Sailing has always relied on simple coordination, WhatsApp, VHF, and a bit of guesswork.
But as more groups start using SailTies, that’s beginning to change.
The Westerly Owners Association (WOA) is a good example. With around 3,000 members and large group cruises, they’re starting to use SailTies to stay more connected on the water.
The Westerly Owners Association (WOA) is the world’s largest group for yacht owners. It was founded in 1966 to support those who own yachts built by Westerly Marine Construction. Run as a not-for-profit by volunteers, the association provides technical support, a strong sense of community, local groups, and social events.
What brings them together is simple: keeping Westerly boats sailing.
SailTies wasn’t introduced as a top-down decision at WOA. It started with individuals. A few members began logging voyages. Some started tracking passages. There was curiosity, and it grew from there.
Now, they’re moving towards something more structured:
Live tracking during events
Better coordination during rallies
Shared records of voyages
Not more “social”, just more practical.
An Interview with Bob Walker, Chairman of Westerly Owners Association#
I caught up with Bob Walker, Vice Commodore of the Westerly Owners Association, to talk about how they’re starting to use SailTies and what’s changing as a result.
Tom (SailTies):
Bob, for people who don’t know the WOA, please give us a quick overview.
Bob Walker (WOA):
We’re one of the oldest and probably the largest sailing associations around.
There are about 3,000 members globally, mostly in the UK. What brings everyone together is the Westerly brand and a shared interest in keeping these boats sailing and extending their operational life.
Tom:
And what does that look like in practice? What sort of sailing are your members doing?
Bob:
A lot of cruising.
We run an annual cruise, typically along the South Coast, and often across the Channel to France, the Channel Islands, or the Netherlands.
Then there are local area groups organising their own rallies and socials. Those can be anywhere from four or five boats up to around twenty.
This year, the national cruise will be around fifty boats!
Tom:
That’s a lot of boats to keep track of. How have you traditionally managed that?
Bob:
It’s a mix, really. WhatsApp, VHF, general coordination… the usual methods.
It works, but you don’t always have a clear picture of where everyone actually is during the day.
Tom:
So, where did SailTies first come into it?
Bob:
Initially, it was just individuals using it.
Members chose to log their voyages or track their sailing. It wasn’t something we rolled out as a group. But we could see the potential, particularly from a safety perspective, especially for boats without AIS.
There’s also a bit of friendly competition in the association around distance travelled, which adds to the interest.
Westerly sailing boat
Tom:
And now you’re starting to use it more as a group?
Bob:
Yes. This year, for the first time, we’re making a more concerted effort.
We’re looking at using it for:
Live tracking during cruises
Better coordination around events
Sharing voyages afterwards
It’s still developing, but that’s the direction we’re heading.
Tom:
Has there been a moment where it really proved its value?
Bob:
Yes, there has.
We had a boat lose its mast and rigging in the Channel, near Brighton. It also jammed the propeller, so it became quite a serious situation.
SailTies was used by the owner and by people ashore to keep track of the boat and its recovery by the RNLI.
Afterwards, the track was also used for insurance purposes.
Tom:
Oh wow, that must have been quite scary to lose the mast! I am happy to hear SailTies could help. Sounds like it has been very helpful for WOA?
Bob:
Exactly. You don’t always realise how useful something is until you actually need it.
Tom:
And outside of those situations, what about day-to-day sailing?
Bob:
There are smaller examples as well. We had two yachts, both sailing solo and independently around the south coast of Ireland. I noticed on SailTies that they were converging, but they weren’t aware of it themselves. So I let them know, and they ended up meeting.
Tom:
That’s so nice!
Bob:
Yes, it is. It’s not dramatic, but it improves the experience. It brings people together in a way that wouldn’t otherwise happen.
Tom:
How are members responding to it so far?
Bob:
Those who are using it are very enthusiastic.
Our focus now is on increasing adoption across the group and encouraging members to use it more consistently, particularly during events.
We’ve started promoting it more through our communications, and that will continue.
Tom:
If you look ahead, what would make it indispensable for WOA?
Bob:
The ability to create sub-groups for specific events. So for a cruise or rally, you could have a dedicated group space just for those participating. That would be very useful.
Tom:
That's good to hear. Events are definitely in the pipeline. And overall, would you recommend SailTies to other sailing groups?
Bob:
Yes. Primarily from a safety and duty of care perspective.
But also because it helps bring everything together: tracking, coordination, and shared experience.
We’re still at an early stage in how we’re using it, but it’s clear that it has real value.
Sailing groups aren’t changing what they do, just how they stay in touch.
There’s less guessing and more clarity around who’s sailing and where they are, so everyone knows what’s going on, both on the water and ashore.
It just makes sailing smoother and easier for everyone.
