Now that wireless internet has reached many marinas, more and more sailors are taking a laptop computer aboard.
You can use it to get weather, port and marina information, to order spares or new kit from an online chandler no matter where you are in the world, and to communicate with friends and family using words, photographs or voice.
The internet offers very cheap calls to and from anywhere in the world, and by plugging in a head set or a handset your computer becomes a telephone.
A Wifi Hotspot is in 'techy speak' a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN or WiFi).
It can provide you with wireless high-speed internet access while you are in range of the router or wireless access point, sometimes called a wireless gateway, which may be located in or near the marina.
WiFi, also known technically as 802.11b or 802.11g, uses radio waves to send information at speeds of up to 11 megabits per second over the wireless network
Many marinas already have powerful professional systems that give good wireless signal coverage and good service over a large area. Many others are planning to introduce them in the near future.
In addition, there are tens of thousands of public WiFi. Hotspots worldwide: in cafes, airports, hotels, town centres and so on. Some provide free access, but most charge a fee. In the UK BT Openzone and T-Mobile are examples of the larger fee-based Hotspot services covering many types of location.
These and many other services offer a variety of service payment plans: pay as you go usually delivering a half hour to one hour of internet access, Prepay for blocks of hours, and annual contracts. Payment systems are not interchangeable between Hotspot providers.
In some marinas, use of the Hotspot is free - included in annual or visitor berthing fees. In others, an additional charge will apply. For a daily, weekly or monthly fee (the longer the contract, the better the value, generally) you will be given a user name and password to enable you to log in.
So what do you need to start using this new sailing tool?
If your laptop has built-in mobile technology, select the wireless icon and it will search for a Hotspot you can connect to. In many areas it will find a number of private home or business wireless networks, as well as public services like those operated by marinas etc. Most will require a password to gain access, but some may be unsecured.
Bear in mind that it is illegal to use unprotected private hotspots. The laws against this activity have been successfully implemented - and offenders can face fines and prison sentences.
Always ensure you are using a public Hotspot. It will contribute to your computer security if you know it is approved for open public use.
If your laptop does not have built in mobile technology then you can buy a wireless adapter from any computer store starting from as little as £20. It simply plugs into your computer's USB port, and will come with simple clear instructions.
Now you are ready to sail the airwaves anywhere in the world.
Barry Mitchell is a partner in www.PIPAD.co.uk providing computer security to businesses worldwide.
