Tracking your boat

We created noforeignland to help a group of cruising friends stay updated on each other’s locations. By keeping your position up to date on our map, your friends and family will always know where you are in the world.

Why track with noforeignland?

See all your sailing friends on one map — we combine data from every major tracking service.
Record and share detailed GPS tracks for free with our app.
Add stories, photos, and videos to your journey.
Switch tracking providers anytime — your full history remains on noforeignland.
We do not sunset your data — unless you delete it, your journey will always be available to view for as long as you like.
Your privacy matters — we never share your personal information.

Tracking options

We provide everything you need to track your yacht. If you already use a commercial tracker or an automated setup, explore our external providers section to link it with noforeignland.

Track using noforeignland

We offer several ways to update your boat’s track. The simplest approach is to manually update your boat’s location when you arrive somewhere. If you want to show highly detailed tracks, use our app to record your trips using your phone’s GPS receiver.

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Use the noforeignland app	Simple, reliable and records a very accurate track. Works offshore with Starlink by caching your track when offline and syncing when connected. It’s free.	You must remember to start a track recording each time you go sailing.
Manual update	Simple and reliable.	Your track simply joins the dots, so it may appear to cross over land you’ve sailed around.
Check in	Very reliable. Quick and easy.	Same as updating manually.

Track using GPX

If your plotter or navigation software allows you to export tracks in GPX format, you can import them directly into noforeignland.

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
GPX Import	Open standard supported by many manufacturers.	Inconsistenly implemented, resulting in incompatibilities between files.
		Raymarine GPX files do not contain time data and require manual editing to fix.
		Large GPX files are difficult to edit and import.

Track using an external provider

Yacht trackers often come at a cost and usually require dedicated hardware installed on your boat. Many of these devices can automatically update your position whenever you set sail.

Many commercial tracking providers offer personal tracking maps, and some can also forward your position directly to noforeignland.

Satellite-based systems are ideal for offshore tracking. But with Starlink, the noforeignland app (and most other GPS-based tools) now works almost anywhere in the world, providing more detailed and frequent position updates.

Internet-based systems

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
SignalK	An open data standard popular with marine electronics vendors, and DIY enthusiasts alike. Set up the SignalK plugin and it will automatically update noforeignland.	Requires SignalK server on board.
Sailserver	NMEA-based device which automatically updates your track and position on noforeignland.	Requires sailserver device and cellular subscription.
Smart Boat	Free to use. Tracks using your boat’s NMEA data.	Requires additional software to be installed on a dedicated device (typically a Raspberry Pi).
DPNav EasyHub	Uses a BlackBox to record and forward NMEA track data.	Cost to install and set up.
Boat Logbook	Uses a BlackBox to record and forward NMEA track data.	Cost to install and set up.
Email	Free to use and very reliable. Can be used in conjunction with SSB radio to send updates at any time from anywhere.	Sending an email when offshore requires specialist equipment, e.g., SSB radio and PACTOR modem.

Satellite-based systems

Method	Advantages	Disadvantages
Satellite phone	Very reliable and works anywhere in the world. Many Iridium phones are capable of sending position reports which are compatible with noforeignland, others can be used to send email (see Email method).	Requires a device and Iridium satellite contract. May be more expensive than other options.
Garmin inReach	Very reliable and works anywhere in the world. Uses Iridium satellite network. Relatively inexpensive device.	Requires a device and satellite network contract. Periodic fixes mean tracks can appear to cross land.
Iridium GO!	Very reliable and works anywhere in the world.	Requires a device and Iridium satellite contract. May be more expensive than other options. Sends single periodic fixes so tracks can appear to cross land.
PredictWind + Iridium GO!	Excellent offshore weather service. Works with Iridium GO! and has its own tracking map solution.	Same disadvantages as Iridium GO! plus it requires a paid PredictWind subscription.
PredictWind Datahub	Set up and forget. Records an accurate GPS track. Works anywhere in the world.	Requires PredictWind tracking hardware and data subscription.
SPOT	Very reliable and works anywhere in the world. Uses Globalstar satellite network. Relatively inexpensive device.	Requires a device and satellite network contract. Sends single periodic fixes so tracks can appear to cross land.
YB Tracking	Very reliable and works anywhere in the world. Uses the Iridium network with relatively inexpensive subscription plans.	A YB Tracker must be bought and installed on your boat. Sends single periodic fixes so tracks can appear to cross land.
Zoleo (via email)	Uses the reliable Iridium satellite network to submit position reports via email so works anywhere.	Can be fiddly to set up. Requires manually typing lat lon positions in an email message. Sends single periodic fixes so tracks can appear to cross land.
Advanced Tracking Konectis	Independent tracking provider with a choice of hardware available. Some relatively inexpensive options.	Requires a device and subscription. Costs and performance will be dependent on the tracking solution you choose.