Free app helps GLCC members stay in touch

By Julie Thorndycraft, Director, Log Book Editor and Port Captain, Old Dave's Harbor (S-30)

Have you ever wished you could find the location of your GLCC boating friends? Or have a quick chat with one of those boats or a group of boats at the same time? Maybe you want to check whether an anchorage is already too crowded or coordinate the location for happy hour? If you use the free app NoForeignLand, you can do all of that from either your phone or your computer.

NoForeignLand (NFL) was created by a world-cruising couple who wanted a way to stay in touch with the people they met. Over time, they have enhanced the capabilities of their app. It is used by thousands of boaters around the world.

We used NFL extensively on Gaviidae when we ventured to the Bahamas and back. We were able to follow our loose-knit group of boats that were all heading south at the same time and see where our paths might cross. Our group expanded as we met new people along the way. And new friends became friends with others in the group. 

GLCC Members can use the app to stay in touch with friends or ask questions to others who may be heading the same direction but too far for a VHF call.

Some key details about NoForeignLand (NFL):

●    It’s free – you can donate to the developers, but it is not a requirement.

●    There is a version for the web, iOS, and Android.

●    You can connect NFL to other devices that track your location and have it automatically update your boat position, or you can manually move your boat.

●    You can join groups, such as the Great Lakes Cruising Club group on NFL (this is a private group and you must be a GLCC member to be approved into the group).

●    You can chat through the app with other members/boats.

●    You can follow specific boats. They will appear as a heart symbol on your screen. You can also use the filter function to only show the boats you follow or who are part of the same group.

How to use NFL and join the Great Lakes Cruising Club group on NFL:

●    Download the app or go to NoForeignland.com.

●    Create an account for yourself and login (this is for you, not your boat).

●    Go to the profile button in the upper left corner (on the app) or on the top right (on the web) and select Settings.

●    Scroll to the Boat Settings and add your boat. Add details, as many or few as you want.

●    Back on the main page/window, click on the Groups button. You may need to click on Find a Group.

●    Enter “Great Lakes Cruising Club” in the search bar. There are similar group names, so make sure you select the correct one.

●    A request will be sent to the group admin. Once approved, your boat will appear within the group.

Questions? Send an email to gaviidaesails@gmail.com.