Since launching the GO! exec, 88% of our exec customers are now using PredictMail as their offshore email service. PredictMail is also now available on the original Iridium GO! with a DataHub.

PredictChat - Free companion app for PredictMail

We’ve just launched the PredictChat App for offshore SMS and WhatsApp messaging, on a satellite connection that is paired with a DataHub. PredictChat is a free companion App for your PredictMail account. 

Available for iOS and Android. 
*Whatsapp voice and video calls not included

Send and receive WhatsApp and SMS messages with over 95% less data usage. If you use the Unlimited plan on the GO! exec, you will automatically have unlimited data for PredictMail / PredictChat usage with text and photos.

GO! exec Unlimited Plan - Never get bill shock

Unlimited PredictWind forecasts, tools and communication.

The GO! exec does not have an SMS service, so PredictChat is the only way to send an SMS using the GO! exec. The functionality can be extremely useful when you need to make contact urgently without making a voice call.

Our virtual phone numbers deliver SMS in almost every country in the world, and so the cost for the recipient to reply in those countries is only the cost of a local SMS text message.

Get the Unlimited Data Plan for unlimited* PredictWind services and pre-paid AnyApp Data for when you want full internet access. Avoid bill shock and never get stuck without essential services while offshore.

*Unlimited PredictWind data. GRIB downloads in the Offshore App are limited to 4MB/day. Requires a Standard or Pro forecast subscription.

Get Offshore Email, SMS and WhatsApp messaging 
with 95% less data usage.

Email, SMS and Whatsapp with 95% less data usage. 

We are delighted to announce the release of PredictCurrent, the world’s most advanced and comprehensive tidal current model. Covering most of the world’s coastlines, PredictCurrent is a world first, giving you critical tidal current information in a detailed high-resolution map.

With a 400m resolution model within 90 km of the coast and a 4km resolution out to 600 km offshore, you can now see the current flow with an incredible level of detail and accuracy. In areas with complex bathymetry and high tidal flows, we have an ultra high resolution PredictCurrent tidal model down to 100m resolution for even greater accuracy.

With coverage of almost all the coastlines in the world, you can now access tidal current maps wherever you go. You are now the local expert when it comes to tidal currents! 

We’ve combined the Mercator ocean currents with our tidal currents model, so in areas with significant ocean currents, you have the most accurate data possible. There’s no need to refer to different sources, as it’s now combined in to one map.

PredictCurrent High Resolution GRIB files can be downloaded and viewed in the Offshore App on PC and Mac. The GRIB files can be used in any 3rd party navigation and routing software.

The PredictCurrent model been tested against tidal current observation stations and other current models on the market, and it shows an excellent correlation for accuracy.

The PredictCurrent data is also included in our Weather Routing and Departure Planning tools, giving you even greater accuracy. Warnings about dangerous wind against current situations are shown in the extreme weather alerts.

¹ Standard or Pro subscription required. 

View the worlds most advanced tidal current model.

We’ve created a specialized PredictCurrent App which gives you access to the same incredibly detailed current data.

 to quickly see the current speed/direction, wind speed/direction, swell height/direction/period and tidal height for any forecast location. This data is only available in the PredictCurrent App and is available free of charge.

Only available in the PredictCurrent app.

Be advised when wind is against current. This is a key factor for fishermen, sailors, and any boater, that can generate uncomfortable and dangerous sea states.

, to find the best place to fish or the fastest route back home.

If you don’t require all the PredictWind forecasts and tools and only need currents and ocean data, then the PredictCurrent app is perfect for you. Get it for only 

View the worlds most advanced
tidal current model.

The World’s most advanced tidal currents model.

In part two of my chat with former Olympian and 2x America's Cup winner, Jon Bilger discusses the operations behind the juggernaut that is PredictWind, thresholds for sailing safely in open waters and much more.

Jon Bilger - PredictWind founder & owner - part 2

While it’s essential to monitor the conditions when choosing the best weather window for departure, equally important is being well-versed in obtaining and interpreting weather data while offshore – keeping up with the latest evolving weather movements enables you to position yourself to take advantage of favourable winds and avoid dangerous conditions.

How to weather forecast on passage

This show is all about how this amazing weather portal came about, through its early days of gestation to the huge amounts of financial investment now invested in collecting the data to make it what has become.

We also get to find out more about the people behind it including Jon Bilger the founder and CEO along with an early adopter Dave Kitson.

To celebrate this first episode of the PredictWind podcast we are delighted to offer a free trial to you our lovely listeners……just use the promo code “onboard” this will enable you to enjoy 2 weeks of PredictWind Pro over the coming month for FREE!!

You need to have registered a free account then in a web browser, not the app, follow the instructions in the video here using the promo code “onboard”

Meet the founder and get a free 2 week trial of PredictWind

PredictWind’s latest innovation, Advanced Weather Routing for Powerboats, is a refined feature tailored exclusively for powerboat enthusiasts and is poised to revolutionize how powerboaters plan their coastal and offshore passages.

PredictWind’s Latest Innovation Benefits Powerboating Experience

Weather forecasting at sea is crucial for maintaining safety, ensuring efficient operations, and promoting responsible and informed decision-making during maritime activities. PredictWind has developed a safety plan to complement the Starlink model and expand PredictWind's efforts in maritime safety.

PredictWinds new Safety Plan is Designed to Complement Starlink at Sea

We chat to Jon Bilger, Olympic sailor, weather forecaster for Alinghi throughout the Americas Cup and founder of PredictWind. This conversation went everywhere. Jon has a great sailing history and he tells a story with Kiwi humour. Plus we were able to go deep into weather modelling and open up our understanding of all the tools it offers. Of course we came up with a lot of business ideas, one of which I guarantee Google will pick up and run with. It was another cracker of an episode. If you go sailing this episode will give you information that will make your time on the water better. Enjoy!

Founder of PredictWind Reveals the Power of Weather Forecasting

The seas are everchanging. That doesn’t mean we can’t anticipate them. Meet New Zealand sailor Jon Bilger, designer of a revolutionary maritime navigational tool.

Olympian Turned Entrepreneur Created Google Maps of the Ocean

We are excited to introduce Power Routing, a completely new weather routing feature for Powerboats. This is unquestionably the most advanced weather routing feature on the market, and will transform the safety and comfort of your coastal and offshore trips. 

In addition to finding the most fuel efficient route, you can see key safety and comfort metrics like roll, vertical acceleration, and boat slamming.

The smartest powerboat routing on earth

Power Routing performs billions of calculations to find the most comfortable or the most fuel efficient route. Our new powerboat algorithm factors in wind and wave drag, and the world's most comprehensive ocean and tidal currents, to find the optimal route.

Enter your boats height, displacement, waterline length, beam and draught. This data is then run through aerodynamic and hydrodynamic modelling to calculate how your unique boat shape will interact with all wind and wave conditions.

The most fuel efficient route is the fastest and often the most comfortable route. Power Routing uses advanced hydrodynamic modelling of your boat characteristics, and the wind and wave forecast, to calculate the roll, vertical acceleration, and boat slamming that you’ll experience along the trip. This lets you know what’s ahead so you can take preventive measures, alter your destination or change your departure timing. 

Use the Departure Planning tool to find the best weather window to depart. The departure planning tool performs a weather route on 4 consecutive days (or departure times) to provide a simple summary and comparison of each departure date.

By selecting the best day to depart you can make significant fuel savings in addition to finding the shortest and most comfortable trip.

Power Routing works just like Google Maps. Simply slide the start and end points on the map, then tap the calculate button. The results are displayed on the map and table for your entire trip, so you can quickly see the optimal route and parts that are uncomfortable or unsafe.

Using PredictWind’s extreme weather warnings, get alerts for lightning, thunderstorms, fog, wind against current, and rain squalls. View the GMDSS national marine weather warnings on the map, along the entire length of your route.

The powerboat algorithm is designed for monohull powerboats from 7m to 24m in waterline length. In November 2023 Powerboat Multihulls will be added. There are no constraints on the cruising speed of the vessel, however, you are required to input your boat's most economic boat speed, economic RPM and corresponding economic fuel consumption for the algorithm to accurately calculate the most fuel efficient and comfortable route.

New Routing technology enhances safety, speed and comfort

PredictWind's latest innovation transforms coastal and offshore passages with advanced weather routing for powerboats.

PredictWind innovative Powerboat Weather Routing Tool

One might say the seas are in PredictWind Founding Director Jon Bilger’s genes. The son of a triple Olympian sailor, Jon set sail at the age of eight, traveling with his father to attend regattas around the world. Jon carried the family legacy forward, sailing on to become an Olympian in his own rite as well as a two-time America’s Cup winner and New Zealand National Champion in multiple classes.

Sailing in the Mediterranean

Olympian, America’s Cup winner, and founder of PredictWind, Jon Bilger, explains how to find the right weather window for cruising sailors

How to find the right weather window

We at PredictWind are thrilled to announce our latest initiative that aims to reshape the way mariners use their communications devices. Recognizing the importance of power, safety, redundancy, and speed in offshore internet connectivity, we are introducing GO! exec 5MB plan which is the perfect companion to those using Starlink at sea.

The perfect complement to your Starlink

We're excited about our role in shaping the future for sailors using Starlink and PredictWind. Alongside high speed offshore internet, it’s important to consider power, safety and redundancy with your communications system.

With the GO! exec and the new 5MB plan you can now run hourly GPS tracking 24/7 with minimal power usage. The GO! exec emergency capabilities keep you safe and give you peace of mind, in a package that is now more affordable than ever.


We’ve created an affordable GO! exec plan specifically for Starlink users.

Four features make the GO! exec with the 5MB Plan an unbeatable solution; emergency capabilities, low power usage, reliability and voice calling.


In a dead ship event such as a lightning strike, where the boat’s batteries are out of action, or a life-raft evacuation, Starlink will be of no use. The GO! exec’s backup battery could literally be a life-saver with 24 hours of standby or 6 hours of talk/data time. The SOS button is an extra safety feature for added peace of mind.

Starlink consumes a lot of power, so is not suitable to be used 24/7 on most boats.

For services like GPS tracking, AI Polars, and the PredictWind Anchor App that require a constant internet connection, the best solution is the GO! exec. This gives you the flexibility to only turn on your Starlink when you need high speed internet.

The GO! exec 5MB plan covers your hourly GPS tracking, AI polars and Anchor Alert monitoring without any data overages.

 is required for PredictWind GPS Tracking.

The GO! exec has an IP 65 waterproof rating, while the Starlink routers have no waterproof rating. The standard Starlink antennae only has an IP54 rating, which a source of potential failure in storms. Starlink does not work in heavy rain due to the K band frequency degradation in these conditions, where as the GO! exec’s L band frequency performs in any conditions.

In the event of a life-raft evacuation or medical emergency, make voice calls directly into the unit with no additional apps or devices requires. Be assured emergency services are aware of your situation and stay in contact until help arrives.

You may choose to use Starlink when at anchor, but use the GO! / GO! exec Unlimited Plan when on passage. This eliminates any power issues and also any potential overages on the Starlink mobile priority plans.

To compare the GO! exec/GO! and Starlink in more detail, visit this 

The perfect compliment to your Starlink

The second generation DataHub 2.0 is a GPS tracking device packed full of new features to make your marine data and communications easier and safer than ever.

GPS tracking page for updates and safety


Share your GPS position, live weather, blog posts and photos, with friends and family. This alerts everyone watching if your boat stops or goes off course with a potential safety issue onboard.

No other device allows you to share your live wind speed, wind direction and boat speed to your GPS tracking page.

The DataHub uses the GPS data from your instrumentation system, for 100% accuracy and reliability.

GPS tracks are saved while you’re offline, then uploaded once your connection is restored.

Our new AI Polars reference real-time data to learn the way you sail your boat, to create hyper-accurate weather routing.

Simply plug in the DataHub to your boat's instruments and turn on the automatic AI Polars. PredictWind will then track your boat’s real-time data and automatically create an optimised boat polar for your unique vessel and sailing style.

View your boats position, live N2K data and weather forecasts, on or off the boat. Customise your alerts then relax knowing your boat is in good hands, with the Anchor Alert App.

Broadcast your internet connection to all of the devices onboard. This is useful when a mobile provider only allows for one hotspot connection.

Collect and upload AIS data from all surrounding vessels to the global AIS network. Also share AIS data with navigation apps such as Navionics.

Use AquaMap, OpenCPN, iNavx, MacENC or GPSNavX to control your autopilot with the DataHub N2K interface.

Record GPS tracks, and key instrument data for future reference or in the event of a collision or insurance claim.

Allow support personnel to log in remotely to the DataHub to diagnose and solve issues throughout the entire vessel.

Automatically switches to your 4G/5G backup connection if your primary internet goes down, so you’re always connected.

Introducing the DataHub 2.0 - New Features

PredictWind, the world leader in marine forecasting, has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation that will redefine the future of weather routing with Automated AI Polars.

PredictWind Introduces Revolutionary AI Polars

Every boat sails differently, but equally, every sailor sails differently. Our new AI Polars will optimise your routes based on your boat’s real-time data and your unique sailing style.

Boat polars represent the performance of your boat in different wind conditions and are critical to creating accurate weather routing results.

Our new AI Polars reference real-time data to learn the way you sail your boat, to create hyper-accurate weather routing.

Up until now this was limited to the realms of professional navigators. PredictWind now makes it simple and easy to get accurate, personalised polars for your boat. This ensures your boat’s location matches the predicted weather route, resulting in a more accurate forecast.

Simply plug in the PredictWind DataHub to your boat's instruments and turn on the automatic AI Polars. PredictWind will then track your boat’s real-time data and automatically create an optimised boat polar for your unique vessel and sailing style.

AI Polars also factor in wave conditions and comfort preferences for realistic weather routing. Hydrodynamic modelling analyses your boat’s unique motion in all wave conditions to give you the most accurate routing on earth.

Weather Routing personalised to the way you sail

Sailors know that no two boats – or skippers – are alike. Recognising this, PredictWind's AI Polars are engineered to optimise routing based on your boat's real-time data combined with your distinctive sailing habits. By understanding your boat's behaviour in all wind and wave conditions, the AI Polar automatically adjusts to give you more accurate routes than ever.

Previously, personalised polars were the exclusive domain of elite navigators. PredictWind has now made it easy and intuitive for every sailor. "With our AI Polars, we are bridging the gap between professional navigators and recreational sailors. Now everyone can benefit from hyper-accurate, tailored weather routing," says Jon Bilger from PredictWind.

Using this feature is as easy as plugging in the PredictWind DataHub to your boat’s instruments and activating AI Polars. The technology springs into action, capturing and interpreting vital data points like boat speed, wave conditions, true wind speed, and true wind angle. In addition, hydrodynamic modelling intricately predicts your boat's movement. In addition, the weather routing predicts the performance effect of the waves on the routing, offering the most precise routing output available.

With the inclusion of wave conditions and individual comfort preferences, PredictWind ensures not just optimal but also comfortable routing. AI Polars also guarantees accurate data by smartly filtering out times when the boat is anchored, motoring, or motor sailing.

Once activated, AI Polars aren’t static. They evolve, consistently harnessing new data to refine and perfect your personal boat polar, enhancing precision with every nautical mile you cover.

PredictWind continues to lead the marine forecasting frontier, reaffirming its commitment to bringing professional-grade tools to sailors everywhere. With the launch of AI Polars, the horizon has never looked more clear and personalised.

For more details, visit PredictWind's official website or reach out to 

PredictWind Introduces AI Polars

Since our December pre-launch we’ve been amazed with the demand for this new product, with 60% of Iridium GO! customers selecting the GO! exec version. We recently released a new Antenna Kit to make the GO! exec even more affordable.

We are also proud to announce the launch of our GO! exec Unlimited* Data Plan exclusive to PredictWind. This gives you unlimited data for PredictWind services and pre paid AnyApp data for when you need full internet access.

Stock is limited, so order your Iridium GO! exec now to make sure you have it for your next passage..

The Iridium GO! exec is the ultimate solution for weather, email, sms, WhatsApp connectivity, GPS tracking and safety whilst offshore. It’s rugged, fully portable, reliable, offers 100% global coverage and is 40x faster than an Iridium GO! With low power usage and an internal battery, it can be used as a stand-alone satellite phone in the event of an emergency or life raft evacuation.

*Unlimited PredictWind data. GRIB downloads in the Offshore App are limited to 4MB/day.

Powered by the reliable and proven Iridium Constellation, the Iridium GO! exec delivers better speed and functionality anywhere in the world. Use it on and off the boat, or in an emergency in a life raft. Make voice calls directly from the unit with no apps required, just like an Iridium phone.

Starlink offers blazing fast internet at an affordable cost if you are using the Mobile Regional plan. However, to get the full picture, consider these points below:


Exec: Unlimited PredictWind Data
Starlink Mobile Priority Data Plan: No


Exec: Yes
Starlink: Mobile Regional plan - Coastal use only

 Portable with IERCC SOS
Exec: Yes
Starlink: No

 Dedicated emergency voice line 
Exec: Yes
Starlink: No


Exec: IP65
Starlink: IP54/56, Internal router - no water proof rating

 Portable to allow lightning protection
Exec: Yes
Starlink: No

Pair up your Iridium GO! exec with a DataHub to enable
GPS tracking and an extensive list of additional features.

GPS tracking / PredictMail / Firewall / Transmit weather data / Broadcast GPS data / Backup communications / Data optimisation / Broadcast internet / Boat polars / Log data / Remote support / Insurance claim data / Broadcast AIS data / Iridium GO! exec integration.

Get a free GPS tracking web page specifically for your boat, when you purchase the Iridium GO! exec or SIM card from PredictWind, and a PredictWind Standard Forecast Subscription. With automatic hourly updates, friends and family can monitor your progress on your website or blog. If your boat stops or alters course, friends can see that you may need assistance. Post blogs and photos that correlate with your GPS position, to share the excitement of the journey as it happens. Only PredictWind offers the DataHub for seamless automatic tracking updates from the Iridium GO! exec.

Offshore email just got easier with our new PredictMail service, developed specifically for the GO! exec. In a world first, you can now add a PredictMail account to your existing mail app and get optimised email while offshore.

PredictMail and the Datahub take care of the compression and filtering when you’re connected to your boat’s satellite connection. This allows you to go from a mobile data connection in town to an offshore connection with your phone, tablet or laptop using any compatible mail app, and your email will automatically be compressed into a satellite-friendly format to minimise your data usage.

Why is email at sea an essential safety service?

Support from PredictWind or other essential suppliers is best done via email.

To contact customs for clearance issues, marinas for bookings, or other essential services that require an email address that you can check whilst at sea.

The PredictWind Data Manager automatically sends alerts to your PredictMail email address. If you don’t have a PredictMail address you will miss these alerts and run the risk of bill shock.

If you have an issue with your credit card, and the Iridium monthly billing fails, our support team can quickly contact you to get the issue resolved and keep your account active.

PredictChat is a free companion App for your PredictMail account. Send and receive WhatsApp and SMS messages with over 95% less data usage.

Available for iOS and Android. Coming October 2023.

Bulletproof offshore communication, with unlimited data

Press Release: Iridium GO! exec® Now Available from PredictWind

PredictWind, the world-leading provider of weather and routing services for the marine industry, is proud to announce the availability of the Iridium GO! exec. This device is the most versatile unit in the satellite phone market with its increased data speeds, improved functionality, and competitive pricing.

What makes the GO! exec unique for the marine user is the low power draw, battery backup and portability coupled with the improved speeds over its predecessor. The GO! exec allows the user to get more weather data while offshore, while retaining key safety features. The IP65 water rating and ability to make voice calls directly from the unit, with a sealed battery, make this unit life-raft capable and an essential safety device.

We’re excited that the GO! exec offers increased data speeds for our customers at a really competitive price point. Our exclusive Unlimited Plan provides unlimited data for PredictWind services and pre-paid data for when you want full internet access. This means you never have to worry about getting bill shock again, and you’ll always have data for services while offshore.

Keryn McMaster, Support Team Manager at PredictWind, says, "Customers can now download larger forecast maps and more weather layers with minimal download time. They can also view national met office weather warnings overlaid on any of our weather maps, real-time observations from land stations and yachts, ocean and tidal currents, satellite imagery, and real-time boat positions via the AIS Network. All this data means our users can make better decisions to keep their crew and vessel safe offshore."

The PredictWind DataHub seamlessly integrates with the Iridium GO! exec to enable GPS tracking, allowing friends and family to see the boat's position on a map and check its progress, and view blog posts and photos in real time. The DataHub also shares wind speed and direction, directly from the boat's instrumentation to the GPS tracking webpage.

PredictWind Weather Routing has transformed the way cruisers get weather offshore. With the Iridium GO! exec, weather routing calculations are even faster and more accurate. "Gigabytes of data are used in the PredictWind cloud to calculate the route in a compact file that is less than 1% of the equivalent GRIB data," says Jon. "This data saving is a game-changer for low-speed satellite connections, and is now even faster to acquire with the Iridium GO! exec."

The Iridium GO! exec also allows real-time updating of the boat's polar, using machine learning techniques to produce an extremely accurate polar for the boat in all conditions. This, combined with real-time wave routing, gives the user the best possible data to inform their decision-making while offshore.

With its permanent internet connection, the Iridium GO! exec has also enabled PredictWind to develop its new Anchor Alert App. This app monitors the movement of the boat's GPS location, wind speed, direction, depth, and other NMEA 2000 data, alerting the user if conditions change or become unsafe.

"We truly believe the Iridium GO! exec is a quantum leap forward in terms of functionality and safety and is an essential device for any boat venturing offshore," says Jon. With its increased data speeds and safety features, the Iridium GO! exec is the perfect go-anywhere device for customers who need to stay connected while on the water.

Find out more about the Iridium GO! exec here

https://www.predictwind.com/iridium-go-exec/ 

GO Exec

Jon is the founder of PredictWind, and a very accomplished sailor. We talk about sailing foiling boats, sailing in the Olympics, the Americas Cup, losing the mast in the Transpac, PredictWind, the data hub, weather routing, departure planning, and more.

Jon Bilger, PredictWind

Press Release: PredictWind Launches the Iridium GO! exec

PredictWind, the world leading provider of weather and routing services for the marine industry, is proud to announce the launch of the Iridium GO! exec. This device is set to revolutionise the satellite phone market with its increased data speeds, improved functionality, and competitive pricing.

"The Iridium GO! was a game-changer for the satellite phone market," says Jon Bilger, CEO of PredictWind. "For the first time, people could connect their own device to the web while offshore. Although the Unlimited plan was cost-effective, the data speeds really limited its use to just email and weather. This is why we are so excited about the GO! exec. With 40 times faster download speeds, there are now so many exciting possibilities for customers, anywhere on the ocean."

Keryn McMaster, Support Team Manager at PredictWind, says, "Customers can now download larger forecast maps and more weather layers with minimal download time. They can also view national met office weather warnings overlaid on any of our weather maps, real-time observations from land stations and yachts, ocean and tidal currents, satellite imagery and real-time boat positions via the AIS Network. All this data means our users can make better decisions to keep their crew and vessel safe offshore."

The PredictWind DataHub seamlessly integrates with the Iridium GO! exec to enable GPS tracking, allowing friends and family to see the boat's position on a map and check its progress, blog posts and photos in real-time. The DataHub also shares wind speed and direction, directly from the boat's instrumentation to the GPS tracking webpage

PredictWind Weather Routing has transformed the way cruisers get weather offshore. With the Iridium GO! exec, weather routing calculations are even faster and more accurate. "Gigabytes of data are used in the PredictWind cloud to calculate the route in a compact file that is less than 1% of the equivalent GRIB data," says Jon. "This data saving is a game-changer for low-speed satellite connections and is now even faster to acquire with the GO! exec."

The Iridium GO! exec also allows real-time updating of the boat's polars, using machine learning techniques to produce an extremely accurate polar for the boat in all conditions. This, combined with real-time wave routing, gives the user the best possible data to inform their decision-making while offshore.

"We're excited that the Iridium GO! exec offers increased data speeds for our customers at a really competitive price point," says Keryn. "The flexibility of the yearly plans is perfect for our

core customer base who cruise for 3-6 months and only require the exec during their offshore passages. The data allowance doesn't expire monthly, so it's always ready to go when they start their next passage."

"We truly believe the Iridium GO! exec is a quantum leap forward in terms of functionality and safety and an essential device for any boat venturing offshore," says Jon. With its increased data speeds and global coverage, the Iridium GO! exec is the perfect go-anywhere device for customers who need to stay connected while on the water.

Find out more about the Iridium GO! exec here 

Iridium GO! exec®

Boaters are subject to rain, wind, and extreme heat, so being prepared for the weather and keeping up with sudden changes is required. As technology advances, the PredictWind weather forecasting smartphone application and website has mariners dialed in when weather or cellular service start to adjust.

While technology grows, the boating community now has better resources at their fingertips, and PredictWind, a weather application, is one download all mariners should consider.

PredictWind— The Weather App for Boaters

Nautical Communication: Starlink and Iridium GO! Exec for Dependable Marine Weather Data by Jon Bilger, CEO, PredictWind 23 Jul 16:28 PDT Leg 8 from Itajai to Newport, day 09 on board Dongfeng. 30 April, . Pascal Bidegorry at the nav desk, we just got wind again after entering a cloudy zone © Jeremie Lecaudey / Volvo Ocean Race When it…

Comparing Starlink and Iridium GO! Exec

When it comes to sailing, obtaining accurate weather information is vital for ensuring safety and comfort on the open seas. Fortunately, advancements in technology have revolutionised the way sailors access weather data, with satellite communication providers such as Iridium and Starlink leading the way.

Nautical Communication: Starlink and Iridium GO! Exec for Dependable Marine Weather Data

This article explores the advantages of Starlink, a newcomer in the field of satellite communications, and the reliability of the Iridium GO! Exec device for offshore communications, specifically for marine weather data services like PredictWind.

As someone who is in regular contact with the owners of cruising vessels that undertake ocean passages, I have some concerns about what I see as an emerging trend with the advent of Starlink. There is no doubt in my mind that Starlink is the solution for sailors who are seeking to have affordable high-speed internet on their boats. However, I don't believe choosing Starlink as the sole method of communications whilst at sea is a prudent decision for several reasons, some of which are:

Should a vessel lose power (such as in the instance of a lightning strike or electrical issue), Starlink will no longer be operational, which in addition to the loss of the ability to communicate, will also result in no longer being able to access weather information.

Should those aboard need to abandon a vessel and find themselves in a liferaft, Starlink is not portable and, as such, will result in having no means of long-distance communication.

In the instance that Starlink is not operational, there will be a loss of real-time vessel tracking in many cases. See below.

As someone who actively uses PredictWind Tracking and monitors vessel tracking data, tracking provides a method to determine and monitor a vessel's position and progress. When an emergency/distress situation arises, the last know location or the vessel in distress needs to be determined by those responding. The more recent and accurate vessel position the tracking provides, the better the chance for SAR coordinators and other responders to determine the location of the persons/vessel in distress. In the instance that communications are not possible with the vessel/persons in distress, this tracking data becomes even more important, especially if the tracking can be maintained when/if the vessel is abandoned and the crew are aboard a liferaft by having the tracking device accompany them in the liferaft. It could be argued that activating an EPIRB would serve this purpose; however, an EPIRB provides no means of two-way communication with those in distress and those coordinating the rescue. Another consideration is the power usage of running tracking via Starlink with a DataHub. Although is it possible to do GPS tracking with Starlink via the PredictWind DataHub, the power requirements are large, and for this reason, on most boats, it is not possible to have Starlink running 24hrs a day.

If I chose Starlink as our primary means of offshore communications, I would also choose to maintain an Iridium GO! or Iridium GO! exec device. The Iridium GO! or the Iridium GO! exec provide redundancy should Starlink not be available for any reason and the ability to maintain communications should we need to abandon the vessel.

If using an Iridium GO!, we would opt for the PredictWind GO Unlimited Data Plan for the periods we intended to be at sea. The Go Unlimited Plan offers voice, unlimited data & unlimited SMS messaging, which provides the ability to maintain an up-to-date tracking page. If using an Iridium GO! exec combined with a PredictWind DataHub, we would opt for the GO! Exec Unlimited plan which would be our preference. There is the option to downgrade the plans and make some savings during the periods when we are not at sea/on passage.

We would also advise those with whom we lodge a float plan, such as Passage Guardian and AMSA, that we have an Iridium GO! as our backup and provide our Iridium/PredictMail email address, Iridium phone number, and our PredictWind Tracking Page URL in addition to our primary email address and phone number.

To appreciate the value of being able to maintain communication after abandoning a vessel, read the first-hand account of the owner/master of a vessel who was returning to Australia from Vanuatu when his vessel was lost. Among other things, the owner's account of the events includes details about how being able to maintain communications from a liferaft was invaluable.

https://www.downunderrally.com/news/loss-of-the-liberty

Read another first-hand account of a life raft evacuation by Craig Smith, a professional delivery skipper and Volvo Ocean Race veteran.



"Having been in the unfortunate position of hitting a submerged object which resulted in a Mayday call and eventual abandonment of the vessel, I will not go to sea without a communication device with a proven track record and the ability to work in a "dead ship" state. Water ingress can result in the vessel's power supply becoming redundant very quickly. For sure consider Starlink as a source of entertainment, for me, I will always have an Iridium GO! or the new Iridium GO! exec onboard period."

To view a comparison table of Starlink and Iridium GO! exec visit: 

Starlink as sole method for 'at sea' communications

Maine Cruising Guide, Seamanship for Cruisers, Charter Destinations Around the World, Introducing PredictWind and more.

Blue Water Sailing Spring 2023

Press release - New models boost Weather Routing accuracy

PredictWind has a mission to provide the most accurate weather data on Earth. We are excited to announce three additions to our list of high-resolution Weather Routing models. As the leading source of trusted weather data and tools, PredictWind now delivers the UKMO 2km and Arome 1.25km weather models in Europe, and the NAM 5km model covers North America as part of our Weather Routing and Departure Planning tools.

High-resolution modeling provides more accurate and detailed forecasts in shorter timeframes. This means that using them in weather routing and departure planning can result in more accurate routes, especially in coastal situations. For racing sailors, this can mean winning race data. However, high-resolution models have limited forecast length and coverage area, which can be problematic for longer routes. To address this, we pair the high-resolution models with global models to provide full routes over any timeframe and geographic area.

The pairing of different resolution models is nothing new for PredictWind. We have been doing this with the high-res PWG and PWE 1km > 8km > 50km models for a decade. Now, the UKMO global 15km model will interface with the UKMO 2km model, the Arome 1.25km model will pair with the 9km ECMWF in Europe, and the NAM 5km model will pair with the 25km GFS in North America. This complex operation is seamlessly performed within the PredictWind weather routing engine adding no complexity for the user.

The process that PredictWind uses to calculate the Weather Routing and Departure Planning allows large high-resolution files to be used in every routing calculation. The routes are calculated in the PredictWind cloud, utilizing the highest available resolution and the most recently updated forecasts and ocean data. Since the heavy processing is done in the cloud, the transfer to the vessel requires a very small file size. This makes unparalleled data available on any connection type.

The new high-resolution models are available in the weather routing now. Maps are only available in the PredictWind App and Forecast website, GRIBs will be coming to the Offshore App shortly.

UKMO - NAM - AROME Weather Routing

If you have ever embarked on a sailing expedition, you know that the weather can make or break your voyage. Every sailor has stories of being stuck out in treacherous seas worrying about their safety. Of course, these precarious scenes can be avoided by employing technology. 

, with its advanced forecasting capabilities, can become the wind beneath your sails – helping you navigate the oceans with confidence and ease.

Why PredictWind is an Essential Technology for Your Sailing Adventures

On our mission to provide the most accurate weather data on earth, we’re proud to announce a new addition to our list of high resolution weather models. UKV or UKMO 2km by the UK Met Office, delivers 2km resolution across the UK, Ireland and north-western Europe, to give you even greater forecast detail and accuracy.

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