Modern offshore sailing is more connected than ever, but knowing how to use that connectivity remains a seamanship skill. Ahead of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, the Race Committee released a detailed presentation covering satellite communications, weather access, and emergency procedures.
The material was prepared specifically for Sydney to Hobart competitors, but the principles apply to any yacht sailing offshore. We reviewed the presentation and distilled its practical guidance into plain English, focusing on how different systems actually behave when conditions deteriorate.
The briefing was introduced by David Kellett, Deputy Chair of the Sydney to Hobart Race Committee, a veteran of 26 Hobart races and long-time lead for the event’s communications systems. He was joined by Lincoln Dews, an offshore navigator and double handed competitor in the 2025 race, with experience across international racing programmes and onboard electronics.
Their message was straightforward. Offshore communications work best when crews understand the role of each system and use them deliberately.
Satellite networks, safety first, data second
Two satellite networks now dominate offshore sailing discussions, Iridium and Starlink, and they serve very different purposes.
Iridium remains the backbone of offshore safety communications. It operates on lower frequency bands, which cope far better with heavy weather, cloud, sea spray, and rapid boat movement. These are the same conditions in which offshore emergencies tend to occur.
Iridium supports satellite phones, Garmin inReach devices, Iridium GO units, and all modern EPIRBs and PLBs. That alone places it at the centre of any offshore communications plan. Power demand is modest, and many units can operate for extended periods on internal batteries.
Starlink addresses a different need. It delivers high speed data, allowing crews to download detailed weather models, satellite imagery, and maintain near real time contact with shore. For navigation planning and situational awareness, it is a major advance.
Its limitations are equally clear. Starlink relies on higher frequency signals and stable antenna tracking. In rough seas or severe weather, dropouts are possible. It also draws significant power, which can be a constraint offshore.
The Sydney to Hobart briefing was clear on this point. Starlink extends capability, but it does not replace Iridium. Offshore reliability still depends on choosing the right system for the job.
Weather access, understanding the source matters
Race rules for the Sydney to Hobart now allow competitors to download weather from any freely available source while racing. That reflects the rapid improvement in offshore connectivity.
Platforms such as PredictWind, Windy, and Squid are widely used, but Lincoln Dews emphasised an important distinction. These services present weather data, they do not create it. Forecasts are generated elsewhere and packaged for convenience.
In settled conditions, these tools are extremely useful. When conditions are marginal or deteriorating, crews should place greater weight on official meteorological authorities.
For the Sydney to Hobart, that authority is the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. In New Zealand waters, the equivalent role is held by MetService. These agencies issue formal warnings and carry responsibility for severe weather advice.
Improved connectivity has also made radar and satellite imagery far easier to access offshore. These products provide context and confirmation, allowing crews to see what is happening rather than relying solely on model output.
One reminder from the briefing remains relevant. VHF weather broadcasts on Channel 16 are still issued, with broadcast times listed in the sailing instructions.
VHF radio, short range and still decisive
Despite advances in satellite systems, VHF radio remains a primary tool during offshore incidents.
VHF is limited to local range, which makes it ideal for managing on-scene emergencies. A distress call on Channel 16 can bring immediate assistance from nearby yachts, often faster than any shore-based response.
If no response is received, satellite communications should be used to contact race control or rescue authorities.
Once contact is established, communication discipline matters. One vessel should manage the radio traffic. Multiple well intentioned responses can slow coordination and create confusion at exactly the wrong moment.
Supporting vessels may relay information to race control if the vessel in distress cannot do so directly, helping maintain a clear flow of information.
How Sydney to Hobart communications are structured
For the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, satellite communications are actively monitored.
Position reporting is handled via scheduled SMS submissions, with race control tracking fleet movements. If a position report is missed, race control will follow up directly. If crews hear nothing, it generally means the report has been received.
Phone contact with race control is managed through a call handling system that ensures calls are answered promptly, even during busy periods.
All procedures, schedules, and emergency protocols are detailed in the sailing instructions, which remain the primary reference document for competitors.
Seamanship remains central
The Sydney to Hobart communications briefing reinforced a simple truth. Technology has improved, but it has not replaced judgement.
The most effective offshore communication setups are not the most complex. They are the ones crews understand, practise, and can use calmly when conditions worsen. Satellite systems, VHF radio, and weather tools each have a place, but only when used with intent.
That lesson may come from the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, but it applies to any yacht heading offshore.
