TripSailor Archive

TripSailor is a niche social network for sailing fans that launched to the public last December. The site features all of the normal social networking features: photos, videos, journals, groups, etc. You can navigate the seas by reading member’s profiles or by using the slick Google Maps mashup and then viewing by country. I spoke with founder Ralph Zimmermann who explained that they have tailored the site for the specific needs of sailors. He also noted regarding their mobile access while on the water, "TripSailor offers a variety of mobile update possibilities like regular email, text message from cellphones or updates via satellite phones."

All of the cruising guides on TripSailor are Wiki-based and are available under Creative Commons licensing.

Revenue comes from three sources: ads, affiliates and agency partnerships. TripSailor has signed a few agencies to-date and when a member signs up through an agency, the agency will "follow" the user through the site by placing the agency logo on all pages. Think of it as co-branding the site. Zimmermann noted that they are talking to marinas as well for potential partnerships.

It might be groovy to add "live" options — a Twitter-like message client and a "finder" to help you locate if others are planning a trip to the same location you are.

The site is available in English and German. TripSailor currently has 2 full-time employees and was privately funded. Other sites in the sailing category include Sailblogs and SailTrac.