Backup plan
Internet on board? Keep a backup plan in your pocket.
A broadband connection is comfortable. But it depends on the boat's power, an antenna and a single network. With reChain, your inReach takes over for the essentials.
Free as long as you don't use it: 3 free requests every month.
Why
What can cut the connection.
No system is immune. On 24 July 2025, Starlink went down worldwide for about two and a half hours (ThousandEyes analysis). At sea, other causes are more common:
- Batteries to save after several days without sun or wind
- Antenna damaged by a breaking sea or a dismasting
- Power or wiring failure
- Abandoning ship: the antenna stays on board
What keeps coming through
The essentials stay available on your inReach.
Before you leave
Ready in five minutes, at the dock.
-
Install the app
reChain Grib, free on iOS and Android, to prepare requests and read files offline.
-
Add the contact
jcskipper.rechain@gmail.com to your inReach contacts.
-
Test it at the dock
Send a weather request and a question, to check everything works.
-
Create the tracking page
And share the link with family and friends before you set sail.
FAQ
The backup plan, answered.
What does reChain cost if I don't use it?
Nothing. The free plan gives 3 requests a month, with no account or credit card. You only pay if you go Premium.
Do I need an inReach as well as Starlink?
reChain works with a Garmin inReach (or a ZOLEO for weather and the assistant). Many boats already carry one for safety and tracking: reChain makes it far more useful.
How much power does Starlink use on a sailboat?
A Starlink Mini typically draws 20 to 40 W continuously, and a standard dish more. An inReach runs on its internal battery, rechargeable over USB.
Set sail with reChain.
Three minutes is all it takes. Do it before you leave the dock.
- Install the free appreChain Grib, on iOS or Android, to prepare weather requests and read the files offline.
- Add the contactjcskipper.rechain
@gmail.com to your inReach contacts. No pairing, no account. - Create your tracking pageFree, so family and friends can follow your route and write to you. Create my page
Already convinced? Go unlimited: ⭐ Go Premium · €9/month