Yacht Tracking and Delivery

New Garmin GTU 10 tracker now available on line

2011-09-23T04:49:00.000-07:00

The GTU 10 is about the size of a mini candy bar. Measuring 3.07 by 1.34 by 0.79 inches (HWD) and weighing 1.71 ounces, it's quite small and would easily fit in a bag or on a collar, but it's big enough to be easily noticed. It's all black with gray trim, and all you'll find on the device are a rubbery Power button, small LED status light, and a flap that lifts up to reveal a mini-USB port for connecting the GTU 10 to a computer and charging it. Also included in the GTU 10's package is a combination case and carabiner, which you put the GTU 10 into to clip it onto a backpack or collar, and an adhesive mount for attaching the device to your car.

Now available at http://shop.yachttrackers.com/Garmin-GTU-10-Tracker

The device itself is simple on purpose: all your interaction takes place on your browser, or through the free Garmin Tracker apps available for Android or iOS smartphones. You get the GTU 10 set up by connecting it to your computer, downloading a browser plug-in, and connecting the device to your free-to-create Garmin account. Once everything's set up, all you have to do is log in to your Garmin account in an app or on the Web, and you can manage all your trackers. You give each GTU 10 unit a name, and you can see where it is whenever it checks in (by sending its coordinates to the GPS satellite), or tap a button to locate it manually on a map. The GTU 10 can be set to check in every 30 seconds, every 5 minutes, every 15 minutes, or only when you ask for it—though the more frequently it checks in, the faster the battery will die. (You'll need a daily recharge on the 30-second intervals, where the 15-minute option can last up to a month.)

Tracking Performance
There are a lot of things you can track with the GTU 10. If you misplace your purse often, or forget where you parked, if you have a dog who is prone to run off, or you just want to make sure your kid makes it to school safely, the GTU 10 could be a huge help. There are a couple of features that help even more: In the app, you can "fence off" designated areas that Garmin terms "geo-fences," and when the GTU 10 enters or exits a geo-fence you'll be alerted via text message or e-mail (the GTU 10 has a GSM connection built-in to handle that), but while they're in the fenced area they're not tracked.
That means that instead of tracking your kid's every step, you'll just be alerted when they make it to school, and then when they leave—it's less intrusive for everyone. You could also, for example, create a geo-fence around your yard, and put the GTU 10 on your dog's collar. Then, if your dog takes off, you'll know he's gone and where he's going as soon as he's out of the yard . Or, put a geo-fence around your daily commute, and if your car gets stolen or lost, you'll know about it right away; you can track its last 10 check ins to figure out where it is, and where it might be going. (You'll also get alerts if the GTU 10's battery is low, or if it ever powers off.)
A smartphone running Android or iOS is a particularly useful companion, because the Garmin Tracker app will plot both your location and the GTU 10's, and can even navigate you from your location to the tracker's. One tap, and you can locate the tracker wherever it is at that moment. The apps work nicely and reliably, far better than the finicky Web app, which I found to be slow and quirky at times, and wouldn't even load a few times I tried.

There are a couple of issues with GPS tracking in general, which limit the device's usefulness slightly. If the GTU 10 isn't outdoors, with a clear view of the sky, it's not likely to get a GPS signal and thus it's unable to report back its location. And once it is outside, the device often takes some time to lock in a signal. If your car is hidden from you in an indoor parking garage, the GTU 10 won't help you find it. Also, if all you're doing is crossing the street or walking outside, that might not be enough time for the GTU 10 to get a signal. I had to linger in the street for about three minutes before I could find the GTU 10 and plot it on a map on my Android phone. When it had a signal, though, it worked very well, providing accurate times and locations.

A quick note about the tracking service, which you'll need to pay for after the first year, which is included with the GTU 10's purchase. The Standard Tracking plan ($50 per year per device) buys you the ability to track your device whenever you need to, as well as access the last 10 points of your daily tracking history. For $5/year more, you get Deluxe Tracking: this gives you access to 7 days of tracking history, and as many data points over that period as you want. Once your free year expires, you'll need at least the Standard Tracking plan to do much of anything with the GTU 10.

Available at http://shop.yachttrackers.com/Garmin-GTU-10-Tracker

FOR THE WEEKENDER OR THE PRO, SPOT KEEPS SAILORS IN TOUCH AND ALIVE

2011-08-11T07:03:00.000-07:00

FOR THE WEEKENDER OR THE PRO, SPOT KEEPS SAILORS IN TOUCH AND ALIVE

Whether you’re sailing into uncharted waters or just cruising, SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger is the sailor’s perfect companion. SPOT can send messages and your GPS coordinates to friends, family or even directly to emergency authorities who can contact the coast guard if you need emergency help. You stay connected with the simple push of a button, providing peace of mind to loved ones without interrupting your adventure. Best of all, SPOT’s 100% satellite technology works from virtually anywhere, even when you are miles from shore outside of mobile phone coverage.

SPOT HUG Now in Europe

2011-05-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

SPOT HUG, first launched in the USA, is now available in Europe, is the newest addition to the growing SPOT product family providing an innovative and easy-to-install satellite-based asset monitoring and messaging system for boats. SPOT HUG monitors the boat’s location and sends “unauthorized movement” alerts to the SPOT Asset Monitoring Center providing 100% satellite-based theft protection. In addition, SPOT HUG provides peace-of-mind and safety messaging features found with the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™.

Equipped with a self-installed Base Station and key fobs, SPOT HUG automatically sets a “Home Base” position providing a security range for the boat. If the asset moves beyond the range without the fob present, the Base Station immediately alerts the Monitoring Center with its GPS position. The boat owner also receives notification of the unauthorized movement via SMS and/or email alert.

When in range of the Base Station, the popular satellite messaging functions of SPOT can be initiated from the fob transmitting location-based messages to personal contacts, track progress and summon help with SPOT Assist services or in an emergency via SPOT’s global emergency response center.

“Today’s introduction of SPOT HUG offers the boating community a low-cost innovative solution providing asset protection and personal satellite messaging found in one product,” said Peter Dalton, CEO of Globalstar Inc. and President of Spot LLC. “We are pleased to expand our product line and provide additional services offering increased levels of safety and security for our customers, their families and now their boats.”

Crew Aboard Sinking Vessel Notify GEOS IERCC with SPOT Device

2011-04-27T00:21:00.000-07:00

December 14, 2010 - At 0556 GMT the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) received a SOS alert from a SPOT device. The coordinates showed the unit to be located 393 Nautical Miles (NM) northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico and 475NM southeast of Hamilton, Bermuda.

Personnel at the GEOS IERCC began attempting to contact the registered owner of the device and the emergency contacts listed on the SPOT unit’s profile in an attempt to gather any additional information regarding the activation without any success. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) was immediately contacted and provided with the information obtained from the registered owners profile and the coordinates received from the device.

The USCG immediately launched a SAR air asset to assist with the search and an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) was transmitted to all vessels that may be near the distress position coordinates. A merchant vessel in response to the UMIB steamed toward the last known position provided by the IERCC to the USCG. Throughout the incident the IERCC remained in contact with the USCG, updating them of any new positions received from the SPOT device.

The USCG reported to the IERCC that a merchant vessel in the area of the activation had responded to a broadcast of a vessel in distress and was able to rescue the two crew members of the ailing vessel involved in the SPOT activation. The vessel the party was on subsequently sank. All parties involved are reported to be in good health.

Spot Tracking systems are supplied by www.yachttrackers.com

Spot Connect Coming Soon

2011-04-05T00:52:00.000-07:00

Today we learnt that the Spot Connect will be available at the beginning of May.
Spot Connect is the system that allows your smart phone to communicate beyond the cell network.

Today's smartphones provide a level of social connection far beyond what we imagined just a few years ago. But when you go beyond the reach of the grid, your smartphone needs the help of SPOT Connect to keep you in touch with friends, family, and emergency personnel. Simply pair your smartphone with SPOT Connect, and get connected to a global satellite network that lets you send messages and GPS coordinates from virtually anywhere on the planet. Update Twitter and Facebook. Send email and text messages. Request non-emergency help from professional service providers. And in the case of a critical emergency, send an SOS message requesting emergency assistance.

This long awaited bit kit is going to transform the way Captains and Yacht owners keep in touch with loved ones, update their social networks and add to their on board safety. More details and how to order at www.yachttrackers.com.

SPOT Takes the Search Out of Search and Rescue

2011-04-02T06:21:00.000-07:00

First posted on the findmespot website
“Whether you are hunting, camping, fishing, boating, or mountain climbing. SPOT is a must for any outdoor activity. I can now send updates on my whereabouts while traveling for work, let my family know I’m OK while deep-sea fishing, and have a back-up plan in case my truck breaks down on the way to another TV shoot. Without question, SPOT is one of the most amazing new products for the avid outdoorsman.”
Henry Waszczuk, Host of the Nationally Televised Angling Shows

Henry Waszczuk, Host of the Nationally Televised Angling Shows Fins & Skins and Fishing the Flats

SPOT Ambassador, Caroline Vieille competes in Transat 6.50

2011-04-02T06:17:00.000-07:00

SPOT Ambassador, Caroline Vieille, recently completed the renowned offshore race, the Transat 6.50. Only 5 other women took part in this prestigious, single handed event out of a total of 85 competitors from 14 nations.

The race started on September 13th 2009 in France, stopping in Funchal (Madeira) at the end of the first leg. The fleet experienced very good sailing conditions, enabling Caroline to achieve a position of 19th out of 36 competitors in her category.

The second leg lasted 3 weeks bringing the fleet from Funchal to Salvador do Bahia. According to Caroline, ‘it was an amazing experience’, however, was short lived as she experienced electronic problems with her autopilot. After a 3 day stopover in the Canary Islands, Caroline was back on the water. However, after only a few nautical miles, she was hit with testing conditions in the Doldrums with dead calm waters, thunder, black clouds and heavy rain. Fortunately however, the remainder of leg 3 offered Caroline great sailing conditions allowing her a 30th place overall finish

Spot tracking equiment available from www.yachttrackers.com

HIJACKED YACHT CARRIER FOR RANSOM

2011-03-09T06:01:00.000-08:00

Harardhere, Somalia, February 28: Only the captain and six crewmen remain alive in the hands of Somali pirates aboard the German-owned ship Beluga Nomination, loaded with a deck cargo of yachts bound for the Seychelles but now anchored off the Somalia coast.

Two sailors were killed by pirates, two escaped by lifeboat. One man drowned at sea. Niels Stolberg, president of Beluga Shipping, said the "traumatised" crew were in touch by radio. Negotiations to release the ship continue. Nine of the yachts are fast motor boats in transit from Malta. Five are being shipped by the world's leading yacht transport firm Peters & May, whose M.D. Angus Bruce Jones said, "Peters & May's primary concern is for the safety of the ship's crew. We understand that Beluga Shipping are doing everything in their powers to negotiate for their speedy return. The five boats we are transporting are all fully insured and we are keeping our clients informed as much as possible about the status of this unfortunate situation". On March 3, Niels Stolberg took leave of absence from Beluga, the firm he founded in 1995, to be replaced by executives appointed by the American private equity firm Oaktree Capital Management.

IsaM2M Global burst data service

2011-03-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

IsatM2M is a two-way burst messaging service that enables a wide range of machine-to-machine applications for tracking and monitoring remote fixed or mobile assets on a global basis - whether on land, at sea or in the air.

This next-generation satellite telematics service is based on Inmarsat's existing D+ service, offering faster data forwarding rates, quicker responses to polling requests and shorter time to first transmission

Key benefits

Global coverage
Seamless coverage for dependable roaming.
Reliable
Consistently communicate with remote fixed and mobile assets.
More responsive
Faster, more regular access to data.
Cost-effective
Low-cost set-up and operation.
Compact size
Easy to install or carry.
Predictability
Predictable performance for application management and control.
Tried and tested
Service based on enhancements to Inmarsat D+ network.

Applications

Land mobile

Remote monitoring, tracking control, logistics and security for mobile assets such as trucks, heavy equipment and perishable goods containers.

Fixed assets

Remote monitoring, control and security of oil and gas pipelines and utilities, fixed tanks, well reservoirs and compressors.

Maritime

Remote monitoring, control and security of ships, leisure vessels and containers.

Air transport

Secure tracking and monitoring of individual aircraft and advance logistics planning for efficient fleet managementFeatures

Features

Two-way messaging
Up to 25-byte message size from terminal
Up to 100-byte message size to terminal
Fast message delivery - 1 minute to terminal
Rapid response - 10 seconds to send from terminal
Efficient, low-power consumption
Compact, lightweight and robust terminals
Integrated GPS
Simple firmware upgrade for most Inmarsat D+ terminals

IPhone App for Yacht Tracking

2011-03-03T06:32:00.000-08:00

Reliance Yacht Management has recognised the need for yacht owners, brokers and fleet managers to have near real time information on the latest position and progress of their yachts on delivery.

The mobile application for iPhone & Blackberry smartphones allows you manage and view reports directly on your mobile. The service provided is in association with SPOT Trackers and yachttrackers.com who provide the hardware. Clients will be able to receive location information and track progress anytime on the go. Enhanced features include speed, distance and bearing between locations.

You do not need to own the tracker and there is no airtime subscription. All this is part of the superior service provided by Reliance Yacht Management

Features
1. Manage and view Shared Pages
2. Show Check-In, Custom, Help & Track messages
3. GPS Statistics between locations - distance, speed & bearing
4. Map single or multiple GPS locations
5. Satellite, map or hybrid views

Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later

Delivery of Keremeos

2011-03-01T01:19:00.000-08:00

Yacht Delivery of Keremeos

Share your Adventures with SpotAdventures

Keremeos departs Gran Canaria

2011-02-28T03:01:00.000-08:00

The Orana 44#75 has departed the Canaries.

Follow a delivery live

2011-02-24T06:02:00.000-08:00

Follow the delivery of Orana 44 from France to Annapolis. Each day you will see the latest position report as she sails across the Atlantic.

The delivery is contracted to Reliance Yacht Management and the tracking equipment is supplied by http://www.yachttrackers.com/

Yacht Delivery

Share your Adventures with SpotAdventures

Spot Connect Coming Soon

2011-02-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

Making Your Smartphone a Satellite Messenger

Today's smartphones provide a level of social connection far beyond what we imagined just a few years ago. But when you go beyond the reach of the grid, your smartphone needs the help of SPOT Connect to keep you in touch with friends, family, and emergency personnel. Simply pair your smartphone with SPOT Connect, and get connected to a global satellite network that lets you send messages and GPS coordinates from virtually anywhere on the planet. Update Twitter and Facebook. Send email and text messages. Request non-emergency help from professional service providers. And in the case of a critical emergency, send an SOS message requesting emergency assistance.

We are really excited about this new product and we can't wait to get our hands on some of these units to the benefit of our clients and Captains.

More information on the Spot Connect and how to order one go to www.findmespot.com or http://shop.yachttrackers.com/Spot-Connect

What better way of travelling than by yacht?

2010-03-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

The concept of free cruising throughout the world's waters as a member of a crew conjures up one of the ultimate romantic images for budget travelers. But just how realistic is this dream?

"You'll discover that enjoying this type of adventure is based more on personality rather than gender, age or occupation," writes Alison Muir Bennett and Clare Davis in her book, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Oceans: Crewing Around the World."

From personal experience I can say a definate yes it is realistic. There is no better way of travelling the world than by crewing on a yacht.

Traveling the world by sailing yachts is a truly fantastic and rewarding way to see the world. You will gain a greater appreciation for distances and the size of our planet. You will return to nature, experience life with a stronger sense of connection to the universe, and return with unforgettable stories. There is no question that once you have crossed an ocean under sail your life will have changed for the better.

If you plan to take to the seas and go where the wind takes you then this blog is for you. Along with http://www.crewzilla.com/ you will find all the resources and links necessary to fulfill your dream.

You will learn how to find a place on a boat, what to expect, what is expected from you, places to find yachts, travlleing cheaply, where to go and so much more.

Check out www.crewzilla.com. Much of it is still under construction but bookmark it for the future. In the meantime if you have any questions or suggestions please contact me at info@crewzilla.com

Fair winds

Crewzilla