I am sure I have seen a number of autopiolts with joysticks - it doesn't seem that new to me!

Joysticks per se aren't new but the software and interfaces are advancing rapidly to make them safer, more reliable and more user friendly. The capture feature seems to be new but not sure from the article how it works. I'd like to upgrade my autopilot in the next year or two so I will be having a good look at companies like Simrad and Raymarine at the Southampton show.

Yes, joysticks have been around for a while, but you only have to compare the ones from the 1980's game consels to the one on your mobile to see how much they have improved.

I have to say I prefer the touch screens, though they don't seem to last so long.

We'll try and get one in for testing to let you know what it is life Chas