Data Centralization

For optimal performance, weather and routing analysis requires the grouping of a large amount of data. To make the right decisions, the sailor must not only take into account weather forecasts, but also compare sources, confront different scenarios, and critique the forecast in light of real-time observations.

Thus, Squid solutions allow you to gather access to multiple sources in a single platform:

• Simultaneous display of different forecasts (wind, atmospheric conditions, currents, waves)
• Display of real-time information, such as satellite images, SYNOP/METAR weather stations, and scatterometry readings (ASCAT)
• Display of analysis charts from global meteorological services
• Display of routing results through statistical analysis tools
• Water height and tide display

Data Control

Offshore, access to data remains a major challenge. Thanks to its request system, Squid allows you to maintain control over network exchanges at all times. You only download what you need, when you need it:

• Downloading GRIB files and observations: limit your requests to only the parameters necessary for your analysis. Data is downloaded over a restricted area defined at each request. Once loaded, the data remains available, even offline.

• Routing calculation: Squid uses the power of remote routing for a fast result that is light on local resources. Routing requests are processed directly on our servers, and therefore do not require prior data downloads or computing resources on your machine. The exchanged files are very light and ensure data savings. You can thus multiply scenarios at no cost and refine your analysis.

Information Sharing

Use Squid to download and analyze all your weather data. They are then accessible directly in the folder of your choice to be used in your other navigation software. Make Squid your preferred portal for access to all meteorological information.

Windows :

Windows 10 (64 bits only) or Windows 11.

MacOS :

macOS 12 (Monterey) or above. Both Intel (x64) and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4 via arm64) are supported

Linux :

Ubuntu 18.04 and above, Debian 10 or above (64 bits only)

Squid download and use are free and available without registration. Find the download links for installation programs for different platforms on our [download Squid] page, then follow the instructions below.

Windows

Double-click the downloaded .msi (or .exe) file.
If a security alert appears, click on 'More info' then 'Run anyway'.
Follow the steps in the installation wizard.
Click on 'Finish'. Squid will launch automatically in the background.

macOS

Double-click the downloaded .dmg file to open it.
Drag and drop the Squid icon into your Applications folder.
Launch Squid from your Launchpad or your Applications folder.
Note: If macOS blocks the opening (unidentified developer), go to System Settings > Privacy & Security to authorize the launch.

Linux

Double-click the downloaded .deb file. This will open your software manager (such as "Ubuntu Software" or "Gnome Software").
Click the Install button and enter your administrator password to confirm.

All our subscriptions include routing and forecast file download (GRIB files) functionalities, without geographical limits thanks to a selection of global forecast models such as Arpège, GFS, or ECMWF. These models are particularly suitable for general situation analysis and long-term routing.
In addition, the different subscription periods available offer you the possibility to adjust your subscription to your sailing frequency.

For coastal navigation

Regardless of your sailing area, our entry-level subscriptions will meet your needs for coastal navigation.

• You sail in Europe: the Hi Res Europe subscription will allow you to benefit, in addition to global coverage models, from a selection of local high-resolution models, such as Arome, Icon, or Harmonie. This data will offer you a finer analysis of the local situation and short-term routing (2 to 3 days).
• You sail in the Mediterranean: the Hi Res Mediterranean subscription is specifically designed to provide additional information for this sailing basin. In addition to all the forecast models of the Europe plan, the Italian high-resolution model Lamma will ensure you benefit from the most suitable forecasts for this zone.
• You sail in the Caribbean or on the coasts of North America: the corresponding North America subscription provides all the high-resolution models from NOAA (RAP, HRR, etc...), as well as the Météo France Arome Antilles model.

For offshore navigation or a Transatlantic program

The Hi Res World and Satellite plan is the most complete for your program. In addition to integrating all the high-resolution models included in the Hi Res plans and thus offering a complete selection for offshore routing and precision coastal routing, this subscription also gives you access to global satellite image downloads. An essential tool for completing your analysis in areas like the doldrums (ITCZ).

If you wish to keep a contained budget, note that the Hi Res Europe plan, including the Arome model in the Caribbean, may prove sufficient for sailing between the Caribbean and Europe.

For performance sailing or offshore racing

Our Racing subscription is specifically designed for this program. It is the most complete, offering, in addition to all services included in the other plans, access to global high-resolution forecast downloads (ECMWF 9 km and Spire 11 km), ideal for performance routing, as well as the MARC current model in the English Channel and Atlantic (up to 250 m resolution).

At any time, you can end your subscription. To do so, go to your personal space [link]. You will retain the benefit of your subscription until the end of the current period.

To change your current plan, you just have to cancel the running susbcription. At the term you can then opt for the plan of your choice.

Are you part of an offshore racing team or organization and need multiple accesses for different team members? Do you want to equip a fleet of vessels with our Squid solutions? Contact our [sales department] for any request regarding the creation of group accounts.

To change your password, update your billing address, or modify your payment methods, go to the "My Account" page from the main menu.

Errors in routing request returns can be related to two types of problems:

• A parameter of the request is too restrictive for the calculation to succeed.
• One of the forecast models chosen for the routing is not available on the server.

If your routing request returns a systematic error, you can try to determine which parameter of your request is causing the error by following this procedure:

• choose a departure date "now"
• choose only one global coverage wind forecast model (GFS 90 km for example), and no current or wave forecast
• choose one of the polar files provided in the application (not a custom file)
• launch the calculation. If you get a result, add or modify a parameter and restart the request.

If you receive an error, you will have identified the problematic parameter.

If the error persists even with only a wind file, the problem may then come from a routing point too close to the coast, or too restrictive advanced parameters (wind/wave limits, min and max TWA angles, ...).

If none of these actions yield a result, feel free to contact our support service, documenting your message with screenshots.

Routing does not respect regulated zones (TSS, buoyage)

By default, our routing algorithm does not take navigation information such as buoyage or Traffic Separation Schemes into consideration. You can add these limitations from the routing settings menu by activating the "Use an exclusion zone" option provided for this purpose.

Routing cuts through the coastline

If your routing path is close to the coast, the routing result may "cut" through islands or points. Indeed, a routing point calculation is considered correct by the algorithm if it is on the water. Consequently, if two consecutive calculation points are on the water but separated by a point or island, this is not detected as incorrect.
This error generally indicates an inconsistency between the choice of the isochrone step (the time between two calculation points) and the path's proximity to land.
Decreasing the value of the isochrone step usually corrects the problem.

Reminder

It is important to always consider the routing result for what it is: an analysis tool and a decision aid. In no case does this result constitute a navigation plan, and the sailor retains responsibility for their navigation choices under all circumstances.

If downloading forecasts or routing via Iridium Go does not work, here are some leads to help you diagnose the problem:

• Is your computer or mobile device (phone or tablet) connected to the Iridium Go box wifi?
• Is the signal reception sufficient?
• Do other Iridium functionalities work (sending email for example)?
• Is the estimated download size less than 100 KB?

If these four points are met but the download does not succeed, feel free to contact our support service, documenting your message with screenshots.