Can You Get High Speed Internet in the Middle of the Ocean (while sailing)?

In planning our epic, sailing around the world adventure, I was wondering how we would be able to work while out at sea (sailing). Like many younger cruisers who are not yet retired nor independently wealthy, we need to work. I did a lot of research about what options are available now and what internet services are being planned. I shared the results and current costs and was extremely encouraged by what I learned.

So, Can You Get Low Cost High Speed Internet in the Middle of the Ocean (while sailing)? Although internet access is available in the middle of the ocean through satellite technology, which allows small text files to be sent and weather reports and satellite weather images to be updated, low cost, high speed internet is not yet available, but companies like Space X (Elon Musk) and OneWeb (Richard Branson) are in a race to provide it and are already sending up new satellites and expect to have a world wide low cost high speed network by 2021. That’s right around the corner and very exciting for full time cruisers and voyaging sailors!

Current Internet Speeds From Satellite

Internet speeds available through current satellite technology are around 2.5 KB per second (Kbps) go 384 Kbps. At these incredibly slow speeds (the old fashioned dial-up internet speeds were much faster), the Sat Phone Devices like Iridium Go are good for sending texts and making satellite calls, but will not allow searching the internet as the speeds are much too slow.

Iridium Go and Similar Devices

The Iridium Go is a device the size of the old pagers (beepers). You can hold it in your hand. It allows data and voice access through satellite technology. It sends a wifi signal similar to a home wireless internet router and allows access to up to five devices like Android, I-phones, tablets and computers, so you can send and receive texts and make voice calls from your personal device.

ISAT-HUB is another satellite hot spot device similar to Iridium Go. It allows data transfers up to 384 Kbps and the service is provided by Inmarsat, another popular satellite service provider. This device allows up to 11 wireless devices to connect to it and like the Iridium Go, it also allows you to turn your cellular phone into a satellite phone.

Predict Wind

Weather apps like predict wind are important for sailors and on a crossing is accessed through satellite technology like the Iridium Go. Predict Wind allows you to set up your starting and ending coordinates while you are near land, then allows updates (via satellite) based upon your location in deeply compressed files. This is a must have feature for sailors or boaters on a crossing, allowing updated weather reports (real time) while out at sea.

The Predict Wind App provides weather forecasts, wind forecasts, cloud forecasts, wave forecasts and recommended sailing paths based on four different weather models using a sophisticated algorithm preloaded with details about your boat. A catamaran will sail differently than a monohull and a cruising cat will sail differently than a performance cat, so by having your boat details uploaded ahead of time, the routing is much more accurate.

Texting Costs Via Sat

Current costs for services available are reasonable, assuming you are only sending texts and not trying to send large data files.

Iridium Go and Predict Wind

The Iridium Go programs like Predict Wind are offering programs for around $140 per month for unlimited data and provide up to 150 voice data minutes per month. The voice data plan is limited and if you go over the 150 allowable monthly minutes, rates are $1.09 per minute. Although the unlimited data plan is not very expensive, the internet is very limited and uses current satellite phone technology. The Iridium Go sells for $700 to $1,000 (for the Predict Wind package).

Inmarsat and ISAT-HUB

The costs of the Inmarsat Satellite Service used on the ISAT-HUB is $199 per month and includes 100 MB of internet data each month ($3.50 per each additional MB), 99 cents per minute for satellite calls (free incoming calls, but the caller will be billed by its phone company), and 50 cents per outgoing SMS text. The hotspot device sells for around $1200.

About Space X (and Google)

Space X, located in Hawthorne, CA is the company founded by Elon Musk (also the founder of Tesla) in 2002 with the purpose of space exploration and a goal of colonizing Mars and making space travel easier. Space X provides a service of launching satellites into space via its proprietary rockets.

Space Race – Space X Launches 60 Satellites

Space X is in a race with other companies like OneWeb to revolutionize wireless internet. Starlink launched its first 60 satellites in May of 2019 and have received positive feedback on speed and latency tests.

Starlink by Space X

The Space X (Starlink) goal is a worldwide, low cost, high speed internet structure. It will be provide via 4,425 low altitude, refrigerator sized, satellites that will provide coverage throughout the world – even in remote areas. The technology will speed up satellite internet speeds over current satellite internet speeds because the satellites will be orbiting at much lower altitudes than current satellites.

Low Altitude Satellites

Lower altitudes require more satellites to maintain coverage, but because they are lower, the data doesn’t have to travel as far and speeds will be much faster. Google is backing Elon Musk’s Space X and has already invested one billion dollars into the project that is projected to cost ten billion dollars.

About OneWeb (Richard Branson and Masayoshi Son)

OneWeb, like the name implies, is working on its version of one internet company, providing low cost, high speed service to everyone around the globe. OneWeb is a start-up company that Richard Branson from Virgin Airways and Masayoshi Son, one of the most wealthy persons in Japan have heavily invested in.

OneWeb Launch

OneWeb has already started by launching its first six satellites in February of 2019, with 650 more planned in the next two years. One web has already started communicating with the six satellites and is developing its technology. The launch is only the first phase into a full satellite communications service business. They will start full customer demos in 2020 with full internet services being ready in 2021. That is right around the corner.

OneWeb is launching its satellites into space from French Guiana by a private company called Arianespace. Softbank (Masayochi Son) and Virgin Group (Richard Branson) have already invested 2 billion dollars into OneWeb. The total investment will be similar to Space X’s of around 10 billion dollars.

OneWeb Customers

OneWeb also announced it had signed its first two commercial customers for its coming Internet service—Talia, which provides satellite connectivity in Africa and the Middle East, and European telecommunications carrier Intermatica.

How Will the New Satellite Techology be Different

The new satellite technology being developed by both OneWeb and Space X, for this new high speed world wide internet is different that the current satellite technology in a few ways. First, instead of satellites being launched into space at 22,000 miles up, the new satellites will only be orbiting at 750 miles in space. Second, because they are much closer, the satellites can be made much smaller – the size of a large refrigerator VS the size of a school bus and thus much less costly to manufacture. Next, because the satellites are smaller and closer, there needs to be much more of them and thus the reason that so many are required to complete the worldwide network. Finally, because the data has much less distance to travel, the speeds will be much faster.

Lower Prices and Better Coverage

The low cost, high speed internet availability will not only provide access to rural areas through the United States and around the world, it will also provide internet access virtually to every corner of the globe including the oceans. With one of the biggest challenges that cruisers face is being underfunded, having fast, reliable, low cost internet will open up a whole new opportunity for those that can work remotely just like the high speed on-land networks did for us remote workers about 10 years ago.

A Game Changer for Cruisers

This is a definite game changer and will open up access to those cruisers and voyagers who are now either tied to their desk jobs at home or limited to areas in marinas or where cellular data packages (near land) are currently available. It allows us to work while we sail instead of being stuck close to land. I know I am excited about this as it brings us one step closer to being able to work and sail.

Is a Catamaran Charged Extra at a Marina Because of its Width?

Most Catamarans have wider beams than monohull sailboats per linear foot which made me wonder if marinas charge them more. Are the marina fees the same or different? So I did some research and found the results to be fascinating. I included commentary with opinions from both catamaran owners and Marina owners.

Is a Catamaran Charged Extra at a Marina Because of its Width (wide beam)? The answer that in many cases, catamarans pay up to 50% more than monohulls because of the width, but not always and the amount charged varies from marina to marina.

How Are Marina Docking Fees Calculated?

Marinas charge a boat for a slip based on its size (price per ft). Traditionally size was determined by the actual length of the boat and not the advertised length. The difference of the two measurements can vary greatly. In general, marinas are going to have slips made for longer boats and slips for shorter boats. A 36 ft monohull will pay one fee. A 76 ft monohull will pay approximately double. Pretty simple and straight forward, right? Well, enter the catamaran.

Why are Catamarans Different Than Monohulls?

So before I go on, I want to mention that there are exceptions to every rule. If I don’t mention this, there will be comments about how this isn’t true. In most cases, however, monohulls are more narrow per linear foot than catamarans and other multihull vessels. That being said, most catamarans have a wider beam than most monohulls. An example of this can be a 2018 Lagoon 450 F. It has a LOA of 45’ 10” and a beam of 25’ 6”. The beam is more than half of the length. Compare the Lagoon to a 2017 Catalina 425 monohull vessel (Cruising World’s 2017 boat of the year) which has a LOA of 41” 8” and a beam of 13’ 8”. The Lagoon has almost double the width of the Catalina.

Length defined: Length Over All (LOA)

When considering the length of a sailboat, it can get complicated. What is the real length of a boat. In the comparison above, we are using LOA or Length Over All – not Length of Hull or Length at Water Line, all of which are different for most boats. Boat marketers seem to come up with new terminology to define the length of a boat to make it look bigger in the specifications and marketing literature. When comparing boats, it is therefore important to use apples to apples length specifications. In this case, LOA.

What Do Marinas Charge for Docking (Slip) Fees?

Fees charges by marinas vary greatly based up size of boat, boat type, payment terms, geographic area and location within the geographic area and how conveniently located it is, amenities offered and condition of the marina. Look at the chart below for an example from one marina.

Note -the fee examples may change from time to time are used for demonstration purposes only. Do not rely on the fees shown in this blog post for trip planning purposes. Contact the marina directly for current rates.

Why Do Marinas Charge More for Catamarans and Multihulls?

So this one should be obvious by now. In general, marinas charge more for catamarans because they take up more space than monohulls, at least that is what they want you to think! In some cases catamarans do take up more space, plain and simple. But sometimes a cat will fit into the same size slip as a similarly sized monohull, yet the marina rules dictate charging a premium of 50% or more.

Is it Fair That Marinas Charge more for Catamarans and Multihull Boats?

Well, this one depends on who you ask. I thought is was a strainght forward question with a straight forward answer, but the more I looked into it, I found some gray area as well as good arguments on both sides of this isse.

Is it Fair to Charge Cats More – A Marina Owners Point of View

So it is fair that caramarans are charged more than multihull sailboats for marina fees? Well from the marina owners point of view, they only have a limited amount of space available. It is fair if the catamaran takes up more space by having to occupy both sides of a slip or a requires larger slip than a monohull because the marina owner could lease out that slip to a larger boat which would pay more based on the LOA. In the example of taking up two slips, the owner is out 50% by only charging a 50% premium VS what he could have charged for two boats that each have a 10’ beam. In the second example, if the Lagoon 450 with a LOA of 45’ 10” has to occupy a slip that will accommodate a 75 ft monhull, then the marina owner would potentially lose money by charging the Lagoon for 45 ft at monohull prices instead of charging the 75’ rate. Remember, if a boat (that goes for a catamaran or any other type of boat) has special needs that cost the marina more money, either the individual boat ower will need to pay more or the marina will need to raise their rates and spread out the costs over all of the slips so everyone will pay a portion of it.

Is it Fair to Charge Cats More – a Catamaran Owners Point of View

So as you might expect some catamaran owners have a different point of view on what is fair. In one case, a cat owner (of a 38 ft vessel) commented in a sailing forum that they are often charged the 50% rate, even though they fit in most standard slips. Many marinas have policies where all catamarans are charged the premium no matter what. The marina workers have to follow the policy even when it doesn’t make any sense. Another case made by catamaran and multihull owners is when they are charged the 50% premium when the marina is only half occupied. Even though they are using up more space, there is no other boats being turned away because of it and the marinas are not losing any money. They are also using the same basic services as the equally sized monohull.

How a Catamaran Can Pay the Lower Rate?

A few clever cat owners make it to the marina office to pay the short-term slip fee before the dock worker is able to inform the manager of the type of vessel – and pay the lower rate. That is not to lie about they type of boat, but instead they take the don’t ask, don’t tell approach. Times are changing with more and more catamarans entering the market, so being asked about the type of boat is getting to be a more standard check in procedure. This one probably only works with an overnight, temporary stay.

Another thing to do is to ask for the normal rate despite the size of your beam, especially if you have a good case for it. For example, if your vessel fits into the normal size slip or if the marina has a lot of vacancies. Remember you are only one vessel only using the facilities like bathrooms, showers, etc. of one vessel so state your case. Many marinas are reasonable and will accommodate when it makes sense to do so. Your odds of getting the lower rate will go down on holidays or during busy times.

2019 Multi- Hull & Wide Beam Rate Examples

The following 2019 marina rate chart is from the Charleston Bay Marina and Resort in Charleson, SC . The costs are broken down by slip size, payment type, length of stay and boat type.

In this example, Catamarans are charged premiums ranging from around 54% to 68% over monohulls. Ouch! Read on to see the list of amenities included in the above prices.

2019 Monohull Marina RATES

Slip Size	*Annual Pre-Pay From	*Annual Monthly From
Dock Blocks 35′	$8064.00 / $19.20 FT	$700.00 / $20.00 FT
Dock Blocks 40′	$9216.00 / $19.20 FT	$800.00 / $20.00 FT
33 FT	$6,435.00 / $16.25 FT	$561.00 (17.00 FT)/ $6,732.00
40 FT	$7,800.00 / $16.25 FT	$680.00 ($17.00 FT)/ $8,160.00
50 FT	$9,150.00 / $15.25 FT	$797.50 ($15.95 FT)/ $9,570.00
66 FT	$12,078.00/$15.25 FT	$1,052.70 ($15.95 FT)/$12,632.40
T-Heads (annual contract only)	$24.00 FT	$25.00 FT

Slip Size	**2 to 5 Months From	***6-11 Months From
33 FT	$676.50	$618.75
40 FT	$820.00	$750.00
50 FT	$962.50	$875.00
66 FT	$1,270.50	$1,155.00
Larger	$29.00 FT	$27.00 FT

Multi- Hull & Wide Beam Marina Rates

Slip Size	*Annual Pre-Pay From	*Annual Monthly From
33 FT	$9,504 / $24 FT	$825 ($25 FT)/ $9,900
40 FT	$11,520 / $24 FT	$1,000($25 FT)/ $12,000
50 FT	$13,800 / $23 FT	$1,200 ($24 FT)/ $14,400
66 FT	$18,216 / $23 FT	$1,585 ($24 FT)/ $19,020
T-Heads (annual contract only)	$24.00 FT	$25.00 FT

Slip Size	2 to 5 Months	Annual Prepay
33 FT	$1,237.50	$1,097.25
40 FT	$1,500	$1,330
50 FT	$1,800	$1,600
66 FT	$2,376	$2,112

Electricity is metered and not included in slip fees.

What Amenities are Included at Charleston Harbor Marina?

24 hour full service marina
24 hour security
Protective breakwater and wide concrete docks
Clean shower and laundry facilities
The Marina Beacon Newsletter
Access to the Harborside swimming pool
Complimentary shuttle to downtown Charleston
New high speed wireless internet access
2 Free Charleston Water Taxi tickets per month
Free in-slip pump outs (Mon., Wed., and Fri.)
Two annual marina appreciation parties
Marina discount card
Knowledgeable, friendly staff ready to assist
Access to the Mini Mariners Children’s Program
10% off at the Marina Store & Estuary Spa
Tenant Referral Program
Free entry into resort events such as: Oyster Roasts, Bands Burgers & Brews, Smoke on the Harbor
Ten cent discount on gas and diesel at the Fuel Dock
10% off all food and beverage at the Tiki Bar, Reel Bar, Charleston
Harbor Fish House, & Bridge Bar
Marina tenant parking

Can I Freedive From a Catamaran?

There seems to be a growing interest in freediving. Because I keep hearing about people who are into this sport, I wanted to learn more about it and if it is something that can and should be done from a catamaran or sailboat and if it is something that I want to do when on my catamaran.

Can I Freedive From a Catamaran? Yes, you can do one of many types of freeding from a catamaran because freediving is the act of diving without an external oxygen source, of which there are many types of freediving including snorkeling, skin diving, variable weight, no limits, constant weight and free immersion to name a few and can be done in a swimming pool, lake or ocean.

How Deep do Free Divers Go?

Some freedivers go down to depths beyond 65 meters (that’s 213 feet). Most of these dives take place during competitions with trained rescue personnel on-site to perform a rescue if needed. In fact, at the time of writing this, the world record is an unbelievable

You don’t have to go deep when free diving

Freediving is all about staying within your comfort zone. It may be the perfect activity to do off your catamaran. If 100 feet is beyond where you think you want to go – just stay within your comfort zone. It can be a freeing feeling to stay underwater while holding your breath. Sound as interesting to you as it was to me? Great! Let’s dive deeper (sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun).

The Free in Freediving

So Freediving means being free of an oxygen source like a tank. Freediving has gained much popularity because it is free to do – that is because it costs virtually nothing to do. You’ll need a mask and flippers. That’s all! You can go off a dock or from the beach or from a boat.

What is the History of Freediving

Freediving has existed for centuries and beyond both for recreation and a way of finding food for survival. I remember as a child reading books about a boy who was freediving in the Mexico, finding black pearls, which of course starts the trouble with the bad guys and begins the adventure. I loved reading about the intrigue associated with freediving and the adventures of tropical and exotic locations. The underwater world (could have been the sequel to the Water World movie) is like another planet. Freediving allows almost anyone to be able to see and experience what this amazing (underwater) world has to offer.

Is Freediving Dangerous?

Yes, freediving can be dangerous but it doesn’t have to be. In 2013, there were 100 documented deaths out of 5,000 divers. Most of which occured at depths in excess of 75 feet. Extreme freediving to get noticed on YouTube can be dangerous. Diving down to depths of 100 feet plus is not an easy thing to do and going without oxygen for long periods of time can be dangerous. Plenty of things can go wrong including hypoxia, blackouts and organ damage.

Because freediving has very few barriers of entry (you only need a mask), virtually anyone can do it. When so many people are doing something that they may know virtually nothing about, problems can occur. The masses aren’t trained on what can go wrong while freediving under water, don’t always have a proper first aid kit with them, many of which are on vacation and not only aren’t familiar with freediving techniques and safety, but so many are not familiar with the ocean or body of water where they are diving in.

Freediving Doesn’t Have to be Dangerous

Freediving enthusiasts argue that it doesn’t have to be dangerous and the risks can be greatly minimized by following a few basic rules. First, always dive with a buddy. Second, make sure you and your buddy have taken a class so that you know what to do if your buddy blacks out. Next, stay within your comfort zone. Freediving or snorkeling around a reef or in shallow waters are not dangerous.

Modern Freediving Techniques

Modern freediving is a combination of diving and meditation. Before diving to extreme depths, one must relax and prepare your body.

Types of Modern Freediving

Variable Weight Freediving – using added weights, typically in the form of a weighted belt to assist the diver, then returning to the surface under their own power with flippers.
No Limits Freediving – the most dangerous type of freediving where divers use weights to bring them to very deep depths, then buoyancy devices to bring them rapidly to the surface.
Constant Weight Freediving – diving without the help of added weights. This is considered by many as the purest form of freediving. Flippers are optional.
Free Immersion Freediving – The diver pulls a rope down and back. This is used by beginners and more experienced freedivers alike. This is commonly used when freediving is taught

Competitive Freediving

Competitive Freediving is also gaining in popularity. Every competitive dive that is sanctioned by the International Association for the Develpment of Apnea (AIDA), requires an on-site doctor with the proper rescue equipment which includes oxygen. The really good divers actually go down to depths in excess of 100 meters (328 feet) in constant weight diving (CWT).

General Rules for Freediving

Relax – preserve your oxygen levels. This is key to being able to stay underwater for longer. The more relaxed your are the less oxygen you body needs.
Visualize – visualization will help you to relax. This is almost a form of meditation and self hypnotism. Being in the right state of mind goes a long way to enjoying freediving.
Learn – Modern freediving is gaining in popularity. Take a course from a certified instructor. Get certified. Talk to other freedivers and learn from their experiences.
Go at your own pace. Think of freediving like doing yoga. Find they type that you like and are comfortable with.
Challenge yourself to do all of the above and you may find freediving becoming your new favorite hobby.

What Freediving Equipment do you Need?

None (if you are a beginner, this is a great place to start). The great thing about freediving is that it doesn’t required thousands of dollars of equipment like many other boating activities and diving activities.
Snorkel and mask (then use the scuba and mask that you have, which will most likely be standard snorkeling gear). Once again, use what you have, to start, then gradually change to more specific freediving gear at your convenience and budget.
Just a mask (no flippers are needed. Go by your comfort). You can use a standard snorkeling mask or for more advanced freediving, you may want a low volume mask.
Low volume mask requires less oxygen to equalize (this will help you to equalize your mask as you reach deeper depths)
Flippers (use what you have or go use long flippers).
Long Flippers allow you to go deeper with less effort.
Weighted line (helps with orientation in the water – pull yourself down to deeper depth and follow it back up to the surface)
Body weights (belt). Use less energy to dive down to deeper depths.
A Good Wet Suit. Wet suits will not only help to keep your body warm, but also add buoyancy and will help you to float.
Dive computer. A good dive computer helps you to be aware of your depths.

I Didn’t Know That I Was Already a Veteran Freediver

Little did I know before writing this article that I had been freediving many times throughout my life and plan to do more freediving from a catamaran (or the dinghy) in the future. I would like to learn how to spearfish while freediving. It looks like something I can do. I don’t think I’ll push myself to some of the extreme depths, but diving down 25 to 30 feet sounds pretty exciting to me!

How does scuba diving differ from free diving?

Scuba Diving is different just in the fact that with scuba, you carry your oxygen source with you. Scuba divers don’t need to hold your breath, which means they can stay underwater much longer at any given time. Scuba divers are limited by how much oxygen they can carry with the in tanks on their back. The other HUGE DIFFERENCE is that scuba costs a significant amount of money. Scuba equipment typically costs in excess of $1,000 US Dollars. Finally, scuba diving is regulated in many popular dive spots and requires certification which can cost another $300.

If you are going to sail to areas with amazing dive spots like Panama’s Caribbean Coast, the Bahamas, BVI’s, Caribbean or the South Pacific, then I really think that scuba diving and owning your own scuba equipment which may include a compressor to refill your tanks, will enhance your diving experiences. Staying under water for longer periods of time will increase your opportunities of getting excellent pictures and video as well.

Can You Get Sunburn Through Your Clothes?

I was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer recently and my dermatologist recommended that I stay out of the sun to reduce the risks of recurring melanoma. Although I may decide to sail at night on a passage or two, it is not practical with my lifestyle to stay out of the sun 100% of the time. This made me think about alternative options like covering up while in the sun.

So, then I started to wonder about the sun penetrating clothing and it made me wonder, Can You Get Sunburn Through Your Clothes? I found out that yes, you can get sunburned through certain types of clothing including t-shirts, light colored clothing and lightly woven fabrics, but other types of clothing can block the 100% of the sun’s rays. One sunburn every two years can triple your risk of developing melanoma (the deadliest form of) skin cancer.

How Much Does Being on the Water or in the Sand (Beach) Increase Your Exposure to the Sun?

Most of us know that being on or around the water can increase your risk of sunburn, but did you know either the beach or the water can increase your exposure by 25%? Did you also know that one sunburn every two years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer (and melanoma can be deadly). Every year 100,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in the US. Whether you are sailing on weekend for leisure, active in regattas or competitions or living full-time and cruising, skin protection is a must for all sailors. The threat of skin cancer is elevated by being outdoors during the peak daytime hours and by the suns rays reflecting off the water surrounding your boat.

A Sexy Tan Makes You Look Old and Wrinkled at a Younger Age

Ok. If you are like I used to be, you are thinking that skin cancer is still quite rare and it only kills about 10,000 Americans each year so your odds of death from skin cancer is low and you won’t be one of the unlucky ones even though you had lots of sunburn as a child and you continue to tan all summer long. UV from the sun not only causes skin cancer, it causes premature wrinkles, brown spots on your skin and can make you look much older than you really are. So many women (and men) are paying for fancy skin creams and Botox treatments to make them look younger, yet not doing anything to prevent the one of the main things that is causing them to wrinkle up in the first place. ffffffff

Cover Up

Wearing clothes to cover up bare skin is a good practice that many sailors do, but not all clothes are created equal to stop sunburn. I used to think that wearing a long sleeve t-shirt was all I needed to protect myself from the sun, but I didn’t know that dangerous UV rays can penetrate most shirts – especially t-shirts. Covering up is better than not covering up, but knowing which types of clothes to cover up with can really reduce the amount of dangerous UV rays getting through to your skin.

Did You Know There is a Rating System for Clothes?

Just like sunscreen is rated by SPF, clothes also have a rating system. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is the time is takes for skin to redden by exposure to the sun. A 15 SPF allows a person 15 times the protection VS not wearing any sunscreen.

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF)

Clothes are rated by UPF. UPF stands for Ultaviolet Protection Factor which measures how much of the suns UV rays are absorbed by the clothing, thus stopping it from penetrating through to your skin. A shirt with a UPF factor of 50 means that 1/50^th of the sun’s rays will penetrate through to your skin and offers significant protection. In other words, only 2% of the suns UV rays will penetrate through to your skin.

Tightly Woven and Synthetic Fabrics Work Better

Clothes with tighter weaves provide more sunburn protection than those with looser knits. Synthetic fabrics work better than cotton t-shirts. Clothes made from nylon, lycra, and acrylic not only breath well and wick moisture away from your skin keeping you cooler, but also help to protect you from the sun.

Dark Colors Provide More Protection From Sunburn

When it comes to colors, dark colored fabrics block more of the harmful rays of the sun that does light colored ones.

A denim shirt may block all of the suns damaging rays, while a light-colored t-shirt may provide very little protection. One test you can do is to hold up a dark piece of clothing up to a light. Notice how much light passes through. Now hold up a light-colored shirt made of the same fabric. More light passes through the light-colored shirt than the dark colored one. Imagine the source is the sun and you will clearly see which piece of clothing provides better protection.

Interestingly, most people wear light colored clothes in the summer time because they are much cooler and absorb less heat from the sun.

Wear Layers of Clothing for More Sun Protection

One way around wearing dark colors is to wear layers. You can wear two pieces of clothing which double the risk of getting sunburn through your clothes. Women may choose to wear a light wrap over their swimsuit or rash guard swim shirt. Wear a dark colored rash guard for extra protection in the water, but cover it with a light colored wrap when out of the water. The light colors absorb less radiant heat and keep your cooler.

Old or Stretched Out Clothes Offer Less Protection from Sunburn

As clothes age, they fade and stretch out. Clothes that stretch can provide a fraction of the protection from the sun that newer clothes which have tighter weaves. It makes complete sense. Think of vertical blinds in your house. If you remove every other blind, more light is going to come through. Stretching out clothes has the same effect.

Stay Dry for Maximum Protection

If you are going to wear clothing (like a rash guard) while swimming, choose clothes that are made for the water. Clothes that are dry provide more protection from harmful UV rays than wet ones. Wet clothes have the tendency to stretch, which in turns opens up the holes in the fabric and allows more UV through. You may choose a navy blue rash guard with a UPF of 50 plus for going in the water VS one that is rated at 30, knowing the rating will change when wet. A wet t-shirt only provides the protection of around 3 UPF – not much protection.

Look For The Seal of Approval

The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Approval can be found on a large variety of clothes made for the sun and water. To have the seal of approval, a UPF rating of 30 and above is required. Good protection is rated at 30 UPF to 49 UPF. Great sun Protection is rated with a UPF of 50 plus. A UPF of 50 plus blocks 98% of dangerous UV rays.

The UPF May Not Last Forever

Keep in mind that as clothes age, the can lose their effectiveness to block the sun’s rays. Even sun protective clothing can lose its effectiveness to block the UV if it stretches. It can also lose its effectiveness if it wears out or after being washed frequently or just from being old. If you are spending a lot of time in the sun, then you need to think about buying new clothes on a regular basis. If you are like my wife, then I’m sure buying new clothes won’t be an issue.

Did You Know You Can Protect Your Clothes by Washing With This Product?

Yes, it is true. Laundry additives like Sunguard can be added to your cloths. Add one package to a load of wash. The company claims that it protects each garment to 30 UPF and is good for up to 20 washes. We did not find any reviews on this product. It costs around $50 for a pack of twelve, one-ounce treatments.

Other Ways to Prevent Sunburn

Using clothes with UPF protection is something that every sailor and boater should consider. Other things that need to be on your mandatory list for sun protection is:

Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Consider the sport types that don’t easily wear off during normal activities. Wearing a daily moisturizer with sunscreen
Wearing a wide brimmed hat. Wide brimmed hats are now cool (because I have to wear them)!
Wearing a rash guard when swimming
Enjoy water sports in the morning and late afternoon
Stay out of the sun from 10am to 2PM
Wear lip balm with sunscreen
Wear a buff for face and neck protection
Wear long sleeves
Don’t forget to use sunscreen on your feet
Wear UV blocking sunglasses (you can get melanoma in your eyes)

Will my sunscreen kill the reef?

I used to think this was just a bunch of fluff to get me to pay a lot for sun screen. In doing more research, I found that certain chemicals found in some popular (and effective) sunscreens have also been found to kill and bleach the reefs. The main chemical thought to be really bad for the choral and found in popular suncreens is Oxybenzone.

Good news. There a many new brands of sunscreen that are reef friendly. If interested, I’ll do a post about them and maybe even product reviews.

Can a Catamaran be Sailed by Just One Person

When I was conducting research about buying a sailing catamaran, I wondered if they could be sailed solo. I did some research to see how they were set up and if it was possible to sail a catamaran with just one person. While I was writing this, La Vegabond posted a video where Riley was onboard alone (Elayna was back in Australia preparing to have their baby). Read on, Ill tell you more.

So can a catamaran be sailed with just one person? Yes, with a few exceptions listed below, most modern catamarans are designed be sailed solo – with one person from the helm station.

Even though it is possible, there is a lot to consider when planning to sail a catamaran with only one person. In most situations, it is best to have others on board the boat while sailing to help-out when needed. Read on for some of those situations. If you are an experienced sailor, and want to give any additional advice, please feel free to comment. The newbies will be more than happy to hear from you. Afterall, it only adds to my research.

Does Being Able to Sail Alone Mean You Should?

Being able to sail solo is one of the best features of a sailing catamaran. It is especially helpful when night sailing or on long crossings that take several days like when doing a Pacific or Atlantic crossing. Times vary based on the catamaran and conditions, but a Pacific crossing can take three to four weeks. That’s a long time! Although the large, modern catamarans allow solo sailing, it is probably something that you should do with other crewmembers in the boat. Risking a half million dollar (or more) boat and your life, probably isn’t worth it just to say you did it. There are boats better equipped for record breaking voyage like the one named Guppy (read on).

This 16-Year-Old Girl Sailed Solo for 518 Days

There was a show on television a few years ago called, Are You Smarter Than a 5^th Grader, where the contestants matched wits with 5^th graders – often finding out that the 5^th graders knew more than they did. This once could be called are you smarter than a 16-year-old sailor. Read on to find out.

In this case, this 16-year-old gained more sailing experience in her voyage around the world than most of us will gain in a lifetime. I have read about solo sailors in small mono hulls sailing a crossing or even around the world. A girl named Laura Dekker, at age 16 (yes, I had to repeat it), sailed for 518 days and 36,000 nautical miles alone while circumnavigating the globe on her boat named, Guppy. National Geographic made a video of Dekker’s remarkable voyage. It is truly amazing. She must be one very determined young lady. According to my research, Laura Dekker now lives in her birth country of New Zeeland and she still sails along with giving presentations about her epic, world record breaking journey. A couple of side notes to this saga. First, Guppy was not a catamaran and sadly, in 2018, Dekker donated her boat to a California non-profit organization that ran her on a reef in the south Pacific. After circumnavigating the globe, Guppy is a total loss.

When it is Helpful to Sail Solo?

It’s helpful that modern Catamarans are engineered so that the main sail can be raised and lowered and the genoa controlled from the helm station. It’s also very convenient that most of these larger catamarans have an autopilot. With consistent winds, the autopilot allows for the boat to be kept on course should the helmsman have to leave their station momentarily. Being able to solo sail with one person also allows other crew members aboard to be able to rest or sleep while one person remains on watch. Although there is no set timeframe for being on watch, many sailing vessels that I have research choose two, three or four-hour watch times.

Can You Solo Sail in all Conditions?

There are times when sailing solo may not be a good idea. I have listed some of them below. I’m sure there are more that sailors who have firsthand experience can add to this list.

Can You Sail Solo in Bad Weather?

The question maybe needs to be should you sail solo in bad weather, instead of can you sail solo in bad weather. Unless it can’t be avoided, then sailing solo may not be a good idea when there is threatening weather, or a squall is approaching. Yes, this seems to be common sense and but it is best to wake another crewmember so they are alert should you need to make some quick maneuvers. Yes, wind speeds can suddenly increase or change directions which can damage the sail, the boat or capsize it. Although extreme weather conditions can be handled with only one person and often are handled by just one person, it is good to have another person awake and present to help if needed. Sometimes the squalls form so fast that the night time solo sailor must react and take control of the situation and adapt the boat to the changing conditions without any time to wake up another mate. When risks are higher for bad weather it may be best for a crew member to sleep close by like in the saloon or in the cockpit so they are close by should the helmsman need assistance.

Can You Solo Sail and Fly the Spinnaker?

Although it is possible to set the autopilot while railing and lower the spinnaker, it may be better for one person to remain at the helm to maneuver the catamaran while the second person takes down and stores the spinnaker or having two sets of hands to take down and store it.

Can You Solo Sail Through Rough Seas?

Another time when having a second, alert crew member present is when sailing in rough seas. Rough seas may pose many potential problems and challenges and having an extra body ready to react can not only be helpful but may save some gear or equipment if fast action is required.

Should You Solo Sail Through Shallow Water?

Another time when having additional crew comes in handy is when sailing through shallow waters, narrow passages or near choral heads. The charts aren’t always accurate, so having extra eyes in the water at the bow can be the difference between a safe passage and a damaged hull. Certainly, avoiding these situations are better, but there are times when you may not have another option, but to proceed ahead. Best to have another set of eyes or more. And yes, depending on conditions, it may be best to drop the sails (crew or solo) and motor until clear of the potential dangers.

Do You Need a Crew to Drop the Anchor or Hook Up a Mooring Ball?

Anchoring or hooking up to a mooring ball is another time when sailing solo can be a challenge. It is much easier to have one crewmember dropping anchor while the other is at the helm. It can be difficult to see if the anchor is set from the helm station. It may be even more of a challenge to hook a mooring ball especially if there is a lot of current, wind or other boats moored or at anchor nearby.

Can You Dock a Catamaran Solo?

Docking can also be a challenge for a big catamaran as water currents and wind conditions can work against the docking. In a busy marina with tight spaces, there may be very little room for error. Extra crew can be eyes on deck for blind spots, they can handle docking lines and it is always a good idea to have one or two crewmembers with roaming bumpers to protect the boat from scraping or bumping the dock. Of course, in most marinas, fellow boaters are usually on the docks and willing to help with lines and bumpers if you do not have available crew on the catamaran. You can also call ahead and marina personell will be waiting to help.

Do You Need Experience to Sail Solo?

The question may be worded better, how much experience does the helmsman need before sailing solo. This all depends on the boat, the helmsman, the weather and other potential sailing challenges (some of which have been addressed in other paragraphs). For a less experienced crew, it is a good idea for a second person to be alert and available to help make and carry out sailing decisions. Two minds are better than one whether it is to decide on reefing changes, course changes or just to keep the captain company to boost confidence.

Sailing Solo Can be Boring (especially for long periods)

On a long and uneventful sail or a sail without much wind, it is nice to have fellow crew to keep your company. Yes, podcasts, books, movie downloads and boat maintenance can help to pass the time, and of course, this isn’t a requirement or as important as some of the reasons listed above, it is nice to have conversation to pass the time – especially on a long passage.

When Sailing Solo – Sail Conservatively

It is a good practice to sail more conservatively when sailing solo. That means to reef early with any threat of higher winds. Sail around any stormy areas or wait to start out until the weather conditions are favorable. Be conservative around islands and passes and stay far away from any potential obstacles.

Sailing Solo; Great for the Soul? Ben from Nahoa

I have heard from sailors that love their night solo sailing watch times. Even though it can be nerve racking from time to time when uncertainties appear, most of the time it is quiet and serene. In one of Sailing Nahoa’s videos, Ben talks about how much he likes sailing solo on night passages. He passes the time by listening to podcasts, meditating and exercising among other things. One of his comments are about how often does anyone get several hours of alone time, away from the kids, spouse, job, etc. And he says the stars are amazing and every few seconds there are shooting stars. It sounds incredible! By the way, if you haven’t checked out Nahoa on YouTube, Ben and Ashley are a Canadian couple in their 30’s. They make amazing videos about their adventures and, also give great advice to up and coming sailors in their how-to series. It’s one of my favorite sailing channels – and they sail a catamaran.

Conclusion; Should You Sail a Catamaran Alone?

So the bottom line to all of this solo sailing of a catamaran is this. Most of the large, modern Cats are engineered so that they can be navigated by a single helmsman, but the real-life practical answer is that you really do need to have crew on board to help at a moment’s notice especially during some of the circumstances all mentioned above. The modern sailing catamarans are being designed to allow more and more people, experienced and beginners alike the ability to live and cruise and sail and explore.

Hopefully if you are a beginning sailor interested in pursuing your dream of sailing a catamaran, cruising or living-aboard, you found this article to be entertaining and you may have even learned a little from it. If you are an experienced sailor, I hope that you were able to give your comments, advice and experience. Afterall, the best way to learn is through the eyes of those that have already experienced it before.

Watch the La Vegabond YouTube video where Riley Sails to the U.S. Alone

While I was writing this article, I saw the La Vegabond episode where Riley sails alone from the Bahamas up to Charleston, South Carolina in the United States. I thought it was fitting to give La Vegabond a shout out, though with over 350,000 subscribers, they don’t really need one. If you are interested in sailing alone, you should really check out the video. It reinforced pretty much what I learned. He is a good sailor. He did the passage. It wasn’t easy for him, but he did it.

Are Catamarans or Monohulls Easier to Sail?

The simple answer to the question about whether monohulls or Catamarans are easier to sail really depends upon the boat. In most cases, the large sailing catamarans are made to sail with just one person. Some of the monohulls are able to be solo sailed, but it really depends on the boat. In general, most catamarans are easier to sail than most monohulls. |

12 Effective Ways for Washing Clothes On a Sailboat?

Whether you are planning to go sailing for a week, a month or perhaps you are going to liveaboard your sailboat as a full time cruiser, then doing laundry on your sailboat is a huge consideration. I did some research and found some great options for doing laundry while living on a sailboat. If you are a seasoned sailor or boater and have experience with doing laundry on a boat, we would love to hear your methods for washing your clothes. Please add your comments below.

So How do you do laundry on a sailboat? I came up with 12 Effective Ways for Washing Clothes on a Sailboat ranging from washing by hand to using washing machines. The major influencers to the type of washing method used were onboard space, availability of a fresh water source and availability of power.

1. Onboard Electric Washer / Dryer Machine

This may be every sailors dream, other than having the mermaids do your laundry. If you are fortunate enough to have plenty of fresh water, ample electricity and the space for it (as many catamarans have), an onboard Automatic Washer / Dryer is a great option. This machine combines the washer and dryer into one appliance, but other than that is basically like doing laundry onshore at your home. There are different models available, but the one that seems to be mentioned the most is the Splendide 2100XC AC Washer Dryer Combo.

Reviews. The Splendide receives mixed reviews for quality, but overall is a good option for those wanting the conveniences of home. The pro’s are the convenience of using a machine to wash and dry. The clothes came out clean and wrinkle free. The cons are the cost (around $1100.00 US), seems to have some minor repair issues, though one review was from an owner who had it for 5 years with only minor issues and was overall satisfied. Another con is that is consumes a fair amount of water and electricity so if you are at an anchorage or on a crossing, requires running the engines or generator and either uses your fresh water supply or you are running your water maker.

2. Five Gallon Bucket and Plunger

The Five Gallon Bucket and Plunger seems to be one of the most tried and true options for washing clothes on a sailboat. This is a great option for boats that don’t have space, power or an endless supply of fresh water. Simply fill the bucket with approximately 1/3 full of fresh water, add 1/4 cup of detergent (will vary depending on which type and brand of detergent you are using), then use a toilet plunger to agitate the clothes in the water. After a few minutes for lightly soiled clothes (a little longer for heavily soiled clothes), transfer to another bucket for the rinse. Then hang up to dry.

Review. This method is effective, simple and takes up almost no space because every boat has a bucket and plunger on board. The big con on this one was the effort it took to agitate the clothes, some plungers may have the rubber part separate from the handle and it can spill a little bit of the soapy water out of the bucket.

3. Bucket with Tight Lid and Rope

The Bucket with Tight Lid and Rope option is much like the bucket option above, except you need a lid that attaches securely to the top of the bucket. Tie on a rope and throw overboard while sailing. The action of the bucket skipping off the waves provides agitation. The rinse and drying are the same as in number two above.

Review. This method could work out and save the plunging part of the bucket and plunger option. The cons are that you need a strong bucket with a strong lid and a strong handle or you may lose your clothes. If you don’t have a plunger or are grossed out by using your plunger to wash your clothes, then this could be an alternative. There is also a plunger available on Amazon, made with plastic with holes in it made for doing laundry and not using in the toilet.

4. Is it OK to Wash Clothes with Salt Water if you Rinse with Fresh Water?

Use Seawater by Rinse with Fresh Water is another option for washing clothes while out to sea. Yes, I know this isn’t really a method of cleaning, but I discovered a lot of discussion and debate when doing my research about using salt water VS using fresh water and thought it was worthy to add to the list.

Arguments for using fresh water. Salt holds moisture (doesn’t dry completely) and makes you itch. Fresh water gets the salt out, makes your clothes cleaner and will dry more completely. It doesn’t make you itch.

Salt water can and has been used by sailors for washing for centuries and may be the only option on a long passage or with a shortage of water onboard. It is better than wearing dirty and smelly clothes.

The compromise. One compromise between fresh and salt water laundry options is to wash with salt and rinse with fresh. The biggest negative I learned doing this is that it takes more fresh water to get the salt out so that you are better off just washing with fresh and rinsing with fresh if you are considering this option. The other way to conserve fresh water while sailing is to only wash your t-shirts and underwear with fresh water and use salt water on your other clothes. This keeps the parts that will touch your sensitive areas clean and fee of salty irritants.

5. Marina Laundromat / Laundromat in Town

Ok This isn’t a method for washing clothes on a sailboat, but one that many mariners choose to do. Pack enough clothes to last until you reach your next marina stop or anchorage in a town with laundry facilities. The advantage with using a laundromat is that you can often do several loads of laundry simultaneously, which minimizes your time waiting. The other advantages are obvious with getting clean clothes without using the electricity or water on board the boat. The cons are cost and having to carry your clothes to the laundry – especially if you have to take the dinghy and then walk to where the laundry is in the town. If you are in the marina this isn’t much of an issue.

6. Old Fashioned Washboard with Bar of Soap

I remember watching old movies and tv shows where an old fashioned washboard with a bar of soap was used to do laundry. The method is simple. Soak the cloths in water and use the bar of soap then scrub on the washboard.

Review. This is a very effective method for cleaning – especially stains and soiled clothing, uses minimal water and doesn’t take up much space. It is a step up from the bucket and plunger option. The cons are the muscle power used (it takes some effort) and can be a little hard on the clothes.

7. Dragging a Mesh Bag Behind the Boat

Dragging a Mesh Bag Behind the Boat uses the seawater for cleaning. The motion of the bag bumping around the waves provides agitation. The water penetrating the mesh provides constant rinsing.

Review. So this method isn’t a preferred one, but some hardcore sailors say it is effective and they have been doing it for years. It also preserves your fresh water assuming you are not doing a fresh water rinse. The cons is that either you dry as is (without rinsing) and have salt in your clothes or you still need to rinse with fresh water. We have already discussed the amount of fresh water needed to remove the salt (perhaps more than you save by washing in salt water). Could be an option for your outerwear if you are able to wash your undergarments and t-shirts with fresh water.

8. Wonder Washer

The Wonder Washer is a step up from the methods of 2 – 7, but short of having an electric washing machine. For around $50 you can have a small hand crank wash machine that holds around 5 lbs of clothing.

Review. Seems to work pretty good and as long as you don’t over fill it, is quite easy to crank. Gets the clothes nice and clean. One review I read provided detail of around 200 cranks for a load. It is easier than the plunger or washing in the sink options and gets the clothes clean. It is 16″ x 12″ x 12″ and weighs 5.5 LbS. The con is that you still need to use water for both washing and rinsing. Also, if you have a smaller boat, you may be challenged to find space for the Wonder Washer. You also need to ring out before hanging to dry. If you have $50 and space, but don’t want to go with the electric washer/dryer, then it could be a good alternative.

9. Wash in Bottom of Shower

Washing in the Bottom of the Shower is another low tech solution. If you have enough fresh water for the shower, but don’t want to use extra water for laundry, then you could put the dirty clothes in the bottom of the shower so your soapy water drops down on the dirty cloths. A few stomps provides agitation and a quick rinse and you are done. Hang up in the shower to dry away from the salt air.

Review. I don’t need to do much review on this one, but if you don’t have enough water for fresh water showers, then this one is out for you. If you have water for showers, then not a bad option and certainly is much easier than bending over a bucket. I have personally done this for a few of my clothes (especially bathing suit and rash guard after snorkeling) when on a charter catamaran in the Bahamas. We had eight on board for a week at sea so we had to conserve water. We had the option of refilling our tanks, but water isn’t cheap in the Bahamas so this did help.

10. Wash in Sink

Washing your Clothes in the Sink is another one that has been done for many years. Nothing too much to add here. You get the picture. It’s a little messy and you are limited to one or two small garments at a time (sinks on sailboats aren’t very big).

11. Dinghy Stomp

The Dinghy Stomp is one that I learned about while doing research. Yes, sailors are creative and some wait for a rainy day to fill up the bottom of the dinghy with water. They add a little laundry detergent, sit and stop. Rinse with the fresh rain water off your boat, wait for the rain to stop, then hang to dry.

Review. If it doesn’t rain, you’ll need to use one of the other methods. The other issue can be if your dinghy has sand or dirt in the bottom, you may be washing with not-so-clean water. On the positive side, it is a good way to conserve water.

12. The Scrubba

Last but not least is The Scrubba. The Scrubba is basically a dry bag with ribs on the inside. It was made as a light weight portable option for backpackers to do laundry out on the trail. Put in your clothes, add a little water and detergent, squeeze the air out and work the bag like you are kneading dough to make bread.

Review. The cost is around $50, which some consumers thought was more than it was worth. It works OK, was well made, but the boaters that provided comments thought it was no better than using the sink or one of the bucket methods. On the positive side, it doesn’t take up much space, is lightweight, stores easily and is effective.

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