All users of the SailMail service must join the SailMail Association in order to access the service. Simply add an HF data modem and PC to your existing HF SSB radio installation. Email is also a very efficient way to arrange bookings, order goods or spare parts. A vessel thousands of miles from the nearest phone or mailbox can have messages delivered to any email address and expect a reply within a few hours. Area of coverage SailMail is a worldwide service with stations located on all major continents so as to provide SailMail Association members with a truely global service no matter where in the world they find themselves.
Members are free to choose whichever station is free and provides the best signal into their area.
As shown on the map above, stations are available in Australia, Brunei, Pretoria, Nova Scotia, South Carolina, California, Washington and Hawaii. Planning is well underway for at least one other station in Europe. These two Gateway stations provide excellent signal coverage in the region, such that they should be accessible on a 24x7 basis. Penta Comstat VZX1, located on the west coast of Australia, provides good coverage of the Pacific from the South American coast to New Zealand, Australia and as far west as the Cocos Keeling Islands in the Indian ocean. Using Pactor-II modems, data throughput speeds of up to 140 characters per second are possible.