Hi Ron,

IMHO, no modern kroozing boat should venture offshore without a dedicated solar panel to keep a SPOT transmitter pinging away... (grin)

Ironically, I came across a reference to CELEDON on this website for a vessel tracking service, apparently CELEDON used one of iBoat's transponders during the Charleston-Bermuda Race a few years ago... Whether it's the same CELEDON, who knows...

Here's an account from their website, proof positive of the value of this sort of service:

"October 26, 2007 - Epiphany encounters distress - During a cruise from Bermuda to St. John's, Epiphany encountered a severe rudder malfunction coupled with engine difficulties. Braving 30-knot winds and 10-foot seas, Captain Ed Michaud activated his emergency beacon and was contacted by US Coast Guard personnel. The USCG requested the VLCC Atlantic Prosperity (70 nm away from the scene), owned by MOL Tankship Management, to rescue Capt. Michaud and his crew. Master of the Atlantic Prosperity, Capt. Damir Matulj, responded immediately and managed to rescue all of the men and safely transported the sailors to San Juan, Puerto Rico where they were met by USGC personnel.

After being rescued by the Atlantic Prosperity, Captain Ed and his crew had no choice but to abandon Epiphany over 200 nm away from San Juan, Puerto Rico. The vessel drifted for over two weeks and, using our system, Captain Ed was able to monitor her every move and pinpoint every location throughout the two weeks of drifting. When it was time to fetch Epiphany, Captain Ed knew exactly where to find her."

http://www.iboattrack.com/cruising.html

best regards,

Jon