Tracking your boat
We created noforeignland to help a group of cruising friends stay updated on each other’s locations. By keeping your position up to date on our map, your friends and family will always know where you are in the world.
Why track on the noforeignland map?
Section titled “Why track on the noforeignland map?”- See all your sailing friends on one map — we combine data from every major tracking service.
- Record and share detailed GPS tracks for free with our app.
- Add stories, photos, and videos to your journey.
- Switch tracking providers anytime — your full history stays safely on our servers.
- Your privacy matters — we never sell or share your data.
Tracking options
Section titled “Tracking options”We provide everything you need to track your yacht. If you already use a commercial tracker or an automated setup, explore our external providers section to link it with noforeignland.
Track using noforeignland
Section titled “Track using noforeignland”We offer several ways to update your boat’s track. The simplest approach is to manually update your boat’s location when you arrive somewhere. If you want to show highly detailed tracks, use our app to record your trips using your phone’s GPS receiver.
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Use the noforeignland app | Simple, reliable and records a very accurate track. Works offshore with Starlink by caching your track when offline and syncing when connected. It’s free. | You must remember to start a track recording each time you go sailing. |
| Manual update | Simple and reliable. | Your track simply joins the dots, so it may appear to cross over land you’ve sailed around. |
| Check in | Very reliable. Quick and easy. | Same as updating manually. |
Track using an external provider
Section titled “Track using an external provider”Yacht trackers often come at a cost and usually require dedicated hardware installed on your boat. Many of these devices can automatically update your position whenever you set sail.
If your plotter supports the GPX format, you can also import your tracks directly into noforeignland for free.
Many commercial tracking providers offer personal tracking maps, and some can also forward your position directly to noforeignland.
Satellite-based systems are ideal for offshore tracking. But with Starlink, the noforeignland app (and most other GPS-based tools) now works almost anywhere in the world, providing more detailed and frequent position updates.
Internet-based systems
Section titled “Internet-based systems”| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| GPX Import | Very reliable. Works with various GPX sources to produce an accurate and detailed track on our map. | Large GPX file sizes can make it difficult to use offshore. |
| SignalK | An open data standard popular with marine electronics vendors, and DIY enthusiasts alike. Set up the SignalK plugin and it will automatically update noforeignland. | Requires SignalK server on board. |
| Sailserver | NMEA-based device which automatically updates your track and position on noforeignland. | Requires sailserver device and cellular subscription. |
| Smart Boat | Free to use. Tracks using your boat’s NMEA data. | Requires additional software to be installed on a dedicated device (typically a Raspberry Pi). |
| Boat Logbook | Uses a BlackBox to record and forward NMEA track data. | Cost to install and set up. |
| Free to use and very reliable. Can be used in conjunction with SSB radio to send updates at any time from anywhere. | Sending an email when offshore requires specialist equipment, e.g., SSB radio and PACTOR modem. |
Satellite-based systems
Section titled “Satellite-based systems”| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite phone | Very reliable and works anywhere in the world. Many Iridium phones are capable of sending position reports which are compatible with noforeignland, others can be used to send email (see Email method). | Requires a device and Iridium satellite contract. May be more expensive than other options. |
| Garmin inReach | Very reliable and works anywhere in the world. Uses Iridium satellite network. Relatively inexpensive device. | Requires a device and satellite network contract. Periodic fixes mean tracks can appear to cross land. |
| Iridium GO! | Very reliable and works anywhere in the world. | Requires a device and Iridium satellite contract. May be more expensive than other options. Sends single periodic fixes so tracks can appear to cross land. |
| PredictWind + Iridium GO! | Excellent offshore weather service. Works with Iridium GO! and has its own tracking map solution. | Same disadvantages as Iridium GO! plus it requires a paid PredictWind subscription. |
| PredictWind Datahub | Set up and forget. Records an accurate GPS track. Works anywhere in the world. | Requires PredictWind tracking hardware and data subscription. |
| SPOT | Very reliable and works anywhere in the world. Uses Globalstar satellite network. Relatively inexpensive device. | Requires a device and satellite network contract. Sends single periodic fixes so tracks can appear to cross land. |
| YB Tracking | Very reliable and works anywhere in the world. Uses the Iridium network with relatively inexpensive subscription plans. | A YB Tracker must be bought and installed on your boat. Sends single periodic fixes so tracks can appear to cross land. |
| Zoleo (via email) | Uses the reliable Iridium satellite network to submit position reports via email so works anywhere. | Can be fiddly to set up. Requires manually typing lat lon positions in an email message. Sends single periodic fixes so tracks can appear to cross land. |
| Advanced Tracking Konectis | Independent tracking provider with a choice of hardware available. Some relatively inexpensive options. | Requires a device and subscription. Costs and performance will be dependent on the tracking solution you choose. |