About
YB Tracking is a leading provider of satellite-based tracking and communication solutions, purpose-built for events and expeditions where cellular networks don't reach. Leveraging the Iridium satellite constellation — the only network offering genuine pole-to-pole coverage — YB's hardware ensures that race organisers, expedition leaders, and fleet managers always know where their assets are, no matter how remote the environment. Their product lineup includes the YB3 Handheld Tracker, the YB3i Fixed Tracker, the YBlog trip-sharing device, and the CORE Fleet Management platform. All devices are paired with customisable, embeddable Google Maps web pages so event organisers and spectators can follow progress in real time. An open API allows integration with third-party mapping and management systems. YB Tracking supports approximately 200 adventure races per year alongside major sailing events such as the Fastnet, Sydney Hobart, and The Arc. Use cases extend to car and vehicle racing, school expeditions (Duke of Edinburgh), fishing competitions, and general adventure travel. Devices are available for purchase or on a rent-and-return basis, making the service accessible for one-off events as well as recurring fleets. Hardware is designed to be waterproof, drop-proof, and long-lasting — engineering quality is maintained end-to-end since YB designs, assembles, and tests all products in the UK.
Key Features
- True Global Coverage via Iridium: Uses the Iridium satellite network — the only constellation offering pole-to-pole coverage — ensuring tracking works in any location on Earth.
- Customisable Embeddable Tracking Pages: Each device comes with its own Google Maps-powered web page that can be embedded and branded for events, races, or personal expeditions.
- Open API Integration: Provides an API so organisations with existing mapping or fleet management systems can pull live tracking data directly into their platforms.
- Event Rental & Pay-As-You-Go: Flexible rent-and-return model with no long-term commitments, making satellite tracking accessible for single events or seasonal racing calendars.
- Rugged British-Engineered Hardware: All devices are designed, assembled, and tested in the UK — waterproof, drop-proof, and built to perform in the harshest real-world conditions.
Use Cases
- Race organisers tracking yacht fleets across offshore regattas and ocean races in real time with no cellular coverage.
- Adventure race directors monitoring multi-day, multi-terrain competitor positions across 200+ events per year.
- Motorsport event teams tracking rally or off-road vehicles through remote stages outside mobile network range.
- Expedition leaders and fundraisers maintaining safety oversight and sharing live progress with supporters during remote treks.
- Fleet managers using the CORE platform to oversee and communicate with multiple assets spread across geographically dispersed locations.
Pros
- Genuine Pole-to-Pole Coverage: Iridium-based connectivity means tracking works in truly remote locations — oceans, deserts, polar regions — where no other network reaches.
- Flexible Rental Model: Pay-as-you-go event rental removes the need for large upfront investment, making professional-grade satellite tracking accessible for smaller events.
- Human Support Team: Dedicated, knowledgeable staff provide direct support — no call centres or automated bots — which is critical during live events.
- End-to-End Control: YB designs hardware, writes software, and manages the service in-house, ensuring tight quality control and rapid iteration based on user feedback.
Cons
- Satellite Service Costs: Iridium-based communication inherently carries higher per-message or subscription costs compared to cellular or Wi-Fi alternatives.
- Hardware Dependency: The service requires physical YB devices; there is no software-only or BYOD option, which adds logistics for large-scale deployments.
- Niche Use Case Scope: Optimised primarily for outdoor sporting events and expeditions — not a general-purpose enterprise fleet or logistics tracking platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What satellite network does YB Tracking use?
YB Tracking uses the Iridium satellite constellation, which is the only network providing true pole-to-pole global coverage, making it reliable in remote oceans, polar regions, and deserts.
Can I integrate YB tracking data into my own systems?
Yes. YB Tracking provides an open API that allows you to pull live and historical tracking data into your own mapping platforms, race management software, or fleet management systems.
Do I need to buy devices or can I rent them?
Both options are available. YB sells devices outright through their online shop, and also offers an event rental scheme on a pay-as-you-go, rent-and-return basis — ideal for one-off races or expeditions.
What types of events does YB Tracking support?
YB supports yacht and sailing races (e.g., Fastnet, Sydney Hobart, The Arc), adventure races, car and vehicle races, expeditions and treks, fishing competitions, and school Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
Is there a mobile app for following live events?
Yes. The YB Races App is available for following live tracked events. Additionally, all devices include a customisable, embeddable Google Maps web page viewable on any device.
