The Atlantic Crossing Weather & Communications: Webinar 2 Webinar was recorded on the 2nd October 2024
Here is the link to the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mrWj9aD0E3w
This webinar explores the essential tools and features to help you navigate an Atlantic crossing, focusing on weather routing and communication solutions for offshore sailing. Topics covered include:
Communications: DataHub, Starlink, Iridium GO!®, Iridium GO! exec® and GPS Tracking. PredictWind Offshore App: How to use the Offshore App on a satellite connection, including Starlink, Iridium GO! exec® and Iridium GO!®
Wave routing, GMDSS maps, and AIS while offshore, including OHA (Over the Horizon AIS), extreme weather warnings, and currents maps.
ECMWF long-range forecast.
Below, we answer the 9 most commonly asked questions:
1/ What key components do I need to get my weather data while offshore
You need a PredictWind Subscription, Satellite Hardware, a Data/Airtime Plan.
PredictWind Subscription and App: You will require the 'Standard' or 'Professional' forecast subscription to PredictWind to access this weather forecasting service, routing, departure planning, and GPS tracking. We sell 3-month & 1-year subscriptions. To purchase the subscription, please follow the links here. The PredictWind Subscription allows use of both the PredictWind website and PredictWind App with access to high speed internet. The Offshore App is designed to work as an offline tool suitable for Iridium, Starlink, Email other offshore satellite communications.
Hardware: We recommend the Iridium GO or Iridium GO! exec satellite device as the most reliable and safest option for offshore passages. If you have Starlink or the Iridium Go! Exec, the DataHub is required for GPS tracking.
Data & Airtime Plan: We sell data/airtime plans for the Iridium GO and Iridium Go! exec. The airtime plan allows your Iridium system to connect with satellites, so you can make phone calls, send & receive SMS, email, GPS track and download all the PredictWind weather data. The most popular plans by far are the Unlimited plans. The Iridium airtime plans are a month-by-month subscription.
2/ Can I get all the PredictWind forecast data, weather routing, and departure planning via Starlink
Yes, we have extensively tested PredictWind on the Starlink network, and we can confidently say that they work seamlessly together. Note that to utilize PredictWind GPS tracking with Starlink, you will need a GPS tracking device. We recommend a DataHub.
3/ If I have Starlink, why should I have a backup device like an Iridium GO! or Iridium 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 from satellite to cellular when needed, ensuring your tracking page stays current. Plus, it offers features like firewall protection, PredictMail, generating AI boat polars, accessing N2K data, and broadcasting GPS and AIS. 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/ Will an inReach, BivyStick or Zoleo device work with PredictWind
InReach, Bivy and Zoleo cannot receive detailed weather data like GRIB files, Weather Routing, Departure Planning, GMDSS forecasts, AIS, and satellite imagery. They use the Iridium short burst data modem, which does not work with our PredictWind system for accessing weather data. If your primary goal is GPS Tracking, then inReach, Bivy or Zoleo are good products, and we can support you with GPS tracking. But the Iridium GO! or the new Iridium Go! exec are far better devices for offshore/remote sailing, in our opinion.
8/ 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 an Iridium 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
9/ 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: https://shop.predictwind.com/service-shop?type=onboarding-service.