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Interactive live map for tracking yachts – Real Time

Mega yacht tracking interactive live map. Tracking yachts and other vessels was never so easy!

Do you want to find out information about worlds mega yachts, super yachts, transport vessels, passenger vessels and all other vessels? This is a place for you! In this interactive real time map you can find almost all existing vessels in the world.

Find out the position, speed and status of every mega yacht in the world – Interactive live map

In this interactive real time map you will find all information you need about yachts that you like. Live world map is easy to use, it allows user to filter only vessels that they are interested in.

The user can read all available information like actual position of the yacht, where it’s heading, current speed of the yacht etc.

Interactive map

For easier navigation through the map, please see map legend bellow. You can also use filter to enable or disable certain types of vessels.

If you want to explore other mega yachts  CLICK HERE

Embark on a thrilling journey with our interactive mega yacht tracking live map. It’s perfect for mariners, sea life lovers, or ship enthusiasts.

Our map showcases ships worldwide, from elegant mega yachts to practical cargo and passenger vessels. Access ship positions, speeds, and statuses with a few clicks.

Want to find your favorite mega yacht? Our user-friendly map helps you filter and select ships of interest. Need your yacht’s exact location, course, or speed? It’s all here.

Use map legends for easy navigation. Customize your experience by enabling or disabling ship types with our filters. Explore the ocean’s wonders with our real-time map as your guide.

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MarineTraffic - Ship Tracking 4+

World's #1 ship tracking app‪‬, marinetraffic applications ltd, designed for ipad.

• #165 in Travel
• 4.8 • 55.9K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

MarineTraffic displays near real-time positions of ships and yachts worldwide. Using the largest network of land-based AIS receivers, the app covers most major ports and shipping routes. • View VESSELS ON THE LIVE MAP, search for ships, boats and seaports and see what's near you! • More than 300,000 VESSELS PER DAY report their positions via MarineTraffic AIS • View live wind and 48-hour WIND FORECASTS on the map • ANIMATED PLAYBACK of vessel's track • PORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES live for over 4,000 ports and marinas, current conditions in ports and estimated time of arrival for the boats & ships. • Manage your list of vessels ("MY FLEET"), shared with all your devices and MarineTraffic.com • Browse 4.5 MILLION PHOTOS of ships, harbours, lighthouses and more! • Upload photos to MarineTraffic directly from your device. • Identify and track vessels sailing beyond the range of land-based AIS receiving stations, using satellite tracking, with ACCESS PLUS 24 (in-app purchase) • Identify vessels around you at a glance with the AUGMENTED REALITY tool Just point your device's camera to the horizon and get all the information you need about vessels, ports and lighthouses in your area: name, flag, speed, distance from you and a lot more. • Use the ROUTE PLANNER tool to plan a route on the map, measure distances and calculate ETA • MarineTraffic now offers auto-renewable subscriptions for Starter Plan, Nautical Charts, Weather Maps and Advanced Density Maps: Starter Plan - Unlock unlimited features like extended vessel and port details, vessel track, Advanced Search, Vessels near me, Augmented Reality and more Subscription name: Starter Plan Annual Cost: $9.99 (USD) Renewed every year i.e. you will be charged annually Get access to the marine environment with Nautical Maps - Pilotage information such as sea bed, sea marks and landmarks - Port details such as berths, dry docks and terminal location - Position and characteristics of buoys, lights, lighthouses - Depths of water and heights of land Subscription name: Nautical Charts Monthly Cost: $6.99 (USD) Renewed every month i.e. you will be charged monthly Subscription name: Nautical Charts Annual Cost: $66.99 (USD) Renewed every year i.e. you will be charged annually Unlock real-time & forecast weather information with Weather Maps - Wind contours - Wind flow & gusts - Temperature - Wave metrics - Clouds and Precipitation - Ocean currents - More than 20 key metrics - 7-days sea meteogram Subscription name: Weather Maps Layers Monthly Cost: $8.99 (USD) Renewed every month i.e. you will be charged monthly Subscription name: Weather Maps Layers Annual Cost: $95.99 (USD) Renewed every year i.e. you will be charged annually Advanced Density Maps - Dig into global shipping traffic data, filtering by vessel type. Subscription name: Advanced Density Maps Monthly Cost: $1.99 (USD) Renewed every month i.e. you will be charged monthly Subscription name: Advanced Density Maps Annual Cost: $17.99 (USD) Renewed every year i.e. you will be charged annually For all the above subscriptions: • Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period • Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal • Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable Terms of Use: https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/p/terms Privacy Policy: http://www.marinetraffic.com/en/p/privacy-policy Join the great MarineTraffic community!

Version 4.1.10

- Fixes issue with iOS 12 - Support for latest iPads - Various fixes and improvements

Ratings and Reviews

55.9K Ratings

Indespensible

I just sailed from Chesapeake Bay to NYC. I don't have AIS on my boat, and was concerned about boat traffic in the C&D canal, the Delware river, and Ambrose channel into the Hudson. I DO HAVE cellular service on my Ipad. We remained within 10 miles of the coastline at all times, and this app identified all the freighters, both near us, and I could also look ahead and behind us. I was then able to hail them and discuss course and direction with them. There were a few times we needed to adjust our course a tiny bit, and avoid issues well in advance. This app was a life saver for our voyage. Even when I upgrade to onboard AIS, I will still use this app to see the freighters that are outside of the VHF line of site range to predict CPA. Thanks Marine Traffic!!!!

Free unlocks expire when app closed

I was looking for an app to track my vehicle shipment. This app does a great job of that and more. There’s a catch for free accounts, however. You get three “past route” and three “vessel info” unlocks before having to register and pay. No problem, I thought. Just want to track one ship over a period of 3-5 days. So day one I unlock the past route and vessel info for my ship. Very cool info! Day two I go to check on the vessel and… I have to use another unlock for both the past route and vessel info. Now day two again, but I closed the app and it wants to use my final unlock for both the route and vessel info. It’s the same ship on the same route. If you’re going to subscribe, this won’t matter to you. If you’re like me and only have a single, one-off use of the app, go for it but don’t close the app! You’ll have to use your limited unlocks again and quickly run out. I hope the app dev will consider allowing each unlock to last for the current sailing of the selected ship instead of what seems to expire as soon as I close the app.

Developer Response ,

Thank you so much for your lovely review. It means a lot to us! Should you have any suggestions on what could be improved, please let us know in our Community Help:https://bit.ly/3qEQGUa Have a great day!

Was good, recent update made it useless.

This app used to be good for what I needed it for, which was seeing the names of ships near me (I work on ships and frequently need to do this for various reasons). Now, the app doesn’t show any vessel names unless you specifically search for a specific vessel, even when the “vessel names” option is checked. Furthermore, the app used to show you a picture of the vessel for free, which is very useful if you have to visit a specific ship and you don’t know what it looks like. Now when you tap on a ship, you don’t even get a picture. So this app is trying to force me to pay for things that it used to do for free, and it still is possible to do for free if I use google or other apps, so there is literally no reason to use this app anymore. On an unrelated note, the old logo was completely fine. The new logo looks nothing like a ship unless you know in advance that it’s trying to look like a ship viewed from the front. Simpler isn’t always better. It’s an app logo, not a company logo. It should quickly convey what the app is for so that it stands out on a page with 27 other app logos.

We are sorry to hear that you feel this way. We always appreciate customers who take the time to give us their feedback and will definitely pass this on to the relevant team for review. If you have any questions, please contact us at https://bit.ly/3dzeALs

App Privacy

The developer, MarineTraffic Applications LTD , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Access Plus 24 $0.99
• Starter Plan Annual $9.99
• Nautical Charts Monthly $2.99
• Nautical Charts Monthly $6.99
• Weather Maps Layers Monthly $8.99
• Augmented Reality $2.99
• Advanced Density Maps Monthly $1.99
• Nautical Charts Annual $29.49
• Weather Maps Layers Annual $95.99
• Route Planner $0.99
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iNavX: Marine Navigation

Navionics® Boating

CONNECTED WHEREVER YOU ARE

Our products allow you to track and communicate with those you care about, via satellite, from anywhere on Earth

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All our devices are provided with your own embeddable and customisable web page, using Google Maps

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We have real people to help you, should you need it. No call centres, just friendly and knowledgeable staff.

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Lots of people claim to cover the globe, but Iridium is the only satellite network that does. Pole to pole.

If you have your own mapping or systems, and want to integrate data from our products, that's OK.

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No commitment or complicated pricing. Our pay-as-you-go services are easy and inexpensive.

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Every element of our products has been thought about, tweaked, adjusted and refined. User feedback helps shape future development.

What sort of events do we support?

While YB sells devices to adventurers around the globe, most of our customers use our products on a rent-and-return basis. Here are some of the most common events and expeditions we support. 

Yacht Race Tracking

We provide tracking for all of the big events such as The Fastnet, Sydney Hobart and The Arc, and smaller events with a few boats taking part.

Adventure Racing

We track about 200 races per year, including the legendary GODZone and the pictured Trek Rose Trip.

Car / Vehicle Racing

If your race stages take competitors outside of cellular coverage, YB Tracking is the perfect choice.

Expeditions & Treks

From school pupils taking part in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions to fundraisers and adventure travel, we have global coverage.

Events Calendar

Please note that many events are known by nicknames, but only the formal name is listed below. Also, sometimes events appear here only days before the start due to final information not being provided. If the event you're looking for isn't listed, please check back closer to the start date. Thanks!

Coming Soon

Just finished, feedback from customers.

"The unit is something that communicates with the wider world via satellites, is tough enough to drop, and won't run out of power until after you do."

L2SFBC (Life's Too Short for Boring Cars) Review

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Frequently Asked Question

On June 28, 2011 we went live with our new version of the map, this has been in development since 2008 and incorporates many new features that were requested. We are still making a few updates that should be complete in late July.

We are updating this documentation to reflect the changes, please check back for updates.

If you would like to use the old map please visit http://ais.boatnerd.com/v1

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a radio-based system used by ships and vessel traffic services to track the location of ships. Its primary purpose is collision avoidance. AIS uses digital radio signals transmitted over VHF maritime channels 87B (161.975 MHz) and 88B (162.025 MHz) to broadcast information about a ship including its name, position, speed, course, dimensions, destination, and status. The use of AIS is mandated for international ships over 300 gross tons under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). US and Canadian laws require its eventual use on the Great Lakes for ships over a certain tonnage. Some vessels, such as ferries operating on a constant route, are exempted.

Anyone with a marine radio that can monitor channels 87B or 88B can pick up AIS transmissions. However they are digital signals that must be decoded for a human to understand them. Inexpensive software packages are available to do this decoding, as well as more advanced navigation devices. While AIS can provide a simple text output, it is typically combined with some sort of electronic mapping or charting program. This page uses base maps provided by Google Maps with data pulled from a custom database. As radio signals, AIS transmissions have a limited range. This site extends the coverage range by linking multiple radio receivers through the Internet and combining all received AIS information onto one map.

The data shown on these maps is a few minutes up to an hour old depending on the station and delay in updates. AIS requires speed, position and course information to be broadcast every 2 to 10 seconds while underway and every 3 minutes while docked. Other information, such as ship size and destination, is to be broadcast every 6 minutes. This site itself refreshes every 10 minutes, so information could be perhaps 15 minutes or older at times.

Each ship is shown by an icon. The pointed end of the icon shows the rough direction of travel. There is a "tail" behind the ship showing its course over the past 10 minutes. The ships name is shown next to the icon.

By double clicking on the icon (not on the name box), a supplementary box shows up listing the: ship name, MMSI, ship type, latitude and longitude, speed, course, heading dimensions and status. Note that all this information is supplied by the vessel or personnel on board. We cannot correct spelling errors or incorrect data coming from a ship's transmitter.

• MMSI is the ships Maritime Mobile Service Identity, a nine digit unique identifier.
• Latitude and Longitude are shown in decimal degrees.
• Speed is over ground speed in knots
• Course is the actual direction being traveled at the last reporting time.
• Heading is the intended direction of travel.

If you would like to host a receiver please e-mail , all that is needed is a location near the water with an always -on Internet connection (like cable or DSL) where we can place an antenna and small receiver box. There is no cost for the equipment that we will maintain, the box uses minimal bandwidth and does not open any security holes. If you are using an AIS plotting software you can upload directly to our database via TCP/IP or UDP/IP upload, please e-mail for instructions.

No. Vessels under a certain size do not have to have AIS transmitters. Not all ferries who travel a constant route, regardless of size carry a transmitter.

Vessels that are laid up or are inactive do not always transmit an AIS signal. In addition, AIS transmissions, like all radio signals, have a variable range depending on transmission power and atmospheric condition. Finally, the current coverage is limited due to the current number of active receivers. Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping Online's volunteer staff is working diligently to provide the best coverage possible within the constraints of its limited non-profit budget.

The Map Tiles used as a base map for this page do not show water depths, aids to navigation, or any of the other features that set navigation charts apart from maps. While it should be obvious, it must be stated: Do not use these maps for navigation purposes. Not only are they not charts, they are not always completely up to date maps or images and will show land where there is actual a channel. For the most accurate view change the map type to satellite. We are working on a version that will display nautical charts.

When viewing the satellite or map view and a small scale (zoomed out), the icon or name label of one ship will often block the view of another icon or name label. Simply zoom in on that location using the zoom slider and position keys on the left side of the screen. At larger scales the labels won't overlap unless the ships are right next to each other. If that is the case, double click on the ship icons to get more detail, including the ships name.

Dimensions are entered by the vessel in meters, our system converts these to feet. If the dimensions were not entered correctly by the vessel it will not convert correctly.

Vessel type (freighter, tug, passenger, etc.) are enter by the vessel when they configure the AIS system, if they entered the wrong information it will dispaly incorrectly. We are updating the system so we can manually define the type for better sorting.

When using either the satellite or map view at a large scale (zoomed in), the ship icon will appear to be on land. The maps, the satellite photos have a certain range or degree of accuracy. The accuracy of a graphical AIS display can only be as good as the combined accuracy of its mapping and equipment components. So docked ships sometimes appear to be on dry land next to the dock instead of in the water. If a ship shows up miles from the nearest lake, it is likely a problem with its AIS transmitter or the electronic navigation system it might be linked to.

When using the satellite view, photos of actual ships appear in certain locations. These are ships that were there when the photo was taken, which may have been several years ago. Do not confuse these photographed ships with the AIS location icons.

Great Lakes & Seaway Shipping Online, the non-profit support organization for the Boatnerd website, has committed a substantial portion of its operating budget to develop this online system. The vast majority of the labor involved was provided by volunteers, but there are substantial equipment and operating costs. Please consider purchasing raffle tickets as a way to support this free service or hosting a receiver. http://www.boatnerd.com/trips/bn/

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This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Commercial use or Public Display is prohibited without prior written agreement. If your organization would like to display our system at your location please e-mail.

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Berthon Winter Collection

Latest issue

August 2024

In the August 2024 issue of Yachting World magazine: News Few finish a tempestuous Round The Island Race European rules are eased for cruising to France and Greece Olympic sailing…

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

12 yacht trackers compared to help you choose the right unit for your voyage

• November 21, 2016

Significant falls in the cost of worldwide tracking have made it viable for anyone who sails to share their position and status with a contact ashore. Pip Hare looks at what is available and what it costs.

Product Overview

This article was originally published nov 2016. it was last product and price checked 28 feb 2023..

Some of the products in this article are no longer available but this article contains other useful information you may want to read. If you want to buy a new tracker or messenger then have a look at our new article buyer’s guide.

A newer article is available Best satellite messenger and tracker for sailing and boating

Advances in tracking technologies have had a significant impact on offshore sailing, both cruising and racing. Once something used exclusively by extreme adventurers and offshore racers – significant falls in the cost of worldwide tracking have made it viable for anyone who sails to share their position and status with a contact ashore.

And trackers can do a lot more for you than just share your adventure. They allow owners to monitor their vessel when they are not on board. Unlike AIS, which broadcasts your position, custom trackers will only share your location with the people you choose.

GSM or satellite?

The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is equivalent to a mobile phone signal of 2G or above, and I was surprised to find how much coverage I managed to get during my testing on this network.

I carried out tests on the south coast of the UK, the west coast of Scotland and in the Swedish and Finnish archipelagos, and got total coverage everywhere except Scotland, where I had a GSM signal for around half the time on a two-day passage, enabling me to make the equivalent of four or five updates a day.

If you mostly sail around Europe, with the odd passage offshore, these could offer low-cost tracking and security solutions. For ocean sailing or in more remote or less developed locations, satellite trackers are a better bet.

I tested satellite trackers on two networks: Globalstar simplex and Iridium.

Globalstar has a 24-satellite network that reportedly achieves over 80 per cent coverage of the world’s surface. Globalstar solutions can provide a lower-cost satellite service for trackers, but because they use the simplex network this offers only one-way messaging.

Iridium ’s 66 satellites guarantee total global coverage, including in polar regions and mid-ocean. If you are heading further afield or if you require two-way communications Iridium should be your choice.

Airtime costs continue to come down and all the products I tested offered monthly pay-as-you-go packages, making satellite tracking a lot cheaper than you might think.

An example of the track record on a screen and the communications sent by text.

Fixed or portable?

Fixed trackers can be securely mounted, wired into a 12V supply and hidden from view. Without screens, they are the most robust units, but require an interface to administer. Remote monitoring of fixed devices could be useful if you leave the boat for long periods and if you are worried about security in a remote anchorage.

Portable trackers for the active person are a lifestyle purchase, useful for crews rather than boat owners. When buying a tracker for a big trip, think what charging options will be available to you – if these are limited, consider one of the units that takes regular batteries instead of requiring a plug-in to recharge and be certain to configure your device for minimum transmissions before you head off.

Advice for buyers

The tracker market is bursting with options. It can be quite difficult not to be the proverbial ‘kid in the sweet shop’ and opt for a unit that can just do everything. To make a sensible investment, consider carefully what functions will actually add new value to your whole boat set-up and where and how often you will be cruising.

Fixed trackers can lower insurance premiums. Portable trackers could be used in other sports or for charters abroad, so offer value in different ways. Certainly don’t write off the GSM option without considering your cruising ground first.

We should also see the cost of satellite comms dropping further. Last year saw the launch of OneWeb, backed by Richard Branson. The goal of this constellation of over 600 satellites is to provide low-cost broadband and mobile phone coverage with global coverage in the next couple of years, opening up the world of remote monitoring and operation even further.

Take a look at the comparison listing (and downloadable spreadsheet) on the next page to make up your own mind.

12 yacht trackers compared

First a few words about what functions are on offer and what they are useful for. Don’t get distracted by the vast range of functionality on offer. Important things to consider are: what functions are actually useful to you; what is the real cost of using extra functions; and does it represent good value?

Below is an outline of some of the more important functions I tested.

Sharing your track with friends is one of the wonderful things about this technology, so consider the ease of access to these facilities. I enlisted the help of my mum to test the sharing facilities for each tracker – the end-user experience ratings in the table are hers.

Remember that sending an SOS message from any of these trackers will not link directly to the maritime rescue services, so they should never take the place of an EPIRB or a VHF/HF distress alert. The SOS buttons will link you to a commercial rescue co-ordination centre which will relay your position.

Geo fencing

Setting a geographical boundary around your vessel which will generate an alert sent to specified contacts if broken. Mostly a security function, this could also be used as a remote anchor alarm if you head ashore.

Movement alert

Similar to geo fencing, but this will send an alert once the boat has started to move after a specified time spent stationary.

The tracker will stop transmitting if the boat stops moving for a specified period of time. In my tests this feature significantly improved battery life.

Shock sensor/collision sensor

Sends an alert if the unit receives a significant jolt, useful for theft or remote notification of a collision.

Preloaded messages

Created before a trip and uploaded to a device that has no keyboard. These can be sent to predefined contacts with one press of a button.

Two-way messaging

This could replace onboard email. Make sure you know if you are charged by the character or by the message. Inbound and outbound messages are charged.

Mapping portal

How does your chosen tracker export and display your positions? Not all trackers come with their own mapping portal, so bear that in mind.

Remote activation

This will allow the alarm to be turned off and on via the network – only available for GSM and Iridium trackers.

Sabotage alert

Notification if the power source is cut or tampered with.

Download the comparison table: 12 yacht trackers compared – Yachting World magazine

DeLorme inReach – portable – Iridium 8/10

The DeLorme inReach tracker has the whole package, including two-way messaging functions. Settings can be managed on the device itself via an online portal and also via Bluetooth to the EarthMate mobile phone app.

Messaging options include a selection of your own preloaded messages or free text, which can be typed in directly to the unit or created on a tablet or phone and sent using Bluetooth.

I recommend the app to manage this device as the screen is too small to navigate easily through menus or type text.

DeLorme is now offering enhanced, location-specific marine weather forecasts. There is no sleep function, so the battery lasted only 72 hours when the unit was set to transmit every five minutes – poor compared with the Spot (below).

The unit did not work at all indoors and it must be plugged in to recharge. Editing preloaded messages and preloading a contact list is essential to efficient use. The menus are not always intuitive, so it’s also worth reading the manual to make the most of all the functions.

My mum gave the DeLorme sharing pages the top rating for the end-user experience; she found it simple to navigate, felt the data was well represented and liked the high level of zoom.

Airtime plans vary, but you are charged around 8p for every location ‘ping’, which means my test of 72 hours at five-minute intervals cost £69. Ouch.

Monthly Fee: £12 (basic package: unlimited preloaded messaging +10 free text messages). Additional cost per ‘ping’ 8p

SuperSail – fixed – GSM 8/10

This is pitched as a security device, with all manner of add-on accessories for remote monitoring and operation, including float switches and door sensors.

I tested the basic model of tracker and GPS antenna only, which is managed through a mobile app. Getting an initial GPS lock took time; in the end I took the separate GPS antenna on deck to obtain a first fix and then installed it below decks with no disruption to GSM or GPS signals. LEDs on the front of the box indicate clearly if the unit has a signal – very useful for initial siting.

Tracking is not sharable through a public page, but if friends download the app they can track you on your own account (though they could also access the alarm configuration). The SuperSail obtains a position fix every ten minutes as standard, leaving a comprehensive trail to view. If you lose mobile signal the device will store up your position and transmit the backlog once a mobile signal has been regained.

Monthly airtime Europe £10

Monthly airtime worldwide £27

SmartOne C – fixed – Globalstar 7/10

The SmartOne C is similar in function to the Spot Trace, offering tracking and alerting, but with the versatility of a monthly contract. This device exports raw data and does not come with a bespoke mapping portal.

For my test I worked with GTC, a telecommunications company, and the GTC track platform for both the SmartOne C and G Sat Micro. If you are not technologically minded then working with a supplier could be a great solution as they would set up, configure and update any devices for you.

There is no separate public sharing page for the GTC track portal. Instead you register guests on to your main administration page then restrict their permissions. The site offers a good presentation of linked tracking data and is user-friendly.

Monthly fee – tracking only £5.00

Monthly fee – alerts and tracking £12.50

Monthly fee – GTC track £6.50 Activation fee £15.00

Spot Trace – fixed – Globalstar 7/10

The Spot Trace is a no-frills tracker in a rugged waterproof case that mounts inside a locker lid or just under the coachroof. It also worked down below when placed reasonably high up. If permanently mounting use the Spot waterproof lead to hardwire the unit to an external power source and it will still be rated as waterproof.

The Trace is set-up through the same portal as the Gen3, so requires internet access for configuration. It has the same tracking and alerting functions as the Gen 3, such as motions alerts and sleep mode, but without the messaging function, so airtime costs are slightly lower.

Annual fee – basic – including alerts to SMS £110

Spot Gen 3 – portable – Globalstar 8/10

The Spot Gen 3 provides an impressive battery life – I carried it around for over a month set to transmit every five minutes when moving and did not deplete the batteries.

The device will send alerts and a selection of five one-way messages to email or via SMS, but you pay extra for SMS messages. The entire unit is managed via an online portal where transmission frequencies, alerting and preloaded messages are set up. The Spot must be plugged into a computer connected to the internet to change configuration. Editing the standard preloaded message text is a must – one of them simply says ‘Help’.

Each Spot has its own mapping page that can be shared with friends and linked to social media. The sharing site is not particularly detailed and only displays seven days of tracking history – frustrating for those who would like to see the entire journey. You are now able to download the Spot app to display the full tracking history. However, this does not display a trail to link the different reports and is only available for IOS 8.

Annual fee: £125 (basic: including messages to email)

Enhanced tracking (more than 24hrs): +£30 per year

SOS support: +£15 per year

Messages to SMS: +10p per message

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GSat Micro – portable – Iridium 7/10

This device is the cutting-edge of tracker technology. It is the smallest Iridium tracker going, fitting comfortably in the palm of a hand. It also has incredibly advanced functionality, including the ability to receive and carry out advanced commands via satellite.

Its current uses are mainly commercial and military, but this is the space we should be watching to imagine what standard tracker technology will be offering us in years to come. The bad news is that you need to be a bit of a nerd to control the GSat micro. But with the right programmer you would be able to invent, write and test commands that could be carried out anywhere in the world – cutting the engine or turning instruments on or off would only be the start of its functionality.

Charges are monthly and relate to bytes and should be discussed with the provider – I’ve given prices for an entry-level package with the GTC track mapping portal.

Entry level package: £28 per month (12,000 bytes)

Activation fee: £37

YB tracking: YB3 – portable – Iridium 8/10 YB3i – fixed – Iridium 9/10

YB’s stand-out feature is its thoughtful sharing package. All YB trackers come with their own blog page as well as mapping application. Simply log on to your account and start writing – blogs will be attached to your tracking map and easily shared with contacts and on social media for free. The portal is easy to access, well presented and was another of mum’s favourites.

Both devices offer a full range of functions, including two-way messaging with free text. Just remember that you’re paying to receive messages, so train your friends to keep them short. Neither the portable or fixed device has a sleep mode; this is substituted by a ‘burst’ setting where the device transmits at a low frequency when stationary (12 hours maximum) then at a higher rate when moving.

The units are configured either via an online portal, Bluetooth to a mobile phone app, or on the screen of the YB3.

The app is essential for proficient use of the YB3i and of great benefit to the YB3 – I think it’s worth the extra money to buy the Bluetooth model.

YB3i fixed Iridium satellite yacht tracker. Monthly line rental £8; Credits 6p

The YB3 is a little large for a personal device – it comes with a pouch to mount it easily on the guardrail. However, the YB3i is waterproof to 5m, so could be mounted on deck.

I encountered a few problems with my YB3 unit failing to charge, which YB has now addressed. (The company offers good customer service to owners and viewers, one benefit of dealing directly with the manufacturer for the total package.)

Airtime costs are a pretty simple pay-as-you-go package and unused credits do not expire: one credit equals one position report and 50 characters of text sent or received.

Monthly line rental £8

Back2you Wired boat tracker – fixed and wired – GSM 7/10 & Personal tracker – portable – GSM 6/10

I tested the company’s wired boat tracker, self-contained longlife tracker and a small personal tracker. The Back2you trackers offer worldwide GSM coverage; the personal tracker is UK and Europe. They can be viewed and managed via an online portal.

The system is clearly set up for terrestrial vehicle monitoring, but with the satellite-based Google Maps base it works very well afloat.

The wired boat tracker showed an excellent level of track detail when set to transmit every 30 seconds. Back2you also has a mobile phone app that can send commands to the trackers, but I did not find this very user-friendly, so would recommend sticking with the portal.

Back2You self-contained GSM boat tracker.

The self-contained longlife tracker is purely for anti-theft. There is nothing to fit or install, no batteries to manage – just hide it away on your boat. It will switch on once a day and ping you a position, but if your boat is stolen you can switch it to live monitoring. Batterylife is three years.

This personal tracker is impressive in use, easy to stuff in a pocket, but it’s not waterproof and its functionality is designed more for the security of children and vulnerable adults.

First year free with purchase of device.

Subsequent annual fee: £60

Smartphone app: £2.99

Personal tracker (GiffGaff pay as you go): £5 per month

Yachtsafe – fixed – GSM 6/10

Yachtsafe is more of a security device than a public tracker. It checks its position every ten minutes, but doesn’t keep a historical log, so has limited appeal for position sharing with friends.

Position reports are on request from the mobile app and then shown on your phone’s mapping application.

There is a good range of alerts, including a sabotage warning, and extra sensors can provide further input to the unit. The system only covers Europe and charges an annual fee that includes 500 messages. I used 20 messages in a four-day trial.

Annual fee: £69 (500 messages – valid for one year only)

Yachtsafe fixed GSM tracker. Annual fee: £69 (500 messages – valid for one year only).

Please enter your Mobile Number & Ticket ID to track your warranty ticket status

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Why Are Orcas Attacking Boats? Experts Weigh In

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For the past few years, orcas attacking boats have been making headlines, most recently off the coasts of Spain in the Atlantic Ocean. These incidents, involving a group of orcas known as the Iberian orcas, have been occurring since 2020.

Once seen as gentle giants — partly because of "Free Willy" and SeaWorld — these striking black-and-white mammals are now the center of a curious debate.

Is this a maliciously motivated attack on humans, or are they simply playing around with us?Let's explore this strange behavior and find out whether experts think it's an anomaly or the new standard for orca interactions.

The Lowdown on Killer Whales

Recent attacks on boats, experts debate: playful curiosity or trauma response.

An orca, also known as a killer whale ( Orcinus orca ), is a large marine mammal from the dolphin family recognizable by its black-and-white coloring. Orcas can grow up to 32 feet (9.8 meters) in length and weigh up to 11 tons (10 metric tonnes).

These highly social apex predators are known for their complex social structures and sophisticated behaviors. Orcas live in family groups called pods , usually led by the oldest female, with multiple generations included. These pods can consist of a few individuals to several dozen; multiple pods form clans, which in turn make up a community.

Orcas use echolocation and unique vocalizations for navigation, hunting and communication. Each pod has distinct calls that help maintain group cohesion and coordinate activities. They engage in cooperative hunting, herding fish or hunting seals together, with their diet varying based on region and pod specialization.

Playful behavior, such as breaching and tail-slapping, helps strengthen social bonds among orcas, while social grooming reinforces these connections.

Could this inherent playfulness be the reason for the recent string of boat attacks? More on that in a bit.

In May 2024, an unknown number of orcas attacked a 49-foot-long (15-meter-long) sailing yacht named Alboran Cognac in the Strait of Gibraltar, a narrow waterway between southern Spain and North Africa that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

Reuters reported that the incident occurred around 9 a.m. local time when the orcas repeatedly rammed the boat's hull and rudder, causing significant damage. The yacht's crew (just two people) radioed for aid and managed to be rescued by a passing oil tanker, but the yacht ultimately sank due to the damage it sustained​.

These attacks are part of a series of interactions reported since 2020 , primarily involving a subpopulation of Iberian orcas — around 40 killer whales living off the coasts of Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Gibraltar.

Most attacks occur between May and August each year in and around the Strait of Gibraltar . However, earlier this year, some of these highly social apex predators were spotted circling a boat in northern Spain, suggesting they have spread out much further and are engaging in this behavior earlier than usual.

As a result, Spanish authorities have warned recreational boaters to avoid sailing too far from the coast and to not stop their vessels if approached by orcas, according to a statement from Spain's maritime rescue service.

Sailors are now considering adding extra armor to their vessels — or at least investing in some orca deterrents — if only such a thing existed.

So, if you're planning a trip through these waters, watch for these mischievous marine mammals. And maybe, just maybe, consider bringing along a decoy yacht to distract them.

The behavior driving these so-called attacks is still being studied, and many theories have emerged. As we hinted earlier, some researchers suggest that the orcas might engage in these interactions out of curiosity or playfulness.

These creatures are known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors, and these attacks may be a form of play or social learning. Similar to how other animals engage in play to develop skills or for entertainment, orcas might be doing the same with boats.

Another theory is that these behaviors are part of a learned fad within the orca population. This idea is supported by observations of other cultural phenomena among orcas, such as carrying dead salmon on their heads, which were short-lived trends.

Essentially, the attacks might have started as an isolated incident and then spread through social learning within the pod​.

Some experts believe that the attacks could be a response to a traumatic event experienced by one or more orcas. For example, a collision with a vessel could have caused injuries or distress, leading the orcas to associate boats with danger and respond aggressively.

An orca named White Gladis is often mentioned in this context, as she may have had a negative encounter with a boat. Her apparent distress and subsequent aggressive behavior toward ships might have been observed and adopted by other orcas in her pod. This learned behavior could then spread through social learning, leading to the increased frequency of these attacks seen since 2020.

Conservation Concerns and Public Opinion

Conservationists are worried that these attacks might lead to negative perceptions of orcas and potentially harmful responses from the public.

“I hope that they stop doing it as quickly as they started because it’s actually imposing a risk on themselves,” Hanne Strager, a marine biologist and author of “The Killer Whale Journals,” told the New York Times . She noted that this behavior adds strain to an endangered species, as the negative publicity might result in detrimental actions against the orcas.

Another perspective is that these attacks are a response to environmental pressures such as a decrease in prey availability, increased boat traffic or interactions with fisheries. These stressors could be causing the orcas to exhibit unusual behaviors as they adapt to changing conditions in their habitat​.

Social Media and Public Opinion

Social media has played a significant role in shaping public opinion about these incidents. Many users have joked about "orca rebellions" and formed "Team Orca," sympathizing with the killer whales and viewing the attacks as a form of playful resistance.

However, there are also concerns that these humorous takes could minimize the serious implications of the behavior and the potential risks to both humans and orcas.

Monika Wieland Shields, cofounder and director of the Orca Behavior Institute, wrote an op-ed in response to the outpouring of love for the orca uprising. "We recognize that we have done enough to the world to deserve orcas attacking us in response. Laughing at the memes is fine, but my hope is that people will also reflect on this one a bit further."

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article:

Bayesian yacht sinking live updates: Search and rescue teams confirm recovered body is superyacht’s chef

C rews are working relentlessly to find missing passengers of the doomed Bayesian yacht that capsized off the coast of Italy during a violent storm on Monday.

The boat left the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Aug. 14 and was last tracked east of Palermo on Sunday evening, according to vessel tracking app Vesselfinder.

The 160-foot luxury sailboat with 22 people aboard sank off the port of Porticello when the storm struck at sunrise Monday, the Italian coast guard said. 

• Missing NYC lawyer shared haunting final post before vanishing on Bayesian yacht with jewelry designer wife
• Captain of doomed yacht that capsized off Italian coast speaks out as desperate search for survivors is carried out
• Morgan Stanley International chair Jonathan Bloomer among 6 missing after yacht, the Bayesian, sinks off Italy

Fifteen of the ship’s passengers and crew have survived, including a mother who was clutching her 1-year-old daughter above her head to keep her from drowning. 

The search for those missing has been slow because the Bayesian now sits 50 meters below the surface, where divers can only stay for up to 12 minutes, fire rescue officials said in a statement Tuesday. 

Follow the Post’s live coverage of the ongoing rescue mission.

Superyacht sinks latest: Tech tycoon Mike Lynch's body among five identified; 'unlikely' missing daughter thrown from boat

Five bodies have been found and now identified in the search for those missing after a yacht sank off the Sicily coast, including that of tech tycoon Mike Lynch. An expert says it is unlikely his daughter, who remains unaccounted for, is not inside the vessel.

Friday 23 August 2024 06:47, UK

• Superyacht sinking

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• Five bodies found in search of superyacht wreckage, taking number of confirmed deaths to six
• Family of Jonathan and Judy Bloomer describe 'unimaginable grief'
• Tech tycoon Mike Lynch confirmed dead - but daughter still missing
• 'Unlikely' that Hannah Lynch was thrown from Bayesian
• Superyacht maker says boat was 'unsinkable'
• Ashna Hurynag in Sicily:  Search 'almost certainly' moves to recovery for tycoon's daughter
• Watch: CCTV captures yacht seconds before it sinks
• Explained: Inside the superyacht

The search continues for 18-year-old Hannah Lynch, the final person missing from the wreck of the Bayesian.

The body of her father, technology tycoon Mike Lynch, was recovered yesterday, while his wife Angela Bacares survived.

Divers paused their efforts at 8pm off the coast of Sicily last night and were expected to resume at 6.30am (5.30am UK time) this morning.

A decision on whether to raise the sunken yacht from the seabed is "not on the agenda", but will be in the future, said a spokesman from the Italian Coastguard, Vincenzo Zagarola.

The wreckage of the Bayesian is resting on the seabed at a depth of 164ft.

It had been moored around half a mile off the coast of Porticello when it sank at about 5am local time on Monday.

Mr Zagarola said the Italian coastguard's working theory is still that the missing woman is inside the boat.

Welcome back to our live coverage of the yacht disaster, as the search continues for the last missing tourist.

Hannah Lynch, 18, the daughter of British tycoon Mike Lynch, is still unaccounted for, while here father has been confirmed dead.

He was among five bodies recovered and identified yesterday.

Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judith Bloomer, as well as lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo were also named as among the deceased.

Meanwhile, tributes have flooded in for the deceased, including from the families of the Bloomers and the Morvillos.

A senior oceanography lecturer told Sky News it's "unlikely" Ms Lynch was thrown from the Bayesian and more probable that she will be found somewhere inside the vessel.

An Italian fire service spokesman said emergency workers "would need a crystal ball" to know if and when another body will be discovered.

Meanwhile, an investigation is underway into the circumstances behind the sinking.

The chief executive of a firm which makes and sells yachts like the Bayesian said the sinking may have been due to a series of human mistakes and questioned why its crew were not in a "state of alert" when a storm hit.

We're pausing our coverage for tonight but here is a recap of what we know:

• The five bodies discovered in the wreckage of the sunken Bayesian have been identified;
• British tycoon Mike Lynch, Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith Bloomer, lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo were all named;
• Mr Lynch's 18-year-old daughter Hannah Lynch remains unaccounted for;
• A senior oceanography lecturer has told Sky News it's "unlikely" she was thrown from the Bayesian and more probable that she will be found somewhere inside the vessel;
• Tributes have flooded in for the deceased, including from the families of the Bloomers and the Morvillos;
• The chief executive of a firm which makes and sells yachts like the Bayesian believes the sinking may have been due to a series of human mistakes and questioned why its crew were not in a "state of alert" when a storm hit;
• An Italian fire service spokesman says emergency workers "would need a crystal ball" to know if and when another body will be discovered;
• Mr Lynch had reportedly considered selling the Bayesian earlier this year but changed his mind when acquitted in a major fraud trial in the US.

As tributes are made to those who lost their lives aboard the Bayesian, investigations are getting under way into what caused the disaster.

A criminal investigation was opened in Italy after the tragedy, despite the fact no suspects have been identified publicly.

The UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch is also investigating, though it is purely fact-finding.

Watch Sky News correspondent Laura Bundock explain the situation here...

Mike Lynch was one of the "most inspirational citizens" of Suffolk, says the Countess of Euston.

Clare, Countess of Euston, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, says Mr Lynch was "quite simply a genius" who was "exemplary" in his position as a deputy lieutenant of Suffolk.

She said: "I join with so many others in mourning the shocking loss of Mike Lynch and all those who tragically lost their lives in Sicily this week. Mike was one of Suffolk's most inspirational citizens.

"He was quite simply a genius, a global leader in his field but so much more than that.

"A kind and compassionate man who was always ready to help, hugely generous, the best of friends, but it will be his warm and wonderful smile that will be impossible for me to forget.

"Mike was an exemplary Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk serving both our late Queen Elizabeth II and our present King Charles III.

"Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences are with Angela and his whole family at this terrible time."

The search for the final person unaccounted for from the Bayesian's sinking entered its fourth day today.

Divers were quickly able to retrieve one body from the shipwreck that they had already discovered yesterday, but searches remain ongoing for the final passenger, believed to be 18-year-old Hannah Lynch.

Below, we have a look at some images from the operation today as it unfolded:

Clifford Chance has paid tribute to its partner, Chris Morvillo, after he was confirmed to have died when the Bayesian yacht capsized and sank.

Mr Morvillo spent almost a decade helping to lead the defence of Mike Lynch after the British tech tycoon was accused of falsely inflating revenues of his software company ahead of its multi-billion sale to Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

The 59-year-old was on the yacht with his wife, Neda, who is also among those to have died.

A spokesperson from Clifford Chance said: "We are heartbroken at the tragic passing of our partner, Christopher Morvillo and his wife, Neda. 

"We are deeply saddened and still coming to terms with this terrible loss. Our utmost priority is to continue to support Chris's family at this very distressing time. Our thoughts extend to the families and loved ones of all those affected.

"We wish to express our deepest condolences and our love and support to Chris’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. We also want to thank the Italian authorities and rescue teams for everything they have done.

"We have no further comment at this time. We, and the families, ask that their request for privacy is honoured during this period."

A little earlier we reported comments from the boss of the firm which makes and sells vessels like Mike Lynch's sunken superyacht (see 18.25 post).

Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which owns the company that makes the Perini vessels, questioned why its crew were not in a "state of alert" when a storm hit.

He insisted the vessels were "absolutely safe", suggesting human error was behind the boat going down.

Watch video of the Sky News interview below:

More tributes are being made to British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, after he was identified as one of the bodies found in the superyacht wreckage.

Suranga Chandratillake, who worked under Mr Lynch for five years and had him on the board of directors at his firm Balderton for nearly a decade, said the businessman was an "inspirational titan of industry".

He said Mr Lynch was an "unfailingly supportive mentor who challenged and supported in equal measure"  and who also "mastered hybrid work" well before COVID.

"He was famously fiercely competitive but, to his friends, equally fiercely loyal and always ready for a cup of tea and a chat."

Patrick Jacob , a family friend of Mr Lynch, said the late tycoon's ability to "identify and solve complex problems" was "phenomenal".

"As a friend, Mike was never dull and always ready for a lively debate on almost any topic, conducted with intelligence and convivial vigour."

He added that he never came away from seeing Mr Lynch "without feeling my life was enriched by the experience".

Martina King , the CEO of Featurespace, a platform for fraud and financial crime management, said there qs a "high statistical probability" that the company wouldn't be a "thriving technology company" without Mr Lynch.

She said: "Mike was a true champion of the UK technology sector, including the need for greater diversity, and advocated for many female leaders - including me."

The head of legal tech firm Luminance, Eleanor Lightbody ,said Mr Lynch was a "visionary unlike any other" who had the ability to spot solve "tomorrow's challenges before others even knew they were coming".

"I feel honoured to have known him, worked with him and learnt from him over the years," she added.

The boss of the firm which makes and sells vessels like Mike Lynch's sunken superyacht has questioned why its crew were not in a "state of alert" when a storm hit.

Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which owns the company that makes the Perini vessels, said they "are absolutely safe", suggesting human error was behind the boat going down.

He told Sky News the "event" that capsized the British-flagged luxury yacht Bayesian off the coast of Porticello, Sicily, on Monday "could have been managed with an average amount of attention".

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