Satellite

In maritime use, a satellite is an artificial spacecraft that supports vessels at sea by relaying position, communications and environmental data between orbit, shore stations and onboard equipment. Satellites underpin GPS navigation, satellite internet or messaging, distress alerting, and the collection of weather observations used in marine forecasts.

For boaters, satellites improve safety and decision-making beyond mobile coverage. They help confirm GPS position, keep crew connected on offshore passages, and enable access to updated GRIB forecasts for route choices. Reliable satellite data also supports Weather Routing, helping avoid heavy weather, optimise fuel or sail performance, and maintain shore contact.

PredictWind users commonly rely on satellites through the Offshore App for low-bandwidth forecast downloads at sea, and through compatible devices feeding tracking and vessel data into DataHub. Good Satellite Connectivity turns remote cruising, racing and professional operations into better-informed passages, especially when coastal networks are unavailable.