Searching for Overdue Catamaran

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by captlloyd

Folks, file a float plan with someone. Just like flying. Example; we are sailing from Tampa to Key West, eta stop at Marathon 2 days, Key West in two more. Will contact you from Marathon, Key West. Not that hard, come on people.

It’s funny, I take the exact opposite view on this. I would rather nobody knows where I am while I am traveling. I don’t want somebody to start a thread like this just because I was late. We’re call the brigade in to search for me. If I show up on the other end, great. If I don’t, it didn’t work out. LOL

[captlloyd]

Originally Posted by Chotu

It’s funny, I take the exact opposite view on this. I would rather nobody knows where I am while I am traveling. I don’t want somebody to start a thread like this just because I was late. We’re call the brigade in to search for me. If I show up on the other end, great. If I don’t, it didn’t work out. LOL

Easy to say when you’re not floating on an empty cooler somewhere in the Atlantic. I rec’on some of the people sailing with you might not feel the same way.

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by captlloyd

Easy to say when you’re not floating on an empty cooler somewhere in the Atlantic. I rec’on some of the people sailing with you might not feel the same way.

Well, I have a flipper, not a sinker. But I hear you. Still, I prefer privacy at sea. It’s why I go.

[captlloyd]

Originally Posted by Chotu

Well, I have a flipper, not a sinker. But I hear you. Still, I prefer privacy at sea. It’s why I go.

Great, if you are sailing single-handed I say go for it !

[Seaslug Caravan]

Originally Posted by Chotu

It’s funny, I take the exact opposite view on this. I would rather nobody knows where I am while I am traveling. I don’t want somebody to start a thread like this just because I was late. We’re call the brigade in to search for me. If I show up on the other end, great. If I don’t, it didn’t work out. LOL

Good to see others put to sea with the same mindset as us.
Putting pressure on your self by setting a schedule is silly.

If things go wrong , or weather conditions aren’t as expected, the last thing you need is the pressure of a schedule.
Pressure leads to bad decisions.

Self rescue can take considerable time.

We sail , not because we need to earn a living , but for the purely selfish reason of personal enjoyment.
Expecting others to come and save us , putting their safety in question, is ...... well selfish.

Learn some useful repair skills and carry spares, not 911 on speed dial.

[AKA-None]

Can the subject line be updated to show as found?

[rgranger]

Originally Posted by Tin Tin

If too stingy to buy an AIS or Sat phone they could use "On Course" app on their cell phone. Every time they get within cell phone range it can update the boats details to "Marine Traffic" and it is a free app. This even works in the Jumentos where there no AIS receiving tower but there is a cell signal. This is not a substitute for real time AIS but does let folks know where you are if in cell range.

I've also used SPOT with very good results

https://www.findmespot.com/en-us/

[smacksman]

Twenty years ago my wife accepted the fact that she would not hear from me for 20+ days. I spoke to a couple the other day whose children freaked out when they were out of cell phone range for a few hours. It is the unexpected that is the problem.

[Elleroo]

Originally Posted by rgranger

I've also used SPOT with very good results

https://www.findmespot.com/en-us/

I'd recommend SPOT or one of the similar things available.


You have to physicallly press the button when you want people to know you are ok. Some you can ping via the app, and trigger the position signal.



People know when and where you are.


It saves all the hoohaa, just like this.


AIS is good, if you turn it on. Most yachts don't, even if it's fitted.

[boatman61]

I use SPOT so owners and friends can track my position and progress..
I switch it on every 5 or 6 hours for half an hour then turn it off again else it burns through batteries every 30hrs..
It has preset message facilities that send something like "All is well" to specific people you have listed.
Also use one as a "Pan Pan.. Slowed down by equipment failure No Assistance required".. a lesson learned..

[Moontide]

Interesting about the On Course app. Hopefully they have the 2021 date issue resolved but I like it since I usually only have my InReach subscription active when on passages, not coastal stuff.



I also always send my kids a float plan when going to sea for more than a few hours. Contains all the boat ID info, POB, eta (with a "delayed" arrival time).