We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Boating

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Sailmail?

By M. Haskins
Updated: May 23, 2024
Views: 7,487
Share

SailMail is a communication system for sending and receiving email specifically designed for use on board yachts or other types of boats when they are at sea, especially in areas where using regular Internet connections is often difficult or impossible. This email communications system is maintained by a nonprofit organization of yacht-owners called the SailMail Association, and membership in this organization is required to make use of SailMail. This system was originally an exclusively radio-based email system, using a network of radio stations all over the world, but it now also makes use of regular Internet and satellite communications. Users do not need an amateur radio license but do need a marine radio license, which requires passing an exam. In order to use this email system, a software application called Airmail SailMail must also be installed on the computer used for communication.

The SailMail Association operates and maintains a global network of private, high frequency radio stations. Each station is located in a coastal area, and together these radio stations provide worldwide coverage for the association's members. Locations for these radio stations include San Diego in California, USA; Firefly in New South Wales, Australia; and Maputo in Mozambique, Africa.

This email system also allows for sending and receiving email using a satellite connection, for example the Iridium or GlobalStar satellites. An Internet connection, such as Wi-Fi or cellular networks, can also be used to access SailMail. This feature is called SailMail webmail, and is mostly used when boaters are in a harbor or on shore where Internet access is more common. Email messages can also be accessed using a web-based mail reader, for example if one is using a public computer.

There are no fees per message, nor any connection fees for this email communications system. However, membership in the SailMail Association is required to use the system. Membership fees are paid per vessel, per year. This allows members to use all of the association's radio stations for a maximum of 90 minutes per week.

Airmail, the software application required to use this email system, includes a mail client that makes it possible to send and receive email with or without attachments, and also features data compression, which makes transmission of emails faster, as well as spam and virus protection. The software also gives users the ability to add features such as weather reports to their email service.

Share
WikiMotors is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wikimotors.org/what-is-sailmail.htm
Copy this link
WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WikiMotors, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.