Raymarine has unveiled the RCU-1, a wireless autopilot remote that lets owners control steering while moving around the yacht. The handheld adds Point and Go steering, vessel-data display and a Solo Sailor safety mode.
Raymarine quotes up to 30 days of battery life from two AA cells and a 98ft, or 30m, wireless range through the WG-1 gateway. The remote is aimed at sailors, anglers and cruising owners who often work away from the main helm.
Point and Go simplifies course changes
Instead of entering a heading numerically, the user can point the controller toward the desired direction and command the autopilot to steer there. That can be useful when trimming sails, handling lines or managing fishing gear away from a fixed display.
The feature reduces the number of steps needed for a simple course alteration, although the skipper remains responsible for checking traffic, depth and navigational hazards. Wireless convenience does not change watchkeeping obligations.
Solo Sailor adds an automatic response
The Solo Sailor mode can react to a man-overboard event by turning the vessel into the wind and slowing toward a near stop if the wearer falls overboard or the Bluetooth link is lost. The response is intended to reduce the distance the yacht travels before action begins.
No automated feature replaces a proper MOB plan, harness use or physical recovery equipment. It does, however, add another layer of response for people operating a yacht with limited crew.
Core data travels with the skipper
The remote can display heading, speed, depth and waypoint information drawn from NMEA 2000 and SeaTalkNG networks. This makes the RCU-1 more than a steering keypad because the person on deck retains access to essential navigation information.
The quoted 30m range should cover many sub-24m yachts when the gateway is positioned correctly. Real range can still be affected by structure, interference and where the user is standing onboard.
Everyday practicality matters
Replaceable AA batteries avoid the need for a charging cradle after long periods in storage, and Raymarine quotes up to 30 days of operation using its power-saving modes. That is useful for equipment that may be kept in a cockpit locker between passages.
Owners will still need to confirm compatibility with their existing autopilot generation and network architecture before installation. A simple remote is most valuable when it integrates cleanly with the electronics already fitted to the yacht.
