navigation

Introduction to the C-MAP application

This is the second of five articles on the use of electronic navigation applications. It focuses on the C-MAP application. The other texts cover the use of OpenCPN, Savy Navy, Navionics and SEAIQ. It focuses mainly on installations on tablets or cellular devices that are not connected to a sailboat’s...

Introduction to electronic charts

This text is intended as an introduction to electronic charts. It is not an introduction to the use of chartplotters or to the use of applications showing electronic charts. It is an introduction to charts. It covers how they are designed, their types and formats. This knowledge helps to understand...

Introduction to Navionics (Boating)

This text is the first in a series of five on electronic navigation applications. It shows you how to perform the most important navigation tasks, i.e. how to: This first text covers the Navionics (Boating) application. The other texts cover OpenCPN, Savyy Navy, C-MAP and SEAIQ respectively. Prior to reading...

A Fast Rescue Craft

Fixing Techniques for Fast Boats

This text explains a fixing technique that is applicable on fast boats. It makes use of paper charts when there is little to no space for chartwork. The technique is useful if the chartplotter fails, or if checking the validity of an electronic fix is required. I learned the technique...

Spherical trigonometry and navigation

Setting the scene A ship leaves New York, USA, bound for Brest, France. Assuming it takes the shortest route, what will be its departure course? If it is sailing at 15 knots, how long will it take to reach Brest? The coordinates of the two ports are known (below). City...

Two special cases of navigation lights

This short text describes two particular cases of navigation lights that have come to my attention in recent days. Both are in situations of reduced visibility, or at night. I found the examples interesting because they reveal parts of the navigation lights conventions that are less well known. Three red...

Application du théorême de l'angle inscrit.

Advanced coastal navigation techniques

Here are four advanced coastal navigation techniques. The first of the four is of practical use. The last three would require a lot of on-board systems to be broken to make them a real-life use case. On the other hand, some of them can be found in the RYA or...

Crossing from Québec to Nova Scotia

The passage between Gaspé and Nova Scotia is relatively easy via the Magdalen Islands. If you’re keen to gain offshore experience, this is an excellent passage. You must learn how to sail without landmarks… and at night. Gaspé, the Islands and Chéticamp Jean-du-Sud ‘s stay in Gaspé was a compromise...

Fifteen Anchorages on the St-Lawrence River

With Bastian Raulier and Zac Harie. Fancy a sailboat cruise on the river? Tired of high marina fees? Want to get away without (too) many neighbors? Here are fifteen anchorages, illustrated in a summary map at the end of the text, to help you plan your stops and nights on...