The Cruisers' Net Recommendation Network
Every major cruising anchorage in the world runs a morning VHF net. Georgetown Exumas at 08:10, Vava'u Tonga at 08:00, Marmaris at 09:00. The format varies; the function is the same. The net is where cruisers swap weather, ask for recommendations, post marketplace items, and find each other for shared work.
Why it works
- Real-time peer review of contractors and services
- Reaches everyone in the anchorage at once
- Reputation costs are immediate — bad recommendations get visibly corrected
- Low-friction: no app, no account, just open the VHF
- Free
Format (typical)
- Net controller opens, calls roll for new arrivals
- Weather report
- Safety/security announcements
- Buys, sells, trades
- Recommendations and questions
- Social calendar (potlucks, sundowner drinks)
- Net closes
How to plug in
- VHF on channel 72 (most common) at the stated time
- Wait for the controller to call new arrivals
- Identify your boat and where you've come from
- Listen first — observe the patterns before contributing
- Be useful — share information, offer help
Net economics
The morning net produces a flow of information that paid services can't match. Cruisers report finding mechanics, electricians, divers, sailmakers, and provisioning sources — all through the net — within their first week in a new anchorage. The price: a few minutes each morning to listen.
Cultural variants
The Georgetown net is famous for length and formality. Tonga's Vava'u net mixes Tongan and English cruiser community. Mediterranean nets often run on WhatsApp instead of VHF (Schengen-era marina cruising). Pacific nets often integrate with the SSB cruiser nets covering the whole ocean.
Frequently asked questions
Channel?
72 most common. Confirm locally on arrival.
Best time to listen?
First few days — learn the patterns before participating.
WhatsApp groups?
Common alternative or supplement. Ask at marina office.
Etiquette?
Be brief. Identify yourself. Be useful.
What if I'm shy?
Lurking is fine. Many cruisers listen for months before transmitting.