Navigation systems on ocean-racing yachts have developed significantly over the last ten years, due to advances in communications systems, position fixing systems, and computer systems. This paper looks at the systems being used on boats competing in offshore racing events, discusses some of the shortcomings of existing technology, and also looks at areas of future development. We take the term ocean racing to cover events of such duration that the weather systems along the route are not able to be known in advance. Thus, for example, this excludes most Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) races, as these finish within a day or two of starting.
