September 9, 2023
34.0424° S, 23.0440° E
Critical activities this week included the set up and commissioning of our boat communication systems.
Staying connected (when we want to), remains an important part of the journey but requires a few more tools than when land-based to support life aboard a sea roaming vessel.
In addition to the self-contained boat network system (router, WiFi and Cell extender to grab/local available networks), we made a last-minute decision before leaving Rhode Island and supplemented our package with Elon’s magical Starlink providing satellite communication 24×7 around the world (coverage areas and pocketbook permitting). The technology is changing so quickly and from a safety perspective is worthy of individually evaluating when deciding the pros (connectivity, safety) and cons (cost, and loss of some of the romance that comes with an unplugged existence).
Additionally, we are outfitted with the tried and true IridiumGo (also known as Iridiumslow) satelite link which will serve as our primary back up system for the upcoming Atlantic crossing. Between Starlink and IridiumGO, coupled with various software packages (more later on that), our decisions on when and where to go will be better informed.
Closing the week focused on setting up and commissioning the boats navigational systems – all the various boat hardware instruments and navigation tools you’d expect ,wind, depth, boat speed, navigational chart plotter, VHF radio, AIS etc. etc.. We have also set up Predict Wind which is used for weather forecasts and trip routing. Our Predict Wind package includes a GPS boat tracker. This feature provides updates as to where the boat is, displays the wind patterns we are facing and allows us to add messages and photos along the way.
Follow along at https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/SV_Slainte/
While we are anxious to be out and getting after it, addressing the boat punch list now and ensuring the critical systems are in place remains the priority near term.
