Two ways to do it

Like it or loathe it, the Internet can have a variety of uses on board – from keeping in touch with friends, family and dare I say work, to checking the latest weather forecast, streaming music and videos, downloading pilotage updates or manuals for equipment that has refused to work. But how can you get online reliably when you want to or need to, especially when you’re at anchor? There are two common ways (apart from satcomms) in which a coastal cruising sailor can access the Internet from their boat. The first is by receiving Wi-Fi signals from a marina or another nearby open source, the other is by using mobile Internet via the cellular mobile phone/data network.

The former is fine if you tend to overnight in marinas and can get a reasonable signal, and you only want to browse the Web or send email occasionally. The second method is more suited to those who prefer to anchor off regularly, or want to use it on the move.