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Atlantic Dinghy 2026

Marine electronics setup.

Sponsor Voyage

Dinghy Marine Electronics

The marine electronics setup for the Atlantic Dinghy Project is critical for safety and navigation during a 700-nautical-mile solo, non-stop crossing from Scotland to Iceland in August 2026. In an open dinghy with no cabin, every piece of equipment must be rugged, reliable, and able to withstand the North Atlantic’s harsh conditions, including pounding waves, relentless spray, and bitter cold. These systems are essential for accurate navigation, hazard avoidance, and safety, with backups and power management to keep everything operational.

Electronics Onboard

The following electronics are selected for durability and functionality in an open boat environment:

  • Depth Sounder: Measures water depth to avoid shallow areas and hazards.
  • AIS (Automatic Identification System): Tracks nearby vessels and broadcasts position to avoid collisions.
  • Navigation Lights: Ensures visibility to other vessels during low-light or night conditions.
  • Deck Light (White/Red): Illuminates the deck for nighttime tasks, with red option to preserve night vision.
  • GPS Plotter: Provides real-time positioning and route planning for accurate navigation.
  • Wind Speed/Direction (with Alarm): Monitors wind conditions, with alerts for sudden changes.
  • Compass (Electronic and Magnetic): Provides reliable heading; magnetic compass tested for deviation once boat is loaded.
  • GPS (High-Quality Handheld Backup): Serves as a redundant navigation tool.
  • 2 x Samsung Tablets with Navionics: Runs navigation software for charting and route tracking, with one as backup.
  • 2 x Mobile Phones: Provides additional communication and navigation options, with one as backup.
  • Marine VHF Radio x 2: Enables short-range communication with nearby vessels and coastguard.
  • Satphone: Enables communication in remote areas beyond mobile or VHF range.
  • EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon): Transmits distress signal with GPS location to rescue authorities.
  • Emergency Power Banks: Supplies backup power for critical electronics.
  • Li-ion Battery x 2: Powers onboard electronics with high capacity and reliability.
  • Charge Controller: Regulates power from solar and wind chargers to prevent battery overcharge.
  • Inverter (DC to AC): Converts battery power to AC for charging devices.
  • Battery Monitor: Displays real-time battery status to manage power usage.
  • Solar Panel: Charges the battery using solar energy.
  • Wind Charger: Generates additional power from wind, complementing the solar panel.

Importance of the Electronics Setup The electronics are the eyes, ears, and voice of the dinghy. AIS and navigation lights ensure visibility in busy shipping lanes. The GPS plotter, backed by Navionics on tablets and a handheld GPS, keeps the course accurate in fog or storms. The depth sounder avoids underwater hazards, while the wind speed/direction monitor with alarm enables quick reactions to weather changes. Compasses (electronic and magnetic) provide navigation fail-safes, with the magnetic compass tested for deviation. Marine VHF radios enable communication with nearby vessels and coastguard, while the satphone connects to the outside world beyond VHF range, with mobiles as backup. The EPIRB is a lifeline in emergencies, sending a distress signal to rescuers. Power is managed by Li-ion batteries, a charge controller for solar and wind input, and emergency power banks. The inverter supports AC-powered devices, and the battery monitor prevents power outages. All equipment is waterproofed, secured, and tested to ensure reliability, miles from help.

Testing and Preparation Starting in August 2025, the electronics will be integrated into the Wayfarer dinghy and tested on Loch Venachar under various conditions (rain, wind, cold). Simulated failures, such as dead batteries, GPS outages, or inverter faults, will be practiced using backups. The battery monitor will track power usage, and the charge controller will ensure stable charging. The magnetic compass will be checked for deviation with all gear aboard. Training with the EPIRB, satphone, VHF radio, and AIS will ensure operation under stress. Each test refines the setup, ensuring reliability by August 2026 as part of the broader training programme.

Conclusion The marine electronics are the backbone of safety and navigation for the Atlantic Dinghy Project. AIS, GPS, VHF radio, EPIRB, and satphone, supported by robust power management, ensure a safe 700-nautical-mile journey. Through careful selection, rigorous testing, and redundant systems, the setup is built to withstand the North Atlantic’s challenges. This equipment is not just gear but the foundation of trust for a solo crossing from Scotland to Iceland, pushing the limits of open boat voyaging.

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Support This Epic Voyage


Join an historic solo dinghy crossing from Scotland to Iceland in 2026. Your sponsorship will fund critical equipment (~£30,000) and showcase your brand globally.

Act now—financial or equipment contributions welcome. Sponsors’ logos will shine on the boat, with exclusive voyage photos for your use.

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ATLANTIC DINGHY PROJECT

Jason Allardyce

Brig o' Turk
Callander
FK17 8HT

Telephone: 01877 381466

Mobile: 07788 316688

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