Discussion with the Stars of Sailing La Vagabonde in Online Sailing Forums and Applications
In the world of sailing, two innovative apps have recently emerged, transforming the way sailors connect, navigate, and share experiences: NoForeignLand and SeaPeople.
NoForeignLand, developed by liveaboard sailor Steve Neal and his wife Helena, stands out with its unique feature of providing users with a whole extra dimension of location information. This includes night mode and NASA and satellite photography, making it easier for sailors to navigate and explore new destinations. The app also allows users to join groups of people who share their interests, streamlining the process of finding and meeting like-minded sailors.
Sam Steele, author of the UK & Ireland Circumnavigator's Guide, recounts a lucky escape courtesy of NoForeignLand during a passage. The app's user-generated pins about activities ashore helped him decide where to visit, proving its value in real-world situations.
SeaPeople, on the other hand, was created with input from Riley Whitelum, Eleyna Carausu, Logan and Caroline Rowell, and Brian Currier. This app is a social tracking tool made by and for people who love boats, sailing, and exploring together. It emphasizes community and shared experiences on the water. Users can choose from a list of interests and filter to find others with common ground.
One of SeaPeople's standout features is the ability to 'hail' other users within a set radius, allowing sailors to connect instantly. Users can also drop a message onto the map, notifying other users within a specific radius. This feature can be particularly useful in emergencies or for organizing social events.
SeaPeople is not just a social app; it also allows users to identify boats near and far, find crew, go on a date, log their track, and get timely local information. Its detailed understanding of its users' profiles allows it to include dating and a crew exchange.
While SeaPeople focuses on community and social connections, other apps cater to different needs. Boat Connect, for example, offers integrated nautical features such as AI-assisted itineraries, real-time position logging, SOS signals, and AI-based weather forecasts. Boo, another popular app, focuses on forming meaningful friendships among boating enthusiasts by matching users based on shared interests and personality types.
SailTies provides a digital logbook and GPS tracking, enabling sailors to log voyages automatically with details such as vessel info, weather, photos, and crew. It offers live tracking so friends and family can monitor progress in real-time, works offline for sea use, and preserves logs even if the phone powers off.
Short-range VHF radio nets are still thriving in the Caribbean, despite the rise of social apps. However, these apps have proven to be a valuable addition to the sailing community, offering a more efficient and user-friendly way to stay connected and navigate the open seas.
Moreover, these apps are not replacing traditional platforms like Facebook for staying in touch. Some cruisers continue to use older apps for this purpose, although they are slower and less well equipped for the casual mobility of sailors. Specialized Facebook Groups, Meetup, BoatersMeet, Crewseekers, and boating-related Facebook Groups host active boating communities sharing advice and friendship.
Another app worth mentioning is Captain's Mate, which provides user-generated pins about what to do ashore, similar to NoForeignLand. Starlink satellite broadband is being used by both apps' developers and many bluewater cruisers, enabling real-time position logging and browsing for information ahead of landfall.
In conclusion, the rise of social media apps specifically designed for sailors has revolutionized the way sailors connect, navigate, and share experiences. Whether it's for social connection, voyage logging, safety, or finding crew, there's an app for every sailor's needs.
Technology has expanded the realm of education and self-development for sailors, with online platforms like NoForeignLand offering user-generated pins about activities ashore for learning about destinations before visiting. (online-education, learning)
SeaPeople, a social media app, caters to the lifestyle of boat enthusiasts, facilitating connections through features like 'hailing' other users and dropping messages on the map for instant communication. (social-media, lifestyle)
Integrated nautical apps, such as Boat Connect, provide technology for navigation and safety on the open seas, offering features like AI-assisted itineraries, real-time position logging, SOS signals, and AI-based weather forecasts. (technology, entertainment)
