The 2025 Atlantic Crossing series Webinar 2: Offshore Essentials was recorded on the 24th September 2025.

📺 Watch the Recording
You can now watch the full session on YouTube here.

👉 YouTube Recording – 2025 Atlantic Crossing Part 2

In this session, we explored the must-have tools that keep you safe and connected on any offshore passage, including:

Offshore App: GRIBs, routing, and offline access when nothing else works offshore
Leveraging your DataHub: Over-the-Horizon AIS, AI Polars, and GPS Tracking to keep you informed & prepared
Backup comms that work: Starlink, Iridium, and other options to stay connected offshore

Below, we answer the 8 most commonly asked questions:

1/ Why do you have different apps and websites? Which one should I use?

PredictWind App (iOS/Android)

The PredictWind App is designed for everyday use on your mobile device. It gives quick access to forecasts, maps, and routing while you’re connected to the internet or cellular service. Perfect for coastal sailing and trip planning on the go. It can also be used on Starlink.

PredictWind Website (predictwind.com)

The PredictWind website offers the full feature set with the most detailed weather maps, models, and planning tools. It’s best for setting up polars, pre-departure planning, and route analysis. It can be easily used with Starlink.

Offshore App (iOS/Android, Mac/PC)

The Offshore App is designed for use during offshore and ocean passages. It works with low-bandwidth satellite connections, allowing you to download GRIBs, run weather routing, and plan departures. You can also use it offline once your data is downloaded, making it essential for power saving and monitoring data usage. Starlink, Iridium, SSB and email compatible.

2/ Why should I update my weather forecast and route every 12 hours?

Re-running your weather route every 12 hours ensures your passage plan remains aligned with the latest global forecast data, enabling you to navigate more effectively and safely. When you’re on passage, conditions can change quickly, and the best route at the start of your trip may not stay the best as the weather evolves. That’s why it’s essential to re-run your weather routing every 12 hours while offshore.

The reason is simple: PredictWind’s global weather models are updated every 12 hours. Each new model run incorporates the latest forecast data from around the world. By updating your route when these new forecasts become available, you’re making decisions based on the most current information.

Updating ensures you can:

Adjust your course for safer, more comfortable sailing.
Take advantage of favourable winds and currents.
Avoid unexpected weather systems.
Increase confidence that your plan reflects real-time conditions, not yesterday’s forecast.

3/ If I have Starlink, why should I have a backup device like an Iridium GO! or GO exec

While Starlink is an excellent product, it's important to be aware of its limitations when deciding which satellite system is best suited for your needs on the water. Factors such as coverage limitations, power consumption, portability (especially for SOS and abandon ship procedures), size, power draw, and reliability are all crucial considerations.

To ensure the safety of your boat, family, and crew, we strongly advise visiting our website at https://www.predictwind.com/starlink/. Here, you will be able to gain a thorough understanding of all the essential factors you should consider before making an informed decision.

4/ What is a DataHub, and why do I need one

The DataHub is your all-in-one solution for GPS tracking, data management, and communication. Whether you're offshore or inshore, it seamlessly handles your GPS tracking, data sharing, and communications. It can switch seamlessly between satellite and cellular networks when needed, ensuring your tracking page remains up-to-date. Additionally, it provides features such as OHA Over the Horizon AIS, PredictWind Anchor App integration, firewall protection, PredictMail, AI-generated boat polars, access to N2K data, and broadcasting of GPS and AIS data. Once you have purchased the DataHub, there are no ongoing fees or contracts with the DataHub, just the requirement of a standard or professional PredictWind forecast subscription for GPS tracking services. The AI Polar feature is a professional-level feature.

5/ Can I find out more about GPS tracking

PredictWind can provide a customized GPS tracking web page for your boat. You can insert this page into your website or blog. Alternatively, you can just email the website link to friends and family so they can follow your adventures. You can find out more about our GPS tracking services here.

6/ How do I set up my boat polars, and do you have my boat in the predefined list?

Boat polars describe your boat speed and true wind angle in any given weather situation. Setting the polars up in your PredictWind account is important for an accurate weather route. It is essential you set the polars up in your account before using the weather routing and departure planning tool on any of the PredictWind platforms. To set up your boat polars, follow the Help Centre article here

7/ What is Over the Horizon (OHA) AIS

With Over the Horizon AIS (OHA), you can view AIS data up to 300 nautical miles directly into Chartplotters and Navigation Apps.

The DataHub (required) fetches OHA data from Starlink, 4/5G LTE cellular, or a GO exec connection, converts it into NMEA format, and transmits it to your vessel's instrumentation or Navigation Apps via WiFi or NMEA.

For detailed instructions on OHA, see the help article: What is Over the Horizon AIS

8/ How can I learn more about all the features?

To learn more about all the features of PredictWind, we recommend exploring our comprehensive help center, which covers all aspects of PredictWind: https://help.predictwind.com/en/.

If you prefer more personalized assistance, we offer dedicated one-on-one training sessions with our expert team. You can arrange an onboarding session to get hands-on guidance.

For a smoother and more personalized setup experience, we highly suggest purchasing the PredictWind Onboarding service, which connects you with one of our experienced support experts. You can purchase the onboarding service here.