High-speed internet is available almost anywhere on Earth. Thanks to Starlink, the majority of long-distance cruisers are able to receive any kind of information, anytime.

Aboard Fortitude X, navigating new waters and unfamiliar territories demands a strategic approach to managing the excess of digital tools available for weather updates, navigation, communication, and gathering local information. The key to efficiency is to strike a balance between staying informed and avoiding the trap of spending endless hours online. On Fortitude X we are managing the access of approximately 35 apps and websites to stay current on family and travel, not including banking, Canada Revenue, property tax, and utilities.

Here’s how to make the most of your digital resources without being overwhelmed.

Streamlining Email Communication

With multiple email accounts to manage — one address for boat and website-related matters, and two addresses for personal communication — centralizing email management is crucial. Using an email client that supports a unified inbox lets you view and respond to all emails in one place. This approach saves time and ensures that no important messages are missed. Setting up filters and labels further helps in prioritizing emails, so urgent updates and critical information are immediately visible.

Consolidating Messaging Platforms

Onboard communication spans various platforms including WhatsApp, Signal, Messenger, Instagram, Facebook, Line, Zulip, Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, and traditional text messages. Instead of juggling multiple apps, a unified messaging app can bring all your conversations into a single interface. This integration allows you to manage communications more efficiently, ensuring you remain connected with key contacts without constantly switching between apps. Beeper is a free app that combines a few of the above apps. Establishing clear communication protocols—such as using WhatsApp for urgent updates and Zoom for official meetings—further streamlines the process.

Leveraging Specialized Websites and Apps

When it comes to navigating new areas, websites like Noonsite, Bluewater Cruising Association, Ocean Cruising Club, Ocean Posse, Good Nautical, NoForeignLand, and Safety and Security Net are invaluable resources. These platforms provide critical information on weather, navigation, local contacts, and maintenance supplies. Bookmarking these sites and organizing them into easily accessible folders ensures you can quickly find the information you need without prolonged searching. After a while, you find people who have the same travel style as you, and communicate more with them. This substantially reduces the amount of research on other platforms.

Top left: Route planning using Navionics and OpenCPN; Top right: Yellowfin Tuna for dinner
Bahia Honda, Panama; Bottom left: Sunset, Mazatlan, Mexico; Bottom right: Backyard
Bahia Ballena, Costa Rica

Weather and Navigation

For weather updates we are using LuckGrib, unless we are planning longer passages or face conflicting information; in these situations we check PredictWind to get another forecast from a second platform. The models provide detailed forecasts including wind speeds, wave heights, barometric pressure, etc. We export the weather route into OpenCPN to compare the weather and our initial routing. If the routes are vastly different we adjust our routing to the weather route. OpenCPN also has the ability to overlay weather data layers onto your nautical charts, allowing you to visualize how weather conditions will impact your planned route.

Efficient Use of Your Website and Design Tasks

Managing your own website via WordPress or Bluehost requires regular maintenance, but this can be optimized by scheduling specific times for updates and content posting. Using plugins that automate backups and updates reduces the need for constant manual intervention. For design tasks, outsourcing to platforms like Fiverr can save significant time, allowing you to focus on more critical aspects of your voyage.

Gathering Local Information and Travel Tips

Sailing to new areas often relies on local knowledge—who to contact for resources, where to get supplies, and which areas to avoid. Engaging with sailing communities through websites like Bluewater Cruising Association, Ocean Cruising Club, Ocean Posse, and NoForeignLand can provide this vital information. Participating in forums and subscribing to newsletters from these platforms ensures you receive timely and relevant advice. Moreover, using YouTube for tutorials and local guides can be both informative and engaging, providing visual insights into new destinations and maintenance tips.

Achieving Balance

Ultimately, the goal is to remain informed and connected without being tethered to your computer all day. Regularly reviewing and pruning the digital tools you use, and setting aside specific times for digital tasks helps maintain this balance. Allocating dedicated periods for checking emails, updating the website, and engaging with community resources ensures that you stay productive without feeling overwhelmed.

In summary, by centralizing email and messaging platforms, efficiently using specialized websites and apps, scheduling website maintenance, outsourcing design tasks, and leveraging community resources, you can gather all necessary information for navigating new waters. This approach not only optimizes our time, but also enhances our overall sailing experience aboard Fortitude X, allowing us to focus more on the journey and less on digital distractions. Isn’t that we wanted to get away from in the first place?

Left: Beach in Bahia Tenacatita, México; Right: Fortitude X crew