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strawberrysoup · 4 years ago

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Let’s Review || Chapter 21

Peter Parker knew that his big sister would do anything for him to be safe and happy. She’d given up everything for him twice over already and would do it again in a heartbeat. And that’s why, when the criminal mastermind Tony Stark started inextricably following him around, he didn’t say a word. Because he knew without a doubt Penny would do whatever she had to if it meant keeping Peter safe. He had to protect her, just like she always protected him. He never considered what would happen if Stark decided both Parker siblings were worth taking. Never considered who else in Stark’s inner circle would agree. He just wanted to protect her and yet somehow, they both ended up with needles in their necks.

relationship: Steve Rogers/Original Female Character/Bucky Barnes, background Peter Parker/Tony Stark rating: Explicit warnings: Dark Steve Rogers, Dark Bucky Barnes, Dark Tony Stark, Dark Avengers, kidnapping, non-consensual&dark sexual situations, underage Peter Parker, emotional and psychological abuse, Dead Dove: Do Not Eat more warnings: you know what? there’s really not anything. except like... this ones gonna hurt 🤙🤙 good luck

read this: fuck guys this chapter was draining and insane, please reblog and comment if you liked it. pleeeease.

The anxiety had been building for a week now, but as the final day of Penny’s stay in the tower progressed Peter found himself practically vibrating with panic. He’d been trying, desperately, to make Tony change his mind—he’d spent an entire day not talking to the man, had screamed and raged against him, he’d cried and begged, offered anything in exchange for Penny to stay. The older man had held his ground remarkably, gently admonishing him for all of his misbehavior and brattiness and explaining, every time, that it was what was best for Penny.

In all fairness, Peter realized about half way through the week there was no hope for convincing Tony, but he had to keep up the behavior lest he rouse suspicion. Thankfully it wasn’t exactly hard to be depressed and angry and petty, not when Tony was endangering his sister.

The garbled piece of technology in his pocket felt heavier than ever, in his head the iridium electrodes were ten thousand degrees. Peter didn’t want to use it—kind of. He didn’t want to make Tony sad or angry, but he kind of did? What he knew he wanted was for Penny to escape, with or without him. Any disappointment or anger would be worth it, he’d revel in it just a bit, and Penny would be safe.

“Come here baby.”

His feet moved before he even thought of it, trailing over to where Tony was standing at the bar with a finger of scotch in a tumbler. They were getting ready to head down to the soldier’s floor, freshly showered after a day in the lab and just waiting for it to be time. Peter didn’t understand why they couldn’t just go early, why did they have to wait all day anyway? He could’ve been with Penny hours ago, he could’ve helped her escape hours ago. The clock was ticking and his nerves were rising.

“You are freaking out,” Tony told him pointedly as he drew Peter into his arms once he was close enough, tucking the boy against his chest, “I can feel your brain going nuts. What do you need baby?”

“Penny.” It wasn’t a belligerent or angry response, just short and desperate.

Tony sighed heavily, weight settling on his shoulders at the teenager’s words. He’d been conflicted for the last week, ever since Steve told him the ‘plan’. The plan to take Penny a thousand miles away and tuck her away inside of a cabin until they could condition her to behave. He understood the method to the madness—he’d considered spiriting them away before too. But the keyword was them. He had considered taking them both off to some secluded cabin. It was the same sensation Tony had gotten when he decided he would steal Penny away along with Peter; they were supposed to be together.

But that wasn’t to say he didn’t see the necessity.

Tony was fully aware that Penny was not adapting the same way his boy was. Where Peter had fallen into tolerance and was moving towards acceptance and potentially even appreciation, Penny was still actively resisting most of the time. Steve revealed that she’d started to break after reaching her pain threshold, there had been small cracks in the surface and the soldiers were managing to pry their way through the gaps. Had it been Peter, they would’ve had him calm and docile and perfectly behaved by now—but Penny was a completely different animal.

It was slow going though, agonizingly slow. And her reluctance caused a correlating reluctance in Peter, who generally matched her opinions and emotions but at about a quarter of the level of passion. Not to say Peter wasn’t passionate about things, the kid was, but Tony still wondered if the teenager realized the gravity of what had happened the way Penny did.

For all of his intelligence, Peter was still young. His ability to think logically was great, but his immaturity hindered him; Penny had shielded him, a lot, from the realities of the world. The idea that he was with Tony for the rest of his life likely didn’t mean much, it was a concept but Peter didn’t have any way to conceptualize the future like that. His brain was perpetually stuck in the present, just like most kids his age.

Penny understood consequences. She understood harsh realities and disadvantages and unescapable struggle; she’d lived it for so long. Three jobs, no bed, no insurance, no degree, no— Tony had to stop himself. Penny understood suffering in a way she hadn’t allowed Peter to, had protected him from. Penny knew what forever meant and she knew it was crippling. Peter was in the early chapters, still in his exposition and living in the moment. His sister was at the end of her story, a tragic dénouement of everything she’d ever known.

Peter had retained his rose-colored glasses, whereas Penny’s were smashed when she was thirteen. Hard stop, no condolences for the loss of her childhood—they were obliterated when she could barely comprehend what life was and the difference between the pair was palpable.

If they kept the siblings together, Penny would never adapt beyond protecting Peter. She wouldn’t be able to see the future as an opportunity versus a loss, not while she felt like she had failed him. Seeing Tony touch him, talk to him, look at him was enough to make Penny fall into a pit of existential dread over her failure to protect her brother. The separation had to happen; him and Peter needed to develop away from the soldiers and Penny—there was no other viable solution.

The way Tony’s arm tightened around his back for just a moment, a quick reassuring squeeze, told Peter that despite the silence the man hadn’t changed his mind. He wouldn’t relent. He wouldn’t fucking fix it.

“Here, you know what? Let’s peek in,” Tony gestured towards the TV with the tumbler, tugging Peter around the bar to stand just behind the sofa, “JARVIS, how’s Penny and the Popsicles?”

“Ms. Parker has just changed clothes and is awaiting your arrival, sir,” the AI responded smoothly, “shall I pull up the camera feed?”

“Yeah, throw it on the TV,” Tony wrapped his arms around Peter and pulled him into his chest once again, resting his cheek against the side of his head while they focused on the screen, where Penny was walking into the living room.

She was wearing a long sleeved shirt that dusted her knuckles and leggings, her masses of hair pulled into a bobble on the top of her head. The camera was focused on the living room as a whole, angled to see the front of the couch and armchairs, Penny’s daybed just barely visible in the corner. Bucky was sitting on the armchair, phone in his flesh hand while Steve skirted the top corner of the screen, walking around the kitchen and dining room.

Peter clocked that something was amiss immediately. Penny was hugging herself around the waist, shoulders hunched towards her ears as she crossed the room. They were able to catch her profile as she came to a stop in front of Bucky and waited until she had his attention, a hint of the expression on her face something Peter recognized to be heart wrenching. When he put his phone down and sat up slightly, looking almost concerned, Penny immediately tucked herself into his lap—of her own volition. Bucky was visibly in disbelief, arms snapping up to help settle her, tucking her close when she rolled even further onto her hip and pressed her chest against his. She went so far as to press her face against the slope of his neck, arms tucking around the back of his neck and shoulders tightly.

Bucky had followed all of her movements valiantly, helping her adjust and tugging her knees to rest between his thigh and the arm rest. Steve even crept further into the corner of the screen, looking at Bucky with raised eyebrows and signing something with one hand while absently holding up a pitcher with the other.

There was something crawling under Peter’s skin; he could feel it slithering over his muscle tissue and insinuating itself into his being. A sharp tremble ran down his back and he pulled away from Tony, pretending to turn to wipe away tears when instead he was trying to get a handle on his shaking. He couldn’t identify it, didn’t know what was going on, it felt like his blood was bubbling in his veins and he tamped down the shiver fiercely before Tony could tug him back into his chest.

“See baby, Penny’s fine, she’s just waiting for us,” he murmured gently against the side of Peter’s head—Tony didn’t know, didn’t recognize how sad she looked— “I know this is going to be hard. It’s gonna be hard for all of us, but Penny won’t be gone long baby. They’ll be back before we know it.”

Penny would break before they knew it. Penny would break. Penny would shatter. Something viscous was festering in his chest, constricting his organs. His heart was pounding but blood was oozing rather than pumping through his veins, it felt thick and congested—he felt sick, he was going to puke but Tony was shuffling him towards the elevator already. Peter swallowed hard, allowing himself to be ushered inside while the man followed behind.

“Soldiers’ floor, J.”

“Of course, sir.”

Tony cursed before the elevator doors closed, sticking his arm out, “I forgot Penny’s present, wait here baby.”

And all of a sudden the blood was rushing through Peter’s veins. He didn’t even think—the moment Tony was out of sight he ripped the piece of tech from his pocket and opened the tiny pocket that allowed whatever little physical maintenance that was necessary for an AI enhanced elevator. He couldn’t have imagined such a pristine opportunity, hadn’t had any idea how he was going to execute his plan.

“Mr. Parker, I do not—”

“Sorry JARVIS,” he gasped, on the verge of a panic attack as he hastily connected the circuit board to the elevator system and, by proxy, JARVIS’ system.

Peter had just closed the panel before Tony returned and the teenager found himself gasping for breath, leaning against the railing in the elevator. Tony sighed upon seeing his distress, obviously believing it was a result of Penny’s impending departure—it wasn’t like JARVIS could explain otherwise, Peter glanced towards the red dot in the corner of the elevator, once again apologizing to the AI in his mind.

When the elevator stopped and the doors opened, he stepped into the foyer where the soldiers’ front door was located and waited, shaking, to see what happened when Tony stepped off. He let the man shuffle him along, listening for the sound of the elevator doors behind them. Tony didn’t seem to notice that it stayed in place, open, an anomaly for either of the tower residents’ personal elevators.

The front door opened and Penny burst through, immediately jumping up to wrap her arms around Peter’s shoulders to tug him into the biggest hug she was capable of. He could feel her shaking, Tony’s hand rested on the small of his back and the soldiers were standing inside the apartment, waiting to welcome them in. Peter reeled with scenarios, looking to the side at Tony’s face, his eyes. He let his eyes trail over him for just a few seconds before shifting.

He made eye contact with Steve for all of four seconds before sweeping Penny up and darting back to the still open elevator, “JARVIS! Down, now! Fast!”

He slid through the doors with Penny clutched to his chest just before the door closed and the elevator started to descend at the fastest rate that was safe for unaided, standing human transportation.

“PALTI CHAYIM WHAT DID YOU DO?!” She was screaming in Hebrew, words flying from her mouth so fast he couldn’t even keep up—something about stupid, why, what they’ll, safe—

“PENNY—Fuck! You have to run! Stop screaming, listen! When we get to the floor you run!” He shouted back, trying not to shake her too hard while they continued to descend uncomfortably fast, “I don’t know how long it’ll work!”

“Peter why did you do this?” Penny was sobbing into his chest while he struggled to get them both to their feet, “Palti Chayim, I—Fuck! Fuck—”

Her hands dug into his shirt roughly and she shoved him into the back corner of the elevator, falling against him just a moment later. Peter’s arm lashed around her waist when she almost fell while trying to turn, her back pressing him further into the corner and he realized the elevator was starting to slow. Penny’s hands gripped the railings to each side, trapping him in the corner. His eyes snapped to the blue dots over the doors and his heart seized in his chest—they were only on floor 35, for the elevator to have slowed so much they would’ve needed to be on the 20th floor minimum to stop on the 1st floor at the current rate of deceleration.

JARVIS was back in full control, carefully dropping their speed until it came to a complete stop on the 12th floor. Penny’s body locked up like she’d gone into rigor mortis when it started to ascend again, her breathing coming in frantic pants. It was going up at the usual clip and Peter realized that every second it took made his heart beat faster in his chest. He was light headed, dread setting in.

Tony had told him multiple times that anticipation was the real punishment sometimes, the overwhelming paranoia and fear and desolation. His thoughts immediately began to spiral and his knees weakened slightly.

“When it stops you stay in here,” Penny’s voice shook as she spoke.

“Wha—”

“Shut your mouth!” She screamed, once again defaulting to Hebrew, “Be quiet. Do as I say. Do. Not. Move.”

“Penina—”

“Stop.”

Peter swallowed down a sob, head dropping to rest on her shoulder. The passing of floors was marked by a soft tone and between the two of them, they were barely able to remain standing when the silence between beeps started to lengthen. Penny’s grip on the railing slipped, her hands sweaty from sheer panic, her knees just barely holding up the extra weight. His arm was still slung around her waist, but his hold was too slack to keep her up despite the strength with which he clenched her shirt in his fist.

“Stay.” Penny managed to choke the order out just seconds before the door opened, a panicked sound escaping her lips when she realized her legs weren’t moving the way she needed them to.

It just amped the anticipation, Penny’s brief but agonizing hesitation before she forced her limbs to react and lead her out of the elevator. He nearly gagged on a sob, watching as she put her hands up and out to her sides, just slightly. Penny was vibrating with fear, her fingers almost blurry from a distance.

“P-Please—” Peter couldn’t see them, they must’ve been standing to the side of the doors, in front of the second elevator, “it’s m-my fault.”

“No—!” He launched himself forward, only for his sister to turn faster than he thought she could move.

Penny had never laid a violent hand on him, but the way she shoved him back into the elevator bordered on it, “SHUT UP!”

He’d never noticed the way Penny’s voice cracked when she screamed before. It had always been there, he was aware in the back of his mind, but he’d never really noticed. It hurt in a special way, when the bottom seemed to fall out of her words until she could rally through the rasp. Penny had been smoking some combination of weed and cigarettes for almost as long as he could remember—had she been fourteen or fifteen? He was only eight, maybe nine at the time. Did her voice crack like that before?

His thoughts spiraled once again while Penny turned forward again, putting herself between his seated self and the three men’s towering forms, “I’m his guardian. His actions fall on me, not him. I should’ve stopped him, I shouldn’t—if I had stayed inside t-to wait, it wouldn’t have—”

“Babydoll,” Steve sighed, shifting to step closer but stopping short when a full body cringe racked her form and her hands lifted to cover her face, just for a second before she clasped them tightly in front of her chest, “Penny…”

“You—you can just… p-punish me, okay?” Her voice was shaking as badly as her body, hitching every few words and she shuddered violently for a moment before lowering herself onto her knees, “H-He’s just a k-kid, I should’ve—”

“Okay, precious, come here,” Tony scooped her up under her arms, bringing her back to her feet before tucking her into his chest, “I know that this is just what you do. It’s a compulsion, trying to take the blame like this? But we both know nothing you did could’ve stopped him. He grabbed you and ran before Steve could get to you, sweetheart.”

“N-No, I—”

“We had audio and video in the elevator the whole time, doll,” Steve cut her off gently, “JARVIS was translating to Tony’s phone. We know what you said, and we know what he said.”

A choked sob escaped Penny and her fingers dug violently into Tony’s old t-shirt, her nails scratching him through the fabric. Bucky immediately darted forward and snatched her out of Tony’s arms, spinning them around until Peter couldn’t see her around the bulk of his body. It had been preventative—if they got to her before she did damage, there didn’t have to be a punishment. He could see her legs kicking and the sound of her crying but not much else.

“Peter,” his attention snapped to Tony, who’d stepped directly in front of him, “we’re going to go inside, everyone is going to calm down, and we’re going to have a good night. Do you understand?”

His breath froze in his chest for just a moment, whooshing out when the man crouched to look him dead in the eye, “are you willing to calm down so that you can be with Penny this evening?”

It took him a half second longer than he intended to nod, murmuring a quiet response. He was rewarded by a small smile and Tony helping him up, the older man immediately wrapping an arm around his waist once he was on his feet.

There wouldn’t be any opportunity for escape, of course, whether Tony was physically holding him or not. He’d give the kid one thing: he never thought Peter would get so close. Never thought Peter could get so close. He wondered how long he’d been working on that particular piece of tech—something that overrode JARVIS’s response to his orders. It only worked in the one elevator and it was corrected within two minutes of the breach, but it was still incredibly impressive. Especially considering Tony had been very careful not to provide him with any parts or pieces that could facilitate a runaway attempt.

Inside the apartment, Bucky was still cradling Penny tightly to his chest but now in the same position that they’d seen on the security camera. Tony could feel Peter tremble against his side at the sight, his chest jumping with a suppressed sob. There were a pair of kittens worming their way around Bucky’s ankle, the little white one particularly loud in its’ efforts to be noticed.

“It gets upset when Penny’s upset,” Steve stated from behind, startling Peter for just a moment when he walked around the pair and towards the chair, “here you go, doll.”

The super soldier scooped the tiny cat into his hand and deposited it right against the exposed crook of Penny’s neck before swiping the orange one up as well, setting it on the arm of the couch a few feet away.

“That one doesn’t?” Tony questioned, guiding them over to the couch and pressing Peter sit before sitting next to him.

“It doesn’t like to be touched as much,” the blond answered, already walking towards the dining room again, “food should be up soon.”

Tony knew that Steve was doing his best to distance himself at the moment, lest he lose his temper on Peter. He was pissed, practically steaming in irritation and honestly Tony appreciated the lengths he was going to. The orange cat let out a squeaky meow from where it sat, looking hesitant to be on the same surface as other people. It very carefully hopped from the arm of the couch to a seat cushion, toeing the very edge before backing away nervously.

“Here, I’ll put you down,” Peter murmured quietly, reaching over and carefully picking the kitten up, relieved when it didn’t protest and sat it on the ground gently.

“Do you need a cat too, baby?” Tony nosed his temple gently before pressing a kiss there, watching Peter smile when the orange cat went up onto its back legs to knead its little paws against his ankle.

The teenager reached over and picked the kitten back up when it continued to meow and scratch at him, obviously looking for attention. As soon as it was on his lap it started to squirm, but only until his hands weren’t wrapped around it. The little thing was sniffing around him curiously, stumbling across his lap on unsteady paws.

A tone sounded near the front door, alerting them that the food had arrived. Steve was quick to respond but Penny didn’t even shift and Peter certainly didn’t look much inclined to move while the kitten was, adorably and painfully, clawing its way up the front of his shirt.

“How about we eat around the coffee table,” Steve suggested as he walked into the living room with two large, brown paper bags full of food, having evidently read Tony’s mind, “Tone, can you get everything out? I’ll go grab plates.”

Tony started absently digging through the bags and pulling out the styrofoam containers. He was definitely checking what was in everything and stacking it around the table depending on who’d be eating what, but his eyes were mostly locked on Peter. The kitten had made its way up to his shoulder and was furiously rubbing its face against his cheek, purring up a storm.

“It usually only lets Penny touch it,” Bucky’s voice rumbled from the armchair, his eyes also focused on Peter and the cat while his hands absently roved over Penny’s still form, “even then not for long.”

“Maybe it has discerning taste,” Tony reached out and tried to scratch it under the chin, only to jerk back when it lashed out with sharp little kitten claws, “exquisite tastes, I guess.”

“It’s cute but those claws are sharp as hell,” Steve returned with plates and silverware, two six packs balanced on top and a few bottles of soda tucked under his arm, “Bucky would be covered in scars if we didn’t heal.”

“I was trying to play with it, I didn’t think it would turn into a psycho killer and go for the jugular.”

“Says the psycho killer who regularly goes for the jugular,” Tony muttered under his breath, making Steve and Bucky both snort in amusement while Peter wondered if an actual ice cube going down his spine could make more goosebumps than that statement, “why not get it declawed?”

Steve and Bucky exchanged looks, both cautiously glancing towards where Penny’s face was tucked into the brunet’s neck, “it’s not—”

“Declawing a cat is cruel,” Penny’s voice was watery and angry, “they’ll be in pain for the rest of their lives. You want them to stop scratching but all it does is make them angry and mean and they’ll spend the rest of their lives hating you. Making your life as miserable as possible until you give up and either euthanize them or give them away. It’s what you get for ruining their fucking lives.”

#steve rogers x oc #bucky barnes x oc #steve rogers x oc x bucky barnes #dark!steve rogers #dark!bucky barnes #dark!tony stark #dark!fic #dead dove do not eat #let's review chapter 21 #let's review

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astrogeoguy · 6 years ago

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Greater Toronto Area Iridium Flares and ISS Passes for the week of April 14th, 2019

Iridium flares are glints of sunlight off of the flat reflecting sides of one of the satellites that comprise the Iridium pager and sat-phone network. The flares occur before dawn and after dusk, when the satellite passing overhead is still illuminated by the Sun, which is below the horizon for observers on the ground. The duration and brightness depend on the angles between the observer, the satellite, and the Sun. For even more info about Iridium Flares and the space station, see an article that I wrote here. The Iridium Company expects to finish replacing these satellites later this year, ending the flares, so enjoy them while you can.

Here are this week’s best Iridium Flares for the GTA. Using an accurate clock, go outside a few minutes ahead and look in the direction indicated. You should first see the dim Iridium satellite moving quickly across the sky, and then it will rapidly brighten for 3 to 8 seconds, and fade out. Truly spectacular! The more negative the Magnitude number, the brighter. The larger the Alt. number, the higher up it is! (The horizon is 0°, and 90° is straight up, so 55° is a bit higher than halfway between the horizon and zenith.) These data are adapted from www.heavens-above.com. To get your own schedule, enter your location in their website. Click the hyperlinks to see a star chart of the pass.

(Above: A simulated view of an Iridium Flare. The streak across the image top is a simulated meteor.)

Date and Time (EDT) Mag. Alt. Direction Notes Wed, 17-Apr at 4:33:20 am -8.2 49° 252° (WSW) Extremely Bright! Sat, 20-Apr at 4:20:08 am -5.2 46° 259° (W) Very Bright! Sat, 20-Apr at 4:40:23 am -3.6 8° 18° (NNE) Bright!

The ISS (International Space Station) is not visible over the GTA this week.

Keep looking up, and enjoy the sky when you do. I love questions and requests - so, send me some!

#astronoym #stargazing #ISS Passes #Iridium Flares #International Space Station #UFOs #astronomy

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albinohare · 5 years ago

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41 great Christmas gift ideas for sailors – our pick of the very best kit

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas for the sailor who has it all? Yachting World is here to help with 41 great ideas

Are you wondering what to get the sailor in your life for Christmas? Here is our pick of 41 top products that are perfect Christmas gift ideas for sailors:

1. Garmin inReach

Christmas gift ideas: Garmin inReach

This is a clever portable device that provides an affordable way to keep friends and family in touch with your whereabouts when offshore. It allows you to send and receive SMS text messages to any mobile phone, email address or other inReach device, anywhere in the world, via the Iridium satellite constellation.

In Reach works like a Sat phone and provides live online tracking and email and can also be sinked with your phone and operated through an app.

inReach SE+ £399.99. explore.garmin.com

2. Henri Lloyd neoprene gloves

Christmas gift ideas: Henri Lloyd Cobra Winter Glove

Sailing with cold hands sucks. We tested a selection of winter gloves and these came out top. The full-fingered gloves have neoprene thermal insulation, which means that even when they (inevitably) get wet, they keep your hands warm.

The grippy surface on the palms proved particularly good when handling intricate jobs and overall we were really impressed with this glove. Tough, flexible and easy to get on and off even when wet.

£30-35. henrilloyd.com

3. Yachting World subscription

Christmas gift ideas: A Yachting World subscription

A hardcopy of the world’s favourite sailing magazine every month from £18.49 a year – or an ipad/iphone digital issues for £15.49…

Now THAT’S Christmas!

See the latest Yachting World subscription offers

4. Musto Corsica BR1 Jacket

Sailor gift ideas: Musto Corsica ladies jacket

Warm, waterproof, and ideal for both winter sailing or walking the high street, the Corsica jacket is lined with heat-retentive Arctec fleece that keeps much of its insulating power even when wet.

£160. musto.com

5. Gill Tarp Barrel Bag

Christmas gift ideas: Gill Tarp Barrel Bag

All sailors need a decent kit bag. This 60L no-nonsense barrel bag is made from durable waterproof tarpaulin and features a two-way zip and padded shoulder strap.

£60. gillmarine.com

6. Jerrycan backpack

Christmas gift ideas: Dacoblue portable jerry can

Dacoblue founder Conny Dahlin became all too aware of the difficulties of transporting fuel and water during a five-year circumnavigation on his Oceanis 411. His solution? These sturdy, UV-resistant 20lt bladder that can be carried with a shoulder strap or full backpack style harness.

The bags can be lashed for stowage on deck when necessary using stainless steel eyelets around their edges. Once empty the bladder can be folded away and stowed in a locker, eliminating the need to have the deck festooned with empty cans. Different colours and labels are available for fuel and potable water.

From $176. dacoblue.com

7. Wing-Surfer

For the person who has or wants every toy, this is the latest compact watersports trend. The inflatable handheld wing offers a cross between windsurfing and kitesurfing rigs, but with no strings or rigging needed. It allows a very simple, pure method for a board rider to harness the wind, be it on a foiling kiteboard or a SUP – just blow it up, grab the handles and go.

From $799. naishkites.com

8. Papa’s Pilar Rum

Christmas gift ideas: Pilar rum

Because every sailor enjoys a drop of rum, right?! Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s adventures between Florida and Cuba on his boat, Pilar, this rum brand was created in collaboration with Hemingway’s estate, and the family remains involved and donates a majority of its proceeds to charity.

The blonde rum version costs $19.99. Dark rum $28.29 papaspilar.com

9. Waterproof iPhone housing

Christmas gift ideas:Proshotcase waterproof phone housing

GoPros and similar action cameras are great devices, but they are both expensive (some more than £500) and need charging. Recent smartphones have a camera that is just as good as a high-end action camera. This neat case turns an iPhone into a fully waterproof action camera.

It’s waterproof to 50ft or 130ft, depending on model, and is compatible with all GoPro mounting accessories. Full control of the phone’s camera is achieved via the volume buttons.

From US$119.99 proshotcase.com

10. Carboteck bracket and bezel

Christmas gift ideas: Carboteck bracket

An upgrade for the dinghy sailing enthusiast in your life. This forged light and impact resistant carbon bezel is designed for use with a Velocitek Prism or a Raymarine Tacktick Micro Compass. The forged carbon is created by mixing paste fibres with resin, then squeezing the material into the desired shape.

Prices: Bezel £49.99; Compass bracket £89.99. carboteck.com

The post 41 great Christmas gift ideas for sailors – our pick of the very best kit appeared first on Yachting World.

Source Crocodile Bag Authentic Crocodile Skin Bag

from WordPress http://www.amansions.com/41-great-christmas-gift-ideas-for-sailors-our-pick-of-the-very-best-kit/

#Luxury Magazine

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fowlerblogs1 · 1 year ago

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Invest in high-quality batteries for Thuraya satellite phones to guarantee uninterrupted connectivity. Long-lasting batteries may now be added to the Thuraya XT LITE, XT PRO, and SatSleeve, which are known for their dependability. With authentic Thuraya XT LITE, XT PRO, and SatSleeve batteries, enjoy longer conversation and standby times. Count on Orbital Satcom for genuine Thuraya satellite phone batteries if you're travelling to far-flung locations, working in demanding conditions, or looking for dependable backup power. Without being concerned about battery life, stay connected when it matters most. With Thuraya satellite phone batteries from Orbital Satcom, choose the power you can trust.

Source:- https://osat.com/blogs/blog/maximizing-power-with-thuraya-batteries

#thuraya x5 touch satellite phone #thuraya xt lite satellite phone #thuraya phone #thuraya satellite phone #sat phone #satellite internet #satellite #iridium go top ups #iridium sat phone top ups #iridium sat phone top up #Thuraya XT LITE battery

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satellitephonebuy-blog · 6 years ago

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Travel the globe without losing contact with these far-reaching satellite phones Reviews

Backcountry hiking, sailing, or exploring remote areas can be freeing and exhilarating, but escaping contact with civilization doesn’t always work out as planned. Even people who decide to live off the grid often want a method of communicating with authorities or family in the event of an emergency. When you’re heading out beyond cell phone range — whether you’ll be on land, water, or ice — a satellite phone can be a two-way lifeline

for emergency calls

Satellite phones let you make and take calls in the field. Sat phones use one of four networks of satellites — only three of which serve the United States. Many models also send and receive text and email messages. Sat phones often include GPS and tracking functions, to use as a backup GPS or send SOS messages. Data connections come standard with most satellite phones, but don’t think you’ll use them to post photos on Instagram or browse the internet. Satellite phone data connections currently max out at 9.6 kbps.

The options from the various networks include marine, aviation, and automotive packages, special antennae, enhanced internet-quality connectivity devices (at equally-enhanced equipment and service costs), and more. We focused on the basic equipment.

Satellite phones and service plans aren’t cheap, although they’re less expensive today than they were 10 years ago. You’ll want to consider your needs and where you’ll be traveling carefully before buying or signing up for anything. The first step is to choose a network. Satellite network coverage, reliability, voice quality, and service costs vary widely. Once you’ve chosen a network (see below), you’ll then choose the phone and service plan which best fits your needs. To help you select the right phone, we’ve assembled a list of the five best satellite phones available from the three satellite networks that service the U.S. and beyond.

At a glance Product Category Iridium Extreme 9575 The best satellite phone overall Iridium Extreme 9575 PTT The best global sat phone for teams who work in the toughest conditions Iridium 9555 The best bargain global sat phone for far-ranging travelers IsatPhone 2 The best sat phone for non-polar sailors and travelers, especially if you get wet a lot Globalstar GSP-1700 The best voice quality and lowest satellite and service price

Iridium Extreme 9575

The best

Why you should buy this: True global functioning, ruggedness, integrated GPS and SOS button

Iridium's Extreme 9575 rugged satellite phone has an integrated GPS, an SOS button, and works anywhere on the globe, including polar areas.

Who it’s for: Frequent global travelers who need a phone that works anywhere, including the poles

How much it will cost: $1,157

Why we picked the Iridium Extreme 9575

You’ll soon see that three of the five phones on our list are Iridium models. Iridium is the only satellite network with truly global service — including the two poles. Iridium is also the only network that currently offers more than one phone, although earlier models still function on their respective networks. Iridium’s top-of-the-line Extreme 9575 sat phone is impressively rugged, and both dust- and water-resistant.

The 9575 has integrated GPS and an SOS button and lets you send and receive text messages and email, receive voicemail, and use it as a mobile hotspot. Maximum data speed is only 2.4 kbps, so short messages work best. If you need a rugged satellite phone to use absolutely everywhere, the Iridium Extreme 9575 is an easy choice. Talk time per battery charge is up to 4 hours.

Iridium Extreme 9575 PTT

The best global sat phone for teams who work in the toughest conditions

Why you should buy this: Global service, one-button radio messaging, extra rugged, longer battery life

Iridium's Extreme 9575 PTT satellite phone is extra rugged, works globally including the poles, and has a push-to-talk radio for teams.

Who it’s for: Teams that need dual function as a global sat phone and push-to-talk radio messaging

How much it will cost: $2230

Why we picked the Iridium Extreme 9575 PTT

Take everything great we said about the Iridium Extreme 9575, toughen it up even more, and add push-to-talk communications. This is the phone for working teams or groups that move around the area. In exchange for almost $300 more than the standard 9575, the PTT model is a true dual-purpose handheld communications tool. Fortunately, PTT minutes are free and don’t count against your satellite service plan.

The PTT’s larger battery powers just over six hours of talk time in phone mode and five hours in PTT mode. To enhance messaging in the field, the PTT button is extra rugged and the audio on this model is louder.

Iridium 9555

The best bargain global sat phone for far-ranging travelers

Why you should buy this: Global service, expedition quality without unnecessary ruggedness

Iridium's Extreme 9555 is the best satellite phone for general purpose use in non-extreme conditions anywhere on earth including both poles.

Who it’s for: World travelers who don’t travel in extreme conditions

How much it will cost: $930

Why we picked the Iridium 9555

If global sat phone connectivity is a must but you really don’t need heavy duty ruggedness or backup GPS duty and an SOS button, the Iridium 9555 is your best choice. The 9555 boasts four hours of talk time and 30 hours standby. Like the Extreme 9575, the 9555 has SMS and email capability. The 9555’s ruggedness is all most people need for truly global travel and use.

Like the other Iridium phones, you can get a signal anywhere but if you have long calls — more than 15 minutes — the constant satellite movement may cause signal dropouts. You can talk while you walk with Iridium phones, which isn’t recommended with Inmarsat phones. All Iridium phones have the same service rates. The Iridium Monthly Wave Runner Plan, for example, provides 90 minutes a month for $100. Extra minutes cost $1.54 each.

IsatPhone 2

The best sat phone for non-polar sailors and travelers, especially if you get wet a lot

Why you should buy this: Strong acquired signal, splash resistance, mid-range price, integrated GPS and SOS button

Inmarsat's Isatphone 2 is a rugged, splash-resistant satellite phone great for marine use that works worldwide except for the polar regions.

Who it’s for: World travelers who stay within the 70th parallels, especially sailors

How much it will cost: $635

Why we picked the IsatPhone 2

The Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 doesn’t work at the north or south poles but as long as you’re staying within the 70th north and south parallels, it won’t matter much. Inmarsat has only three satellites compared to Iridium’s 66, all located over the equator, so you might have to move away from obstructions to get a good signal. Once you have a signal, Inmarsat reliability is better than Iridium’s because if you stand still the signal maintains its strength.

Reflecting its maritime heritage, the IsatPhone 2 is dust, shock, and splash resistant, and withstands 95 percent humidity. Battery life provides an impressive eight hours of talk time with 160 hours standby. The phone also has voicemail, SMS, and email messaging. A built-in GPS and emergency button sends a distress text to a pre-arranged number with your location. The IsatPhone 2’s price is lower than any of the Iridium phones but service plan costs are about the same. For example, Inmarsat’s IsatPhone Mid Plan costs $65 a month for 30 minutes, with extra minutes costing $1.05.

Globalstar GSP-1700

The best voice quality and lowest satellite and service price

Why you should buy this: Best voice quality, cell phone number assignment, low price

Globalstar's GSP-1700 low-priced, regional coverage satellite phone has great voice quality and low operating costs.

Who it’s for: Anyone who travels within Globalstar regional coverage zones and doesn’t need an extremely rugged phone

How much it will cost: $500

Why we picked the Globalstar GSP-1700

If you’re traveling or staying within one of the Globalstar regional coverage areas — much, but not all of the world — the Globalstar GSP-1700 is the bargain lover’s satellite phone. The network’s service rates, while still much more than cellular service, seem extremely reasonable compared to the others. The Globalstar Orbit 200 minute plan provides 200 minutes for $100, with extra minutes for $0.99 each. If you need any more than 200 minutes a month, the Globalstar Orbit Unlimited Plan is $150 for unlimited talk time, which seems like a wonderful deal by comparison.

Because Globalstar phones link with cell ground stations, they have far and away the clearest voice quality. With its 9.6 kbps data transfer speed, Globalstar is the speed demon of the lot but again that’s entirely relative. The GSP-1700 doesn’t send or receive SMS messages and there’s no GPS, but you can get your longitude and latitude directly from the phone while in talk mode. The Globalstar phone also has voicemail.

0 notes

fanfic-reliquary · 6 years ago

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The Thorns of Time

Which was apparently way sooner than I thought it would be.

A month passed by of constant arguing with my family. It was a hellish experience that I'm glad I don't have to deal with anymore.

It's not like mother threatened to kill me or anything climactic like that. I just decided I had had enough.

It had been a bad day at school. I failed three tests, got in a fight with an asshole, and it all topped off with mother yelling her head off at me because I existed.

I was done.

I gathered up what little possessions I had: the money I had scraped together over the years, a bag of candy, a wooden posing doll with a bad leg, a lone poster, the music box, a flashlight, my phone and its charger, and a few other trinkets I pilfered from mother's room without care. It was enough to fit in a small backpack, so I had plenty of room for clothing and other necessities, which I would buy later. Nobody noticed me leave. Nobody cared.

You know those huge city blocks from the Judge Dredd movie? Well apartment complexes in 2078 are sort of like those but on a smaller scale. There was a big central meeting area and some commercial floors on the bottom. Before I left the building, I planned to do some shopping. With money I scraped together and from working summer jobs, as well as occasionally stealing from mother, I had accumulated around 1500 credits. I'm not going to lie, that was pretty substantial for somebody from my background.

I had also done some major research on the late 1800s at the library. Yes, libraries exist still, and yes, it's all digital. When I was taking Jonathan out of Liverpool, I had noticed that people had given me dirty looks a lot. With a little research, I realized that with the tank top and shorts that I was wearing, they thought that I was a prostitute. No more of that.

Goodwill was actually a really cool place to shop, now that it's problem with internalized ableism was cleared up. I managed to find both a few dresses and a hat that would help me fit in a little better when I went back.

Next stop was Aldi. It was where I could get the most for my credits. Even then, I only got the essentials in comfort food.

During my research, I came across something curious. Apparently I was getting into some deep shit with the Liverpool Murder ruins. It's unknown who was behind the murder or what exactly happened, but the entire mansion burned to the ground overnight. It was suspected that the incident was due to a murderer turned arsonist that also struck on a steamboat headed to the Americas a few years later.

But I digress. My last stop was my father's warehouse. Dad was an arms dealer, so everybody at the place knew me well. They wouldn't think twice if I went in and looked around.

Dad specialized in disguised melee weapons. While guns and stuff were outlawed after the Republican Massacre of 2019, knives and other weapons weren't, and for some reason flamethrowers were included in melee. Dad always believed that the element of surprise was your greatest ally in a war, so he disguised his weapons as instruments. Stun batons as drumsticks, flamethrower as guitars, etc. They all functioned as their designated instruments too. Most of the electrical stuff had Iridium Tech batteries, meaning that they lasted years without needing a charge. My phone had one too, so I wouldn't need to worry about losing a charge.

In the back of the warehouse was where the weapons were made. I picked up some drumsticks and a small acoustic guitar that had white lead lined casing. For those that don't know, white lead, or Pseudolatticeleadenite, was a type of material similar to microlattice. It's as light as a feather but packs a huge punch if swung hard enough. It's been known to literally split heads.

Once I got everything together and I felt ready to move, I changed into the Cream dress and walked to the center of the area. I took out my music box and stuck Arabesque no 1 in the slot. As the encouraging notes echoed through the box, the lights filled my vision, and I found myself on top of the hill to the Liverpool mansion.

And immediately soaked with rain.

Apparently August 16, 1881 had been a thunderstorm of epic proportions and I had no idea. As I made my way to the mansion, I continually slipped and tripped in the gravel, covering myself in mud and rocks.

When I finally got to the front door, I was a mess. I doubt they could hear me if I knocked, but I had to try.

I knocked on the door. No answer. Just as I was about to knock again, the door swung open.

It was Dio.

He was a little older now, 13 or so I would estimate. While he looked physically the same, he had a different look in his eye, a sharper one. This wasn't the young boy I had stolen alcohol for.

"What kind of insane tax collector are you to go collecting in this weather?" He said. His words were cold and barbed.

"Dio? Is that you?" I asked.

He raised an eyebrow. "We've never met. You must mistake me for someone else."

"No, we've definitely met. Four years ago I took you to my time and gave you bottles of liquor to replace the ones I broke by accident."

"I, Dio, do not remember such a thing."

Does he really not remember me? I mean I know for him it's been four years, but still...

"Dio, who's at the door in this weather?" A voice from inside called.

"Just a strange woman. She might be a tax collector."

I heard walking towards the door.

"I'll take it from here." George said, and he appeared at the door.

"Sherri! It's a pleasure to see you after all these years."

"Likewise. I wish I could be here on more pleasant business." I said, shaking his hand.

"You're not just here to visit?"

"No. I'm afraid that my family has finally collapsed under the circumstances. I'm pretty sure I left before things got dangerous, but I'm not sure."

"Well don't just stand there, it's pouring! Come in." He said, and widened the door.

The mansion hadn't changed at all since I saw it last. That was great and all, but that mask was still there, still giving me the creeps.

"I'm so sorry for the state of my attire, I got caught in the rain."

"No need to make an excuse, traveling in this weather must have been awful." He said, and I followed him down a long corridor and down a flight of stairs. We stopped at a room just below the stairs, which he unlocked and gave me the key to.

"Here's your room."

It was larger than the one back home. Then again, I practically lived in a closet back home. There was a single bed in the corner, a small desk adjacent to it, a bookshelf next to the bed, a small wooden closet, the walls were made out of brick, and a small oil lamp sat on the desk. The floor was carpeted gray.

"Once again, thank you so much for this opportunity. I owe you my life today." I said.

"It's the least I could do, Sherri. I know we discussed that you will only be temporarily occupying this room, but I don't want you to feel pressured to leave. You can stay here as long as you need to."

I nodded, and I was left alone with myself. Starting tomorrow, I was going to start working with the servants. This was something that I had decided to do on my own. It would keep my mind occupied while I looked for a house of my own. I worked so many hours back home that if I wasn't working on something at all times I would get fidgety. Then I would start thinking about unpleasant things.

Like why Dio hadn't remembered me. Did it have something to do with time travel? Or was he just so young when we first met that he just doesn't remember me?

As I started to unpack, I thought more about other issues. Would Jonathan recognize me? What if he didn't? Why did Dio act so cold now? Come to think of it, why was he here? Had he been offered a similar deal to me? Had he gotten away from his previous situation?

I fell asleep with these questions plaguing my mind.

(Another short, transitional chapter.)

#the thorns of time #Chapter 4

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rnrmarineservices-blog · 7 years ago

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40 great Christmas gift ideas for sailors – our pick of the very best kit

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas for the sailor who has it all? Yachting World is here to help with 40 great ideas

Are you wondering what to get the sailor in your life for Christmas. Here is our pick of 40 top products that are perfect Christmas gift ideas for sailors:

1. Garmin inReach

Christmas gift ideas: Garmin inReach

In Reach works like a Sat phone and provides live online tracking and email and can also be sinked with your phone and operated through an app.

inReach SE+ £399.99. explore.garmin.com

2. Henri Lloyd neoprene gloves

Christmas gift ideas: Henri Lloyd Cobra Winter Glove

The grippy surface on the palms proved particularly good when handling intricate jobs and overall we were really impressed with this glove. Tough, flexible and easy to get on and off even when wet.

£30-35. henrilloyd.com

3. Yachting World Subscription

Christmas gift ideas: A Yachting World subscription

A hardcopy of the world's favourite sailing magazine every month from £19.49 a year – or an ipad/iphone digital issues for £16.49…

Now THAT'S Christmas!

Yachting-world-subscriptions

4. Waterproof iPhone housing

Christmas gift ideas:Proshotcase waterproof phone housing

It's waterproof to 50ft or 130ft, depending on model, and is compatible with all GoPro mounting accessories. Full control of the phone's camera is achieved via the volume buttons.From US$99. proshotcase.com

5. Red Limited Edition SUP Paddleboard

Christmas gift ideas: Red inflatable paddleboard

Red's 10ft 6in Ride model is the most popular and arguably most versatile all round inflatable stand-up paddleboard. Having used one on our boat this summer, I can vouch for it being a fantastic edition to the sail locker. It's ideal for getting to or from the beach, exercising/paddling or surfing when at anchor and it provides a dive platform and extra floating space for the kids.

It comes with cargo tie-downs and three fins attached – and the pumps and backpacks supplied are also superb. 2018 marks Red's 10th anniversary, hence this limited edition 10'6” Ride in a new colour scheme.

£849 redpaddleco.com

6. Spinlock Lume-On

Christmas gift ideas: Lume-On

The simple ideas are the best. These compact LEDs stick to the underbelly of each bladder, which uses the large fluorescent surface like a diffuser to maximise the visibility of the flashing light. Once activated, the Lume-On provides up to two hours of intense flashing light. It adds very little extra weight, has a smooth profile so will not chafe the bladder, and is very simple to retrofit to most lifejackets. £15 per pair. spinlock.co.uk

7. Karun recycled Sunglasses

Christmas gift ideas: Karun VOR Sunglasses

This small company in Patagonia makes unbreakable sunglasses from recycled fishing nets collected from the coast of Chile. It worked with professional sailors to design sunglasses with technical [Zeiss polyamide] lenses designed to meet the demands of the Volvo Ocean Race.

The sailing edition glasses were developed with and are being worn and tested by the Vestas – 11th Hour Racing crew. The frames have stainless steel hinges and rubber temple tips.

€245 for the VOR Sailing Edition. www.eu.karunworld.com

8. Olaf Scooter

Christmas gift ideas: Olaf scooter

Here is an ingenious compact solution to getting around in foreign marinas and towns. The Olaf Urban combines four products in one: a kick-scooter, a trolley, a backpack and a skateboard. The Urban backpack is designed to carry the folded scooter. The combined backpack and trolley weigh just 3.5kg and the trolley can take a 120kg payload.

Price €195 for Urban (trolley and backpack). olaf-scooter.com

9. Astra esa smartwatch

Christmas gift ideas: Esa sailing smartwatch

The esa is the first smartwatch designed for sailing, fusing the sailor's thirst for gadgetry with high-street technology. The esa watch uses wifi to display information from onboard instruments on your wrist. As well as the ability to show performance sailing data including speed and polar target data, the watch is still essentially a smartphone, offering full Android capabilities.

Video here €399 from www.astrayacht.com

10. Solar powered waterproof speaker

Christmas gift ideas: Lemon solar powered speaker

For those who don't fancy drilling holes in their cockpit lockers, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker is the answer. The California Roll will play for up to 15 hours on a single charge of the battery and is fully waterproof, even when submerged. Integrated solar panels further extend the operation time and the 5000mAh battery can be used as a USB power bank to recharge other devices.

Price: US$249 lemon-california.com

11. Free Wheeling

Christmas gift ideas: Free Wheeling manual prop

This Australian innovation blends rowing with outboard motors to produce a clever lightweight solution for your tender. It uses a 3:1 gear ratio contained in the collar by the handle, driving a high-pitch propeller to provide a smooth, silent and fuel-less means of manual propulsion in either direction. Time to ditch the outboard, oars or both?

Price £125. thewetworks.co.uk

12. Snowlizard SLXtreme Navigator

Christmas gift ideas: Snow Lizard

We conducted a waterproofing test on mobile phones, looking at nanotechnology sprays in particular, but concluded that a waterproof case remains the most secure way of protecting a mobile device. With more people using tablets for navigation, a case with a built-in GPS, like this SLXtreme Navigator could be the ideal solution.

The SnowLizard range include a built-in solar panel and back-up battery. US $349.99 or phone cases from $49.99 snowlizard.com

13. Lifedge Ultimate Cable

Christmas gift ideas: Lifeedge Ultimate cable

If you're going to get a waterproof case for your mobile device, you may want one of these charging cables too. The extra long (2m/6.5ft) and durable Ultimate cable is corrosion and tangle proof, and allows for waterproof phone charging when used with a compatible case.

£29.99. lifedge.co.uk

14. Raymarine Ocean Scout TK

Christmas gift ideas: Raymarine thermal camera

Raymarine's most affordable thermal camera to date, the Ocean Scout TK can extend vision afloat, day or night, by creating images from heat. It can spot objects up to 119m away, including boats, buoys, landmarks or wildlife. But its ability to potentially thermally identify a MOB could quickly make it high on sailors' wishlists. Price £412.50. raymarine.com

15. Sealskinz waterproof hat

Keeping your head warm and dry is vital to enjoying winter sailing. This waterproof hi-vis Sealskinz Bobble hat looks like the ideal way of achieving that, while making sure you can be spotted easily. It is water and stain repellent, with a Teflon coated acrylic outer fabric and micro fleece inner lining. £20. sealskinz.com

16. Ocean Signal rescueMe MOB1

Christmas gift ideas: Ocean Signal rescueMe MOB1

The more portable personal rescue devices are, the more likely they will be worn or carried. Ocean Signal's new MOB1 is 30% smaller than competitor AIS MOB devices.

It can alert any AIS-equipped vessels in the vicinity to the precise location of a casualty in the water, and it will fit on any inflatable lifejacket's oral tube. It also includes DSC alerting so can both pinpoint a MOB location via AIS, plus trigger the yacht's own VHF alarm.

£250. oceansignal.com

17. SOG Multitool with proper blade

Christmas gift ideas: multitool with proper blade

Most multitools are at best a compromise, which means that while they're useful for quick jobs that would be a faff if you had dig around in a tool box, they are not good for serious work.

On any yacht the most challenging task you might be engaged in without warning is to cut a line. SOG's Reactor RC1001-CP has a proper blade, which maximises the chances of cutting a problematic loaded line before a tense situation spins out of control.

Price £65. sogknives.com

18. Exposure XS-WR Torch

Christmas gift ideas: Exposure XS-WR torch

This compact, lightweight double-ended torch shines a powerful white beam from one end and a red light from the other. Both can be operated simultaneously for a variety of uses from onboard, to the tender ride or cycle home.

Accessories include a headband that allows either colour to shine forwards, a reflective neck lanyard, plus stanchion, helmet and magnetic mounts.

£99.95. exposuremarine.com

19. Touchscreen gloves

Christmas gift ideas: Touchscreen gloves

Those who need to swipe screens in colder climes can now keep their digits warm too with Mujjo's latest fleece-lined touchscreen gloves. These have black leather cuffs and anti-slip palms with silicon grip dots. Price from €29.95. mujjo.com

20. Splash Drone

Christmas gift ideas: Splash Drone

This is the first fully waterproof quad copter – and it floats. The drone is not only designed to carry a GoPro, but has a payload release feature for carrying and releasing other items, including safety gear.

The Splash Drone has autonomous features, including a 'follow me' mode, and can return to base at the flick of a switch. Use it to capture some unique footage of your yacht, take a beer to a friend, or even drop a life-ring to a casualty in the water.

Price US$1,299. urbandrones.com

21. TackingMaster

Christmas gift ideas: Tacking Master

Race tactics involve decisions based on the wind direction and trends, gleaned from the yacht's compass. This Danish TackingMaster helps make wind shifts quick and easy to gauge using a watch-style wrist mount.

Once the wind direction and course to the mark have been set, you can track any shifts by using its inner course dial. So you can easily see how a shift may affect the next tack or leg and keep track of the average wind trend. Price €79. tackingmaster.com

22. Restube

Christmas gift ideas: Restube safety device

Anyone who partakes in extreme watersports will know there are times when wearing a lifejacket is simply not practical afloat. And others may simply want the comfort of a personal flotation device without the bulk, perhaps when taking a swim away from an anchored yacht.

The Restube is a personal lifebuoy developed by a kitesurfer that stows into a small bum-bag like pouch. It uses a vertical or horizontal belt attachment, and a sports model is available with a harness mount.

video here. £38.99 sontecmarketing.com

23. Dr Sails

If I were to recommend one piece of repair kit to carry aboard it would probably be this new emergency epoxy adhesive. The fast curing epoxy can be used on sails plus most materials in virtually all conditions – including underwater – so it can even help patch a hole below the waterline. Watch the video here

From €22.50 for 10ml. drsails.com

24. Thuraya Satsleeve+

Christmas gift ideas: Satsleeve+ for smartphones

A Satsleeve turns your mobile phone into a satphone. It wraps around the phone, utilising the mobile's internal electronics and encodes and boosts the signal for connection to the Thuraya satellite network. The SatSleeve+ has a universal adapter, so the user can switch between most smartphone models from 58 to 85mm in width. £370 ex VAT or £5 per day to rent from www.globaltelesat.co.uk

25. Fizzics portable beer tap

Christmas gift ideas: Fizzics beer tap

Sailors are discerning types with quality tastes. So why not ship a portable beer tap for draught-tasting beer with the perfect head? The founders of Fizzics have really delved into the science (or 'fizzics') of beer drinking, and created a device that they say will deliver the perfect pour, creating an 'ultra dense, long-lasting foam head' from any standard size beer can or bottle – and all beer types from lager and ale to stout.

It's strictly for those who take their drinking seriously – I've asked Santa for one.

Price $169 from upgradeyourbeer.com

26. GoCycle portable E-bike

Christmas gift ideas: Go-Cycle portable E-bike

We did a test of folding bikes and portable transport in 2017. If you can afford it, this GoCycle is a clear winner. This beautifully engineered electric-assist bicycle has 20in wheels, balloon tyres, and a well-cushioned saddle, which gives a smooth fast and comfortable ride. It is proper, enjoyable bike to cycle manually and the rider can select from zero to 100 per cent motor assistance on demand.

The GoCycle is a premium product that needs space to store and time to assemble. But, it is a game-changer, giving real freedom to enjoy time away from the boat. £3,500 gocycle.com

27. TaskOne G3 case

Christmas gift ideas: TaskOne phone case

For those who don't already rely on their mobile phones enough, the TaskOne G3 case turns a smartphone into a Leatherman. It includes 22 tools and a mount for attaching saw blades. So you can now use your phone to cut, saw, grip, and screw things – then open a beer after your hard work. £79.99. thetasklab.com

28. Garmin Virb X and XE

Christmas gift ideas: Garmin Virb X

If your choice of action camera is more defined by durability, audio and picture quality, consider Garmin's Virb cameras. Garmin continues to upgrade its excellent rugged and waterproof (to 50m) Virb cams.

The main improvements are with picture resolution and an increased variety of mounting options. The dedicated photo button to take stills at any time, even while the camera is recording, is also a neat addition.

From £239.99 at garmin.com

29. Leatherman Tread

Christmas gift ideas: Leatherman wearable multitool

This very cool wearable multitool completely reinvents the concept – it's worn on the wrist like a watch. As standard 29 tools are provided, including flat, Phillips and Pozi-Driv screwdrivers, hex drives, box wrenches and Torx drives. There's also a cutting hook, sim card pick, carbide glass breaker and bottle opener. As there is no conventional knife you can fly without putting it in hold luggage.

£199.95 leatherman.com

30. Flexsafe – Keep your valuables safe

Christmas gift ideas: FlexSafe

Keeping keys, passports, wallets and electronic gadgets safe when travelling can all too often be a challenge. The Flexsafe is a lockable bag made of slash-proof materials that cannot be cut open with a knife that incorporates a piercing 110db motion sensing alarm. When on shore simply attach the bag to a convenient tree, your folding bike, the dinghy or any other suitable structure.

Price US$59.95. www.theaquavault.com

31. Digital Yacht Aquawear

Digital Yacht Aquawear

This blackbox server will wirelessly stream information from onboard instruments to mobiles, tablets and laptops. The splash-proof wrist case included helps promote wearable navigation – the viewing of instrument, charting and AIS data on deck via apps on your smartphone. Aquawear aslo creates a wifi hotspot for the whole crew. £264. digitalyacht.co.uk

32. Spinlock Essentials chest pack

Christmas gift ideas: Spinlock Chest Pack

Spinlock's Essential Packs are snug fitting solutions for keeping accessories like mobile phone, VHF, personal EPIRB to hand on the water. They are available as belt, side or chest packs that attach with Velcro tie-downs, and neatly compliment Spinlock's Deckvest 5D lifejacket. £14.95. spinlock.co.uk

33. Personalised champagne

Christmas gift ideas:Champagne by you

Here's your chance to create your own bespoke bubbles. Buying a case of Champagne By You involves a tasting session to decide on the exact champagne style, all imported from family growers in the champagne region. Clients then get to design a unique handmade aluminium label using anything from a corporate logo to a photograph.

Sampling, design and delivery of a case of 24 bottles costs from £2,257. champagnebyyou.com

34. Vaavud Wind Meter

Christmas gift ideas: Vavuud windmeter

Vaavud is essentially a set of whirling cups that turn your smartphone into an anemometer. Live wind data through crowd sourcing – clever and particularly useful for those of us that dither on the shoreline wondering which sail/boat/kite/board to take, or whether to mow the lawn.

A new compact Sleipnir model is now available that uses an electronic sensor and can read wind direction too. Video here From £37. vaavud.com

35. Sugru

Christmas gift ideas: Sugru

Sugru is a new material that feels like play dough but acts like superglue and sticks to most objects and surfaces. It's very user-friendly, highly malleable and waterproof and comes in 10 bright colours. It's ideal for both fixing things and giving items a new lease of life as it sets like silicone rubber (flexible and insulated) – it's also surprisingly fun to apply.

Bring out your inner kid… Must watch WTF is Sugru video here From £6.99. sugru.com

36. Yacht Cufflinks

Christmas gift ideas: cufflinks

For that time when you need to collect the silverware in your blazer at the yacht club, you need to look the part…

These silver cufflinks come in a velvet lined gift box.

£49 (£39.20 special offer) josephturner.co.uk

37. Wichard knives

Christmas gift ideas: Wichard Knife

Wichard has produced knives in Thiers, the French home of knife making, since 1919. Its latest range includes Offshore and more economic Aquaterra models.

The Offshore knife has a serrated blade that can cut through Dyneema, and is available with a combined shackle key/marlinspike. The Aquaterra uses a conventional or serrated blade and has the accessory all sailors really need: a corkscrew. Price from €17. wichard.com

38. Tiwal 3.2 inflatable dinghy

Christmas gift ideas: TIWAL inflatable dinghy

This French inflatable sailing dinghy stows into two compact bags and can be launched, assembled and sailed anywhere in 20 minutes. It looks like safe, enjoyable and family friendly fun, ideal for getting kids into dinghy sailing. It uses the same high-strength PVC material as stand-up paddleboards, inflated via a high-pressure pump. An alloy structure gives it a backbone and allows the helm or crew to sit out, and a freestanding carbon mast splits into four.

Keep in the locker or trailer sail – without the need for a trailer. Video here

The 2018 models have been updated. They are now more streamlined, practical and comfortable. Hiking rack pads have been added to the accessories.

€5,490. tiwal.co.uk

39. Ino-Block Light

Christmas gift ideas: INO Block light

Three years ago Ino-Rope brought out its revolutionary lightweight textile IB blocks with working loads from 800kg to 6T. It has now launched a Light range that uses a soft connector as both axle and connector, resulting in a sturdy and affordable block for smaller applications, boats or dinghies. From €16.50 for the IB 0.6 for rope up to 8mm. inorope.com

40. Rick Tomlinson 2018 Portfolio Calendar

Christmas gift ideas: Rick Tomlinson calendar

As well as the usual great mix of pictures – which this year includes action from the Volvo Ocean Race, Cowes Week, Quarter Tonners as well as cruising the Swedish archipelago – this special 30th edition includes is a 30-year celebration spread featuring Rick's choice of one image from each of his past calendars.

£19.95 www.rick-tomlinson.com

We can't promise any of these products will be delivered in time – but wish a HAPPY CHRISTMAS to all!

The post 40 great Christmas gift ideas for sailors – our pick of the very best kit appeared first on Yachting World.

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instanewstn-blog · 7 years ago

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SpaceX completes launch and landing double bill

Image copyright SPACEX Image caption Iridium has booked SpaceX for multiple missions that will leave Earth from the Vandenberg Air Force Base on the California coast US rocket company SpaceX completed back-to-back launches at the weekend. Late on Friday, it used one of its refurbished Falcon 9 vehicles to put up a Bulgarian satellite from Florida.Then on Sunday, SpaceX lofted another 10 spacecraft for telecommunications company Iridium. This time, the rocket flew out of California.Both missions saw the Falcon first-stages come back to Earth under control to drone ships that had been positioned out on the ocean. It means SpaceX has now had 13 landing successes for those missions it has sought to recover the booster. That said, Friday's first-stage had a particularly hard landing, and looked bent over on the live video feed. "Rocket is extra toasty and hit the deck hard (used almost all of the emergency crush core), but otherwise good," quipped SpaceX chief executive, Elon Musk, on Twitter. His firm does not expect to recover every booster, because the flight profile required on many satellite launches will lead to re-entry speeds that are simply too fast to curtail with the available propellant.Friday's mission was launched from the US East Coast, from the Kennedy Space Center's famous Apollo and shuttle pad, 39A. Image copyright SPACEX Image caption New grid fins: To make recycling rockets pay, SpaceX must reduce the amount of refurbishment needed The "second-hand" Falcon 9 lifted off at 15:10 local time (1910 GMT). Its passenger, BulgariaSat-1, was dropped off in orbit, some 30 minutes later. The spacecraft will be used to beam TV into homes in Bulgaria and Serbia. The Falcon booster was last flown in January, to launch 10 satellites for the Iridium sat-phone and data-relay company. And it was another Iridium launch that topped out the weekend's activities.This second mission, on a brand new Falcon, occurred on the West Coast, from the Vandenberg Air Force Base. Iridium is in the midst of replacing its global network of satellites. Another 10 went up on this latest flight. SpaceX has another six launches on the books for Iridium, whose existing network of more than 60 spacecraft is now well past its design life. Sunday's lift-off occurred at 13:25 local time (20:25 GMT). The returning booster on this occasion sported new titanium grid fins to help steer the vehicle back to its waiting drone ship. The titanium ought to be more robust than the previous aluminium type, said Mr Musk, removing the requirement for repair or replacement. This should speed the turnaround of future boosters for re-use. "New titanium grid fins worked even better than expected. Should be capable of an indefinite number of flights with no service," the CEO tweeted. Image copyright THALES ALENIA SPACE Image caption The new Iridium satellites are replacing a network that is more than 20 years old Iridium's business is mobile communications, providing connections to anyone who is not near a fixed line. These customers include the military, oil and gas platforms, ships and broadcasters. Increasingly, it also includes remote machinery reporting in its status to a central server. This machine-to-machine service has a big future, especially as more and more devices are linked together in the coming, so-called "internet of things". The new Iridium satellites also host payloads for two tracking companies. One of is Aireon, which aims to offer a service that reports the positions of aircraft by sensing their ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) transmissions. This would be useful in following planes that are beyond radar coverage, but could also help airlines plan more efficient routing. The other hosted payload is for exactEarth, which does something very similar with ships. Large vessels transmit an Automatic Identification System message that can be sensed from orbit. Again, shipping companies can use the tracking service to keep tabs on vessels and to plot the best available course to a [email protected] and follow me on Twitter: @BBCAmos

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fowlerblogs1 · 2 years ago

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Looking for an IP prepaid SIM card and hassle-free Thuraya prepaid airtime top-ups? Look nowhere else! With the help of our Thuraya Airtime services, you can quickly top off your prepaid airtime and stay connected at all times. With various and affordable options, our IP prepaid SIM card ensures seamless connection for your Thuraya satellite phone. Keep in touch with Thuraya's dependable network and benefit from the practicality of our prepaid alternatives. Get your Thuraya SIM card right away to take advantage of dependable mobile connection.

Visit Now: https://osat.com/products/thuraya-prepaid-airtime-top-ups

#thuraya x5 touch satellite phone #thuraya satellite phone #thuraya xt lite satellite phone #thuraya phone #sat phone #satellite internet #iridium go top ups #iridium sat phone top ups #iridium sat phone top up

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fowlerblogs1 · 2 years ago

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Iridium Prepaid Account Top-Up - 5 Reasons to Do It

With an Iridium Prepaid Airtime account, you free yourself from being tied in to long-term contracts, and can add funds and airtime data whenever your needs change. It’s the flexible way of staying globally connected via the world’s only truly global satellite network. Below are our top reasons why we highly recommend you add Iridium sat phone top ups to your account regularly

Stay Connected No Matter Where You Are

The first and most obvious reason for having active Iridium sat phone top ups is so that you can make or take calls from any location in the world, whenever you like. Due to Iridium’s satellite network of 66 Low Earth Orbit satellites, orbiting in mesh above the earth, it means you are always within connectivity reach of one or more Iridium satellites, and your Iridium device will work from any region, however isolated or remote.

Avoid Service Interruptions and Deactivation

In order to make sure your SIM card or prepaid account stays active, it needs to be used regularly within its validity period. If your validity period is coming to an end, 30-day extension vouchers can be purchased in order to keep the account going. If the validity is not extended then your SIM card will expire and become unusable. Any minutes remaining will be lost and your SIM will enter a 270 day grace period in which you may reactivate the SIM by adding a new voucher.

Simplify Billing and Payment Management

When you choose Iridium top ups, it means you’re in charge of how much, and how often, funds and airtime minutes are added to your account. You won’t have any nasty surprises at the end of the month where your usage time might have ran away from you, meaning billing and payments are simplified to the timings and amount that you dictate.

Enjoy Peace of Mind During Emergencies

The final reason is probably the main reason why people buy satellite phones in the first place: they’re there as a potentially life-saving tool should the worst happen. But such a vital piece of equipment is pointless if it isn’t topped up with enough appropriate airtime in the event of an emergency. We offer several different voucher options that cater for customers embarking on short, medium, or long-term excursions, adventures, or challenges.

Source - https://gtc.co.uk/blogs/all/best-reasons-to-topup-iridium-prepaid-account

#Iridium sat phone top ups #Iridium top ups #Iridium Airtime #Sat phone top ups

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fowlerblogs1 · 9 months ago

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Elevate Your Connection Unveiling the World of Iridium Prepaid Plans & Iridium Airtime

In a digital age where connectivity is paramount, Iridium leads the charge with innovative solutions catering to the global community. Whether you're an adventurer seeking connectivity off the grid or a professional requiring reliable communication in remote areas, the dynamic duo of Iridium prepaid plans and Iridium Airtime has you covered? Let's delve into the intricacies of these two offerings that redefine the boundaries of global communication.

Iridium Prepaid Plans: Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Connectivity

Unlocking Global Possibilities

Iridium prepaid plans are a beacon of flexibility, offering users the power to tailor their connectivity needs without being confined by traditional mobile networks. This prepaid solution caters to those who crave seamless communication beyond borders. With Iridium's constellation of satellites, users can enjoy connectivity in areas where traditional networks struggle, providing a lifeline for adventurers and professionals working in challenging environments.

Flexible, Tailored Connectivity

One of the standout features of Iridium prepaid plans is their flexibility. Users can choose plans based on various validity periods and data allowances, aligning with their specific usage patterns. Whether you're a frequent globetrotter or an occasional explorer, Iridium prepaid plans ensure that your connectivity needs are met without breaking the bank.

No Strings Attached

Breaking away from the conventional norms of binding contracts, Iridium prepaid plans offer users the freedom to activate services when needed. This means no long-term commitments, allowing users to engage with the plans on their terms. It's a connectivity experience with the user firmly in control.

Seamless Global Communication

Iridium prepaid plans are more than just a communication tool; they're a gateway to a world where making voice calls, sending messages, and accessing data services is possible seamlessly across the globe. Imagine being in the heart of the Amazon rainforest or atop a Himalayan peak – Iridium prepaid plans ensure you remain connected, sharing your experiences in real time.

Iridium Airtime: Soaring to New Heights in Satellite Communication

Enabling Uninterrupted Connectivity

Iridium Airtime takes the connectivity experience to new heights by providing the airwaves through which Iridium's satellite constellation operates. This airtime ensures uninterrupted communication, crucial for those relying on Iridium devices such as satellite phones or communication hotspots like the Iridium GO!

Seamless Integration with Devices

Whether you're using an Iridium satellite phone for emergency communication during an expedition or an Iridium GO! to turn your smartphone into a satellite communication hub, Iridium Airtime seamlessly integrates with these devices. This integration guarantees that your device functions optimally, providing the connectivity you need when it matters most.

Customized Plans for Various Devices

Iridium Airtime doesn't follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it offers tailored plans for different Iridium devices. This ensures that users can choose plans that align with the capabilities and requirements of their specific device, optimizing both usage and cost-effectiveness.

Reliable Performance, Anywhere on Earth

The beauty of Iridium Airtime lies in its ability to deliver reliable performance anywhere on Earth. From the polar regions to the heart of the ocean, Iridium's satellite network, powered by Iridium Airtime, ensures that your communication remains steady, regardless of the geographical challenges you may face.

Synergy in Action: Integrating Iridium Prepaid Plans and Iridium Airtime

Imagine this Scenario

You're on a solo sailing expedition, navigating the vastness of the Pacific. In a world where traditional networks become unreliable miles away from the coastline, your Iridium satellite phone, fueled by Iridium Airtime, becomes your lifeline. With the flexibility of an Iridium prepaid plan, you have control over your costs, and the seamless connectivity ensures you stay in touch with loved ones and access critical weather updates, turning your adventure into a connected, informed experience.

Q&A Section

Q1: Can I use Iridium prepaid plans with any Iridium device?

A1: Yes, Iridium prepaid plans are designed to be compatible with various Iridium devices, including satellite phones and communication hotspots like the Iridium GO!

Q2: What makes Iridium Airtime different from traditional mobile airtime?

A2: Iridium Airtime operates on Iridium's satellite constellation, offering uninterrupted global connectivity. Traditional mobile airtime relies on ground-based infrastructure, making it unreliable in remote or challenging terrains.

Q3: How do I activate Iridium Airtime?

A3: Activating Iridium Airtime is a straightforward process. Contact your service provider or Iridium directly to choose a plan that suits your needs, and they will guide you through the activation process.

Conclusion: Elevating Connectivity Beyond Horizons

Iridium prepaid plans and Iridium Airtime represent the cutting edge of global communication. With the flexibility of prepaid plans and the reliability of Iridium Airtime, users can navigate the world seamlessly, connecting with loved ones, accessing information, and conducting business in the most remote corners of the Earth. As technology continues to advance, the synergy between these two offerings ensures that the sky's not the limit – it's just the beginning of a connected, borderless world. Elevate your connection with Iridium prepaid plans and Iridium Airtime, and redefine how you stay connected in a world without borders.

#Airtime #Iridium Prepaid #Iridium Sat Phone Top-Ups #Top Up your Iridium Phone #Iridium Prepaid Top Ups #Iridium Phone Prepaid Topup #OSAT #Orbital Satcom

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