that the SafeLink R10 does work in conjunction with AISready chartplotters, but it is different than a PLB. If you fall overboard with a PLB in your pocket, such as those worn by Rambler’s crew, it will send signals to search and rescue systems via satellite about your position. If you fall overboard with a SafeLink R10 attached inside your inflatable life jacket, it will sound a loud alarm on your own boat within 15 seconds and within a minute, note your GPS position, distance, and bearing on your own AISenabled chartplotter, as well as those of other vessels within a four-mile radius. The signal will be transmitted from the R10 every minute for 24 hours. The nearby chartplotters note the man overboard icon (which varies by chartplotter brand) with Maritime Mobile Service Identities beginning with “97,” numbers always associated with liferafts or crew overboard. For optimal safety, ideally, you would arm yourself with both the personal AIS device and the PLB to alert both your own vessel and emergency crews of your exact position, but to have something small and lightweight, attached to your inflatable lifejacket, that can help the crew of the very boat you fell off of retrieve you quickly stands as remarkable technology on its own. There are some kinks to untangle. The SafeLink R10 can only be automatically activated upon inflation with select PFD models; sailors wearing other PFD brands activate the R10 by pulling on a plastic tab after inflation—which works well provided you are conscious and capable of pull-
An nap o l is M a ry l a n d
Ca p ital Yacht Clu b
##When the PFD inflates, an orange pull-tab becomes accessible for manual activation of the SafeLink R10.
ing the tab. The actual installation of the device next to the gas canister in the PFD may not be as easy as the video on the website kannadmarine.com/us/safelink-r10 makes it seem. Once installed, however, it seems to work quite well. Landfall Navigation, West Marine, Fawcett Boat Supplies, and other marine suppliers carry the SafeLink R10 for a price of about $300. Visit Kannad Marine at the U.S. Sailboat Show October 4-8 in Annapolis, and let them demonstrate it for you. kannadmarine.com
Chesapeake
Harbour
call foR ouR 2013 eaRlY Move in specials
Reduced Rates on aMcYc 25’ & 30’ slips
• Slips up to 50' • Lifts up to 15,000 lbs. • Walk to Downtown • Swimming Pool • Private Clubhouse • Located within a Gated Community • Yacht Club Membership included • Pump Out Service Available • Wireless Internet Access
Annapolis Maryland Capital Yacht Club 16 Chesapeake Landing • Annapolis, MD 21403
410.269.5219 • 800.913.9036 www.amcyc.com
• 1800' Private Sandy Beach with 2 Fishing Piers • 2 Swimming pools & 4 Tennis Courts • Fitness Facility • Fine dining and dockside bar at Sam’s on the Waterfront
• • • •
Cable TV at every Slip Wireless Internet Access Picnic Areas with BBQ Grills Courtesy Shuttle to Downtown Annapolis (call for schedule) • Golf Courses Nearby • Laundry Facility
BrAnd new FloAting doCks on Mill Creek
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