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A platform dedicated to sailing holidays
For Alain, a blog dedicated to long-distance sailors must have a few essential features, the most important of which is of course the ability to visualize the journey in its entirety as well as in detail. To do this, our boat is automatically (or not) positioned on a map at the chosen scale. So you can follow your navigations in real time (with weather data, which is even better!), instantly identify the countries you've visited, and freely import text, photos and, of course, videos.
As you sail, Skipperblogs records and calculates the distance covered, the duration of your voyage, your maximum speed and your average speed. Last but not least, the overall layout can be chosen to match the personality and expectations of the person writing the story. A sort of multi-function Swiss Army Knife, simple and easy to use.
From the outset, Skipperblogs has been designed with this in mind. And while some of the modules and widgets provide really advanced functionality, you don't need them to start writing your blog and telling your adventures. That said, if you don't feel like a reporter, or if you already have your own blog, you can simply use the map and tracking.
From multiple sources to the ends of the earth
Once you've decided on your layout and type of map (check out skipperblogs for all the possibilities - there are almost thirty to choose from...), you'll need to choose the source of your location data. Naturally, this depends on your onboard equipment. It could be AIS, Iridium, Garmin, WhatsApp, Spot, SkyMate, API, SSB radio, YB Tracking... The list is not exhaustive, and several systems can be used simultaneously. On long crossings, your loved ones will be able to follow your progress hour after hour. Because sometimes it's good to feel free, tracking can of course be deactivated at any time, with the option of manually updating your boat's position on the map.
This allows you to inform your family and friends of a change of plan when your wishes or sea conditions change. To reflect these sailing conditions, the weather forecast is integrated into the updates. You can also choose to associate a personalized message with waypoints, and opt for a Windy background map to enhance your appreciation of the weather situation.
Your blog can be fed from other platforms, thanks to the import tool for copying your articles, publications, categories, comments and GPS tracks from Wordpress, Sailblog, Wix, Sailserver, Blogger, Following Sea... Finally, for adventurers at the end of the world (although, with Starlink, the absence of a network is becoming increasingly rare...), the Slow connection mode features a greatly reduced interface (of the order of 10 to 15 kb per page) to enable you to administer your blog with a weak Internet connection. In this context, you can publish your articles by e-mail and update your position by e-mail, Iridium, Airmail, etc.
Three options, from the simplest to the most complete
In keeping with his rigorous yet benevolent way of seeing the world, Alain offers three options, the first of which is completely free of charge, and two subscription packages (as he so aptly puts it) at 9 and 16 euros per month for the Premium and Pro packages. Access to automatic tracking is reserved for subscribers, as are a number of features, including domain name, memory, video hosting and, in the near future, the possibility of subscribing readers to the Pro package.
Whichever option you choose, using Skipperblogs also means becoming part of a community and perhaps a state of mind. It's this state of mind that is reflected in the ethics of its creator. There's no advertising on the platform, no use of cookies, no exploitation of personal data, and all data can be exported to other platforms. Last but not least, you are not alone and can contact Alain at any time for personalized assistance.
