I am getting more impressed each day! They are using Sailmail--which has 11 stations world wide and is far more limited than Winlink (HAM radio 43 stations world wide, and far more frequencies scanned) both on SSB. I have had success with keeping in touch with several circumnavigators every day via Winlink or sailmail. (and it costs a fraction of satellite communications). As for the weather--no formal routing service. (This may become very critical as they get into the Western Pacific, with typhoon season) My personal experience is that a dedicated Weather fax (Furuno) was the best way of getting weather (along with high seas reports and BBC--and similar--radio services. I would opt for the dedicated fax if doing a trip currently, even if I had routing. I love the comment that the World is still a backward place--which it is, but many of us do not really realize it. I also am very interested in the costs. The building of the boat is a project which could be undertaken by any skilled welder or wood worker. The interior appears to be quite utilitarian. I would not be surprised if this boat could not be replicated for well under $200,000 and some labor on the owner's part. However in plywood it would be much cheaper. A quick calculation shows that plywood costs about 25% of aluminum for raw material. For just the hull (including frames--rough calculations show about $7500 for plywood and $30,000 for corrosion resistant aluminum) However the use of wood would require Epoxy and cloth plus fastenings, and bring the cost closer to 35% to 50% of Aluminum. The engine at 55 hp could come in at around $10,000, Gen set $8,000--you get the idea.. Of course you have to add your own labor at $3.00 an hour (about what amateur boat builders "earn" when they sell their projects if well made). Comments? Bob Austin