B&G USA 0011718001 Wind Sensor

Imagine you're out on the water, trimming sails for that perfect race start, and you need a quick, reliable glance at your apparent wind angle without squinting at a tiny digital screen. That's where the B&G H5000 Analog Magnified Apparent Wind Angle Display shines. This isn't just another gauge—it's a sailor's trusted companion that blends timeless analog style with cutting-edge precision, helping you make split-second decisions that win races or ensure smooth cruising.

Crafted for serious sailors who value clarity and reliability, this display pulls real-time data from your H5000 system, magnifying the apparent wind angle for effortless readability from across the cockpit. Apparent wind angle (AWA) is crucial because it tells you exactly how the wind feels on your boat right now—key for optimizing sail trim, tacking, or gybing. Unlike true wind, which is the actual breeze unaffected by your boat's motion, AWA factors in your speed and heading, giving you the practical info needed to outperform competitors.

Why Sailors Choose This Analog Display for Performance Sailing

In the world of competitive sailing, every degree counts. Traditional digital displays can overwhelm with data, but this analog version keeps it simple: a bold, sweeping needle that instantly conveys your AWA. Paired with the H5000 processor's advanced algorithms, it delivers accuracy down to fractions of a degree, filtering out noise from choppy seas or gusts. Racers on J/ Boats or TP52s swear by it for its no-fuss reliability during high-pressure moments like mark roundings.

What sets it apart from older analogs? Enhanced calibration stability and integration with modern networks. It taps into NMEA 2000, so your wind data flows seamlessly from masthead sensors through the H5000 Hydra CPU, even sharing with chartplotters or crew displays. No more guesswork—your whole team stays synced.

Effortless Installation That Saves Time and Frustration

Setting up sailing electronics shouldn't feel like a refit project. This display's front-mounted, low-profile design hugs the bulkhead without protruding, keeping your cockpit sleek and safe. The daisy-chain wiring simplifies runs—connect multiple analogs in series, cutting cable clutter and install time by up to 50%. Even if you're not a marine electrician, the plug-and-play NMEA 2000 backbone makes it straightforward. Mount it near the helm, link to your H5000 bus, and you're reading wind angles in minutes.

Pro tip: Position it at eye level for the helmsman and trimmer. In my experience tweaking setups on offshore racers, this placement reduces head movement, letting you focus on boat speed instead of straining to read.

Built to Withstand the Harsh Marine Environment

Salt spray, UV exposure, and slamming through waves demand rugged gear. This display features high-integrity construction with a toughened glass window that resists cracks from accidental winch handles or crew traffic. The mechanical drive is over-engineered for longevity, outlasting plastic alternatives that fog or fade after a season.

Durability extends to the internals: sealed against moisture ingress (IPX7 rated in the H5000 lineup), it handles tropical downpours or North Atlantic gales. Sailors report these holding up through multiple Vendée Globe qualifiers, proving they're not just for weekend warriors.

Superior Visibility Day or Night

During twilight races or night passages, visibility is non-negotiable. The clear night lighting illuminates the scale without glare, using soft LED backlighting that preserves your night vision. No harsh spots—just crisp needle movement against a calibrated dial. It's dimmable too, syncing with your H5000 lighting controls for cockpit harmony.

Think about those predawn starts in Soling fleets: this display ensures you're not fumbling in the dark, trimming by feel alone.

Maximizing Your H5000 System's Potential

This analog pairs perfectly with the H5000 ecosystem, where the processor crunches data from anemometers, log sensors, and GPS for holistic boat performance. Use AWA alongside polar tables to hit target speeds, or layer it with startline functions for perfect timing. Cruisers benefit too—monitor shifts for relaxed downwind runs without constant app-checking.

Beyond wind, the system's expandability lets you add compass repeats or speed analogs, creating a full analog suite that feels vintage yet performs like black magic.

Real-World Sailing Scenarios Where It Excels

• Racing Upwind: Spot small AWA changes to pinch higher without stalling.
• Downwind Runs: Fine-tune spinnaker trim as apparent wind lifts.
• Coastal Cruising: Quick checks to reef early in building breeze.
• Team Regattas: Consistent data for tactician calls across the boat.

Feedback from Etchells and Melges 24 sailors highlights how it builds confidence—less reliance on crew shouts, more on precise visuals.

Equip your boat with this display, and elevate from reactive sailing to proactive performance. It's the analog edge in a digital world.