We’ve been using the Iridium Go for two years now and while it is basic communications and connectivity, we couldn’t imagine sailing about the world without it.

Why?  Because being able to download the latest weather, send photos, text messages, emails and make calls from the middle of an ocean is pretty freakin’ incredible!

Ok, what is Iridium Go.

• A compact, rugged and portable device that provides global SAT voice and data on up to five different devices (smartphones, laptops or tablets).
• Simple operation – flip up the antenna and it auto connects and creates a wifi hotspot.
• Once connected to the hotspot we can use the Iridium apps to: make voice calls, access our iridium specific email, tweet, send photos, send SMS (text), create GPS tracking, send an SOS alert…and most impressive/important…use our Predict Wind Offshore App!
• Small and made as a standalone unit. Water, sand and dust resistant, it can be tossed in a backpack and taken on any adventure.
• Works with PredictWind Offshore App – Hands down our fave feature and go to for weather forecasts.  PredictWind is off the charts fantastic for all things sailing/wind/water related.  Detailed PWG/PWE, ECMWF, GFS and GMDSS forecasts. GRIBs, satellite imagery, weather routing…seriously, its nuts.  We are our own meteorologists with this much info.

Sailors Need The Marine Package

Because we’re out on the open seas and not just going on a remote mountain trail, we have the PredictWind Iridium GO! Marine Package.  It’s an outdoor antenna that is essential for connecting while sailing.

You can buy the Iridium Go from lots of places including Amazon ($1150) but…and a big but here, you’ll need the monthly service too and PredictWind has the best customer service, most flexible and most affordable options across the board.

Just for transparency sake, we don’t get anything if you purchase from PredictWind. However, we do get a few pennies if you purchase through Amazon…yet, we’re still recommending you buy through PredictWind.  Because we care more about you having a good experience than we do about making a few pennies.

Iridium SIM Cards from PredictWind have no activation fees and open term contracts that can be cancelled any time (they even pro rate). This is very important!  Because we can turn on and off the service as needed.  If we are going to stay in one area for a month (or more) with good connectivity, why pay for a monthly service we won’t use!?

We activate our service just before each offshore passage.  We always go with the unlimited data plan which is US$139.95/month.  This gives us a 150 min of voice calls and unlimited data.  So, we can send photos, emails and download weather as much as we want with no worries.

Plus, if you purchase through PredictWind, they offer a GPS tracking page for your boat. It can be embedded into your own blog or simply shared with family and friends. It has automatic hourly updates, so others can monitor your progress.

If you stop or have a drastic change in course, friends can see you may need assistance…and send you a text message.  Like the time my uncle wondered why we had just made a sharp left turn.  That’s when I had to explain that sailboats tack.