DeLorme inReach Explorer to Play Pivotal Communications Role in 2014 Intracoastal Waterway Snowbird Rally
YARMOUTH, Maine – Oct. 9, 2014 – (Marine NewsWire) When long-time cruiser and writer Wally Moran leads the 2014 Snowbird Rally down the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) next month, he’ll be using an inReach Explorer from DeLorme as a vital communication and navigation aid during the voyage.
The handheld inReach satellite communicator will provide an uninterrupted link for the Rally leader, even in areas beyond the reach of cellular telephone services. It provides automatic GPS tracking, interactive SOS distress messaging and full two-way texting, as well as built-in navigation functions. Friends, family and followers of the Rally participants will be able to view the latest location and status of the lead boat on the “Where’s Wally” map at the ICW Snowbird Rally website. Moran will also use the inReach to post updates to Facebook and Twitter.
Sponsored by SAIL magazine, the ICW Snowbird Rally kicks off Nov. 1 in Hampton, Va. Moran will lead a fleet of sailboats down the waterway with planned overnight stops at ICW destinations in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia before reaching Miami on Dec. 14.
The inReach Explorer is Delorme’s next-generation handheld satellite communicator, which incorporates a suite of navigational features that provide extra convenience and safety for sailors. In addition to the messaging, tracking and SOS capabilities, inReach Explorer users can also:
- View route details such as distance and bearing to destination
- Drop waypoints and see detailed GPS tracks and messages geo-located on screen for backtracking or self-rescue
- Access the built-in digital compass, barometric altimeter and accelerometer to augment the GPS navigator
The ability to text, post and tweet is another popular feature of the inReach Explorer. Using a virtual keyboard, users can send and receive 160-character free-form text messages to any cell phone number, email address or social media page. Using DeLorme’s Earthmate App, the inReach Explorer also pairs wirelessly with smartphones and tablets to view maps and NOAA charts and make text messaging even more convenient.
In the event of an emergency, the push of a button will send an instant distress message to an international search-and-rescue (SAR) coordination center. The two-way link allows SAR authorities to locate and communicate with the sender, determine the nature of the emergency and respond with appropriate resources.
Suggested retail price for inReach Explorer is $379, with a choice of annual satellite subscriptions or no-contract Freedom Plans with only a minimum 30-day commitment. Freedom Plans start at $14.95 per month for the safety service and go up to $99.95 per month for the highest service level. A list of retailers is available at www.inreachdelorme.com.
DeLorme will show the inReach products in Booth YB18 at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Oct. 9-13.
About DeLorme
DeLorme is the innovation leader in personal satellite tracking, messaging and navigation technology. The company’s flagship product, inReach, is the most affordable satellite communicator that sends and receives 160-character text messages, provides GPS journey tracking/sharing with family and friends, and offers interactive SOS capabilities anywhere in the world through the Iridium satellite network. When paired with a mobile device, the seamless inReach experience provides unlimited access to free downloadable topographic maps and U.S. NOAA charts. Founded in 1976 and recognized as a pioneer in mapping products, DeLorme is headquartered in Yarmouth, Maine, and is home to Eartha, the world’s largest revolving globe. To learn more, visit www.delorme.com.
