Discussing Sailing La Vagabonde Stars with Leaders of Digital Sailing Forums and Applications
Modern Maritime Social Media Apps Revolutionize Sailing
In the world of bluewater sailing, traditional communication methods have long been the norm. However, a new wave of social media apps is transforming the way sailors navigate, connect, and share their experiences. Two of the most popular apps among sailors are Boat Connect and SailTies, offering unique maritime-focused features that surpass traditional means [1][5].
Boat Connect: A Comprehensive Nautical App
Boat Connect is an integrated nautical app designed to streamline sailing. It allows users to plan cruises using AI-assisted route selection, connect with other sailors and families, and navigate safely with a digital logbook that tracks every detail of the journey [1]. The app supports real-time sharing of moments with people on land or authorities, creates new fleets to share journeys, monitors fuel consumption, and enables SOS signals to the community in case of emergencies [1].
Moreover, Boat Connect provides an AI weather forecast tailored to the current itinerary and allows users to find skippers or boats, digitizing many classic maritime tasks into a social platform [1].
SailTies: Detailed Digital Logbook and More
SailTies offers a detailed digital logbook with automatic recording of voyages, including vessel data, weather conditions, photos, videos, and crew details [5]. Its comprehensive GPS tracking enables live updates for friends and family, making it an advancement over traditional communication where such real-time positional data was harder to share safely and conveniently [5].
NoForeignLand and SeaPeople: A New Era of Sailing Apps
Two dedicated apps for sailors, NoForeignLand (NFL) and SeaPeople, have emerged recently. Both apps streamline the process of finding and meeting like-minded people, eliminating the haphazardness of yacht club bar or marina encounters [6].
NoForeignLand shows short posts from other users on anchorages, moorings, and harbors, often giving details of the best line of approach or holding [7]. It also allows users to join groups of people who share their interests and see which members are nearby [7]. On the other hand, SeaPeople allows users to 'hail' other users within a set radius and has features for dating and crew exchange [2]. Users on SeaPeople can list specific boat skills or services, and there's a category for 'shoreside support' [3]. Both apps offer features for soliciting rapid advice, such as how to approach a new anchorage or whether a little-used harbor is viable [1].
Captain's Mate: Another Valuable Resource
Captain's Mate is another app that provides user-generated information about approaches and landing. This app has proven to be a valuable resource, as evidenced by French sailor Hervé Schelcher who used NoForeignLand to find out about customs and immigration in new locations [4]. Sam Steele, the author of the UK & Ireland Circumnavigator's Guide, had a lucky escape courtesy of the app Captain's Mate during a passage [4].
Traditional Communication vs Modern Apps
Compared to traditional communication methods like VHF radios, paper logbooks, or less specialized social platforms, these apps provide integrated social networking components, AI-powered planning, live tracking, automated data logging, and emergency community support [1]. This combination makes navigation safer, social interaction more immediate and engaging, and voyage management far more efficient.
For social aspects like meeting fellow sailors or dating, apps like Boo cater specifically to sea lovers, offering personality compatibility and filters tailored for sailors, which enhances connecting with like-minded people versus generic dating apps [3].
Conclusion
In conclusion, these sailor-specific social media apps uniquely blend navigation safety, voyage sharing, community interaction, and real-time updates — features that traditional communication means cannot provide as seamlessly or richly. As technology continues to evolve, it's clear that these apps will continue to play a significant role in the sailing community.
[1] Boat Connect: https://boatconnect.com/ [2] SeaPeople: https://seapeopleapp.com/ [3] Boo: https://www.boo.com/ [4] NoForeignLand: https://www.noforeignland.com/ [5] SailTies: https://www.sailties.com/ [6] Bluewater cruisers often form fleeting acquaintances during sailing. [7] NoForeignLand helps cruisers decide where to visit, with a raft of user-generated pins about what to do ashore. [8] Steve Neal and his wife Helena developed the app NoForeignLand while staying at the Marina di Ragusa in Sicily in 2017.
- Boat Connect's AI weather forecast and real-time sharing features, combined with its maritime-focused social network, have revolutionized both sailors' navigation and entertainment, offering a more engaging lifestyle.
- SailTies' detailed digital logbook, live tracking capabilities, and social media features have significantly improved communication and entertainment for sailors, making it easier to share and experience their journeys in a technologically advanced manner.
