OK... having heard from the theoretical, and the kneejerk, allow someone who's actually *done* it to chime in:
SailMail, while "slow", works nicely. It does require an SSB radio (a good thing to have in the Middle Of Nowhere anyway), but NOT a HAM license (at least as I understand it).
Unlike, apparently, many others replying: I sailed to Hawaii (and back-- something to do... _once_) in '98. Having email was great - not only for the crew on the boat, but also (and probably more importantly) for everyone back home.
However, you do lose something of the "away at sea" mystique. Take your choice: Connected with home, or 1-2+ weeks without any news. Not sure how I will choose next time.
Work (ugh) is keeping me from racing the PacCup this year (I'm guessin' that's what we're really talking about?)... but maybe a "Sponsored By/." effort in 2002? We'd certainly have the most technologically-advanced effort. : )
Slashdot Mirror
SailMail, while "slow", works nicely. It does require an SSB radio (a good thing to have in the Middle Of Nowhere anyway), but NOT a HAM license (at least as I understand it).
Unlike, apparently, many others replying: I sailed to Hawaii (and back-- something to do... _once_) in '98. Having email was great - not only for the crew on the boat, but also (and probably more importantly) for everyone back home.
However, you do lose something of the "away at sea" mystique. Take your choice: Connected with home, or 1-2+ weeks without any news. Not sure how I will choose next time.
Work (ugh) is keeping me from racing the PacCup this year (I'm guessin' that's what we're really talking about?)... but maybe a "Sponsored By /." effort in 2002? We'd certainly have the most technologically-advanced effort. : )
Safe sailing, and wish her good luck.
Jim