Training with the Ocean Rowing Academy has given me the skills to staying on top of navigation, communication, and safety. To help me manage all these aspects, my boat, True Blue, is equipped with a range of instruments that will keep me on track and ensure my journey is as safe and efficient as possible.
Here’s a look at the key instruments I have on board and how they’ll assist me during the crossing.
Chart Plotter
The chart plotter is at the heart of my navigation system. This device allows me to track my position on a detailed map of the ocean, using GPS to update my location in real-time. It will be critical for plotting my course, checking my progress, and making adjustments based on weather conditions or currents. I rely on the chart plotter to stay on course as I make my way toward the Caribbean, ensuring I follow the safest and most efficient route.
Ship’s Radio and Handheld VHFs
Communication is key when you’re out on the ocean alone, which is why I have multiple communication devices on board. I have a ship’s radio and two handheld VHFs that allow me to stay in contact with other vessels within a limited range — typically up to 15 miles at sea. This is useful for close-range communication with nearby ships, especially in busier waters or during the early stages of my journey near land.
However, once I’m deeper into the Atlantic and beyond the range of VHF radios, they’ll no longer be effective for contacting land or distant vessels. This is where my satellite communication systems come into play. I’ll be relying on a satellite phone, tracking systems provided by CS Comms and Garmin, and a BGAN system provided by Spectra and VIASAT to stay connected. These satellite-based systems allow me to communicate regardless of how far I am from land, offering reliable contact with my support team, tracking my progress, and providing a safety net in case of emergencies.
Radar Reflector
The radar reflector is a vital piece of safety equipment. While I’ll be a small dot in the vast ocean, this device helps make my boat more visible to other vessels on their radar screens. It reflects radar signals, ensuring that larger ships can detect me even in low-visibility conditions like fog, rain, or at night. Given the size of my boat compared to the massive cargo and fishing vessels I could encounter, this reflector plays a critical role in keeping me safe.
Battery Monitors
Managing power is crucial, especially for a solo rower relying on solar energy to power everything on board. I have two battery monitors, which allow me to keep a close eye on my power reserves and the health of my batteries. These monitors provide real-time data on how much power I’m using, how much is left, and how efficiently the batteries are charging.
This information is vital for deciding when to use power-hungry equipment like the water maker or communication devices, ensuring I don’t run out of power when I need it most.
Deck Repeaters
I have two deck repeaters on board, which display key navigational information where I can easily see it while rowing. These are connected to 
the main instruments and allow me to monitor my heading, speed, and other important data without needing to go below deck or check the chart plotter constantly. Having this information easily accessible helps me stay focused on rowing while staying aware of my position and progress.
Autopilot: ST2000 (Soon to be EV100)
Currently, I have the ST2000 autopilot installed on True Blue, but I’m in the process of upgrading to the EV100 system. The autopilot is one of the most critical pieces of equipment on board, as it will take over steering when I need to rest, eat, or handle other tasks. The ST2000 has served me well, but the EV100 offers advanced performance and better reliability, especially in challenging sea conditions.
The EV100 uses advanced sensors and more sophisticated algorithms to keep the boat on course, ensuring I can rest assured that True Blue is heading in the right direction, even in rougher waters. This upgrade will help me maintain consistent progress and conserve energy, as I won’t need to correct the boat’s course manually as often.
Final Thoughts
Each of these instruments plays a vital role in ensuring my journey across the Atlantic is as safe and efficient as possible. From navigation and communication to power management and steering, these tools allow me to focus on the physical and mental challenge of rowing, knowing that I have the technology to back me up.
While my ship’s radio and VHFs will keep me connected to nearby vessels in the early stages of my journey, it’s the satellite systems provided by CS Comms, Garmin, Spectra, and VIASAT that will truly keep me connected to the world as I row further into the ocean. Combined with the upgrade to the EV100 autopilot, this technology gives me the confidence to tackle whatever the Atlantic throws my way.
