coaches use it, and where else a waterproof countdown stopwatch is useful.
At the start of a sailing race
This is what the Windie Timer Pro was built for. Set the 5-4-1-0 sequence, press start on the warning signal, and sync on the preparatory signal if you are off. In the final seconds the timer beeps at 3, 2 and 1 and gives a long beep on the start, so your eyes stay on the line. Read the full routine on the Windie Timer Pro page.
In training
Coaches love short sequences. The 3 minute and 1 minute modes let sailors practise many starts in a session. The repeat function restarts the countdown automatically, so drills run back to back without anyone touching the watch.
During the race
After the gun the timer counts up. Sailors use it to time the first beat, compare legs between races, and learn how long a lap takes in different winds. Over a season, these times show real progress.
Beyond sailing
A waterproof countdown stopwatch is useful in other water and outdoor sports too:
- Rowing and paddling: interval training with countdowns between pieces.
- Swimming and open water: waterproof to 50 metres, with large buttons for cold hands.
- Running and cycling intervals: simple countdown and count up without a phone.
- Race officials in other sports: start countdowns for canoe and paddle races.
What to look for in a race timer
- The start sequences your class uses, including 5-4-1-0.
- A sync button that is easy to find without looking.
- Loud beeps in the final seconds.
- A display you can read with polarised sunglasses.
- Real water resistance, not just splash proof.
