We're at a marina in Bradenton, FL for the summer. We have lots of projects to do on the boat, and in our spare time we'll also welcome a new baby. We hope to take some short excursions from time-to-time, but expect the vast majority of our time to be spent at the dock. We're hoping to leave for another cruise around September 2011, but that depends heavily on boat and family status.
When we're out and about, we typically use a SPOT satellite tracker to send notifications about our position and safe arrival to our emergency contacts ashore. The device will send an "OK" message when we push a button, and it can also send a position report every 10 minutes when in tracking mode. When making a passage, we'll send an OK upon departure and arrival and usually have the tracking on when underway. If known, our position is visible on a map at the link below.
The positions are only visible on the map for 7 days, so don't be surprised if it is blank. Also, don't be surprised if our track stops mysteriously in the middle of a passage. The tracking feature turns itself off after 24 hours and we have to remember to turn it back on.
If you're familiar with the SPOT devices, they do have a 911 feature to summon rescue. This is an add-on service managed by a private rescue company. We have not paid for the service and will not be using that feature of the device. Our emergency contact is Jay's father who will be the recipient of our float plans and "OK" messages emailed from our SPOT.
Where in the World is Take Two?
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