Once the routing has been finalised, I then think about the actual navigation. This is based on various documents and sources: on a current paper nautical chart of the sea area to be navigated as well as an electronic chart on the tablet. We also keep various area guides and harbour manuals on our ship. Of course, the Internet should not go unmentioned. From cruise reports by other sailors to the websites of various harbours and the map services of the major search engines, it is an almost inexhaustible source of information.
Internet map service provides almost all the information you need
In particular, we have used the Google Earth programme successfully time and again in the Swedish archipelago. Although nautical charts generally offer all sorts of navigation options, Navionic and the like are usually silent on whether there is a fixed route to the next shop after mooring at the rock, let alone whether there are any paths ashore at all. The Internet map service is different. If you zoom in far enough, almost all the desired information becomes visible.
In addition, an oversailer is more than helpful. The current location is entered in it every day. This gives a clear impression of the route already travelled and the route still to be travelled. Pin this overview map somewhere clearly visible on the ship and observe how often the crew stands in front of it. Measure, calculate and discuss whether one or two detours are still possible.
Navigate with the help of a map and notepad
At the beginning of each sailing day, we draw our intended routing, including the courses to be sailed, on the paper chart. Special waypoints are also noted in a notebook: where and when we see which sector lights as well as the frequencies and telephone numbers of rescue and information services, bridges and locks. Passed buoys and waypoints are later ticked off on the nautical chart. This means that you can continue to navigate with the help of the chart and chartpad if the electronics suddenly fail.
Basically, the same applies to sailing: The more comprehensively we familiarise ourselves with the potential trip before casting off, the more relaxed it will be later on. Nevertheless, there will always be the odd surprise. We can then deal with them much more calmly than if we were unprepared.
