Adventures in Onboard Internet: Navigating Connectivity Challenges at Sea
Discover how cruising life has evolved with modern internet challenges aboard a yacht. From VHF radios to shared data plans and balancing connections like Scarlet and Digicel, learn how sailors adapt their onboard connectivity in this humorous take on life at sea.
Communicating at Sea: From VHF to Internet
In the past, sailors communicated through VHF, SSB, and even Morse code—though that’s a joke. Today, the internet dominates, and getting reliable connectivity at sea is a challenge.
Internet Onboard: Enter Scarlet and Digicel
Settling in Curaçao, we ventured into an internet contract with local provider Scarlet, sharing costs with a geeky neighbor. Despite challenges like poor coverage and moving boats, it was an improvement from our old provider, Digicel.
The Modem Setup Saga
We installed the modem on a flying bridge, complete with a kitty litter bucket for protection, but performance varied. Ultimately, we switched back to Digicel for better speed, balancing the cost with functionality.
The Quest for Better Connection
After much trial and error with routers, modems, and cables, we juggled between the Scarlet modem and Digicel to stay connected. Despite frustrations, we managed—though it wasn’t without setbacks like waiting out squalls.
Old-School Solutions: Back to Basics?
With all the technological challenges, sometimes it feels like we’d be better off with semaphore flags! Internet onboard remains a work in progress.
Candy Colley has written for ALL AT SEA since 2015.
Worth your time?
Thanks — noted.
