Starlink Revolutionizes 2023 ARC Transatlantic Rally, Connecting Boats to Shore with Lightning-Fast Speeds

In the 2023 ARC transatlantic rally, a significant change among the boats participating is the use of Starlink, Elon Musk’s low earth orbiting satellite communication system. This hardware is affordable and easy to install, providing strong broadband connections and speeds throughout the Atlantic.

While there are both pros and cons to being connected to shore, the benefits of using Starlink far outweigh any drawbacks. Paul Tetlow, the new managing director of World Cruising Club, believes that Starlink, along with competitors like Amazon’s Project Kuiper and China’s Geespace, is a historic advancement similar to the introduction of GPS or electronic charting for ocean crossing.

This year, Starlink enabled the organizers to create a WhatsApp group for the fleet to share information and photos, replacing the traditional role of SSB radio nets. On board boats, Starlink has quickly changed how crews live and operate. It represents a significant shift in equipment and expectations for life at sea.

The Transatlantic Race 2025 from the USA to England will offer competitors the option of using autopilot to helm their boats without penalty. However, this technology pales in comparison to Starlink as it is not an advancement but rather an addition to existing navigation systems.