Wouter de Bie, a Director of Engineering at Datadog, shares his experience of integrating advanced technology into his sailboat, Second Wind, to enhance sailing performance and safety. Originally from the Netherlands, de Bie combines his data expertise with his passion for sailing, using a Raspberry Pi and NMEA 2000 protocol to connect various instruments on his 37 ft Hunter Legend. This setup allows him to gather and analyze data related to speed, depth, wind conditions, and vessel positioning. By installing an AIS transponder and integrating a wind transducer, de Bie significantly improves navigational safety and data collection, allowing for real-time analysis and visualization via Datadog's APIs. His project not only enhances his sailing experience but also provides insights into optimizing routes and understanding environmental conditions. As he prepares to sail his boat from New York to New Orleans, de Bie reflects on the potential for turning data-driven hobbies into a career, inviting others to explore similar opportunities at Datadog.