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Paper nautical charts are among the most valuable and essential tools
we have aboard our vessels.
—Sid Stapleton, Stapleton’s Powerboat BibleAs fantastic as electronic charts are, how do we best prepare for the unexpected,
such as the loss of power? How do we make our paper charts ready to use in an
instant, with most of the navigation work completed before casting off? How
accurate is your compass? Is there a fast, reliable method of checking this vital
instrument, giving us peace of mind in all types of weather—day or night?
In Th is Chapter, You’ll Learn How To:
D Plot latitude, longitude, and distances faster than ever before
D Fit paper charts to a portable clipboard
D Complete 90% of all navigation on your charts before casting off
D Check the accuracy of your compass in three easy steps
D Protect your paper charts and extend their life by a year or more
Skipper’s Navigation Tools
Steering Compass. Used for steering the boat. Th e person at the wheel or tiller
uses the steering compass to move the boat along a line (called a trackline) from
point A to point B.
Handbearing Compass. A portable compass, used for fi nding the boat’s
position or checking the steering compass for errors. Some handbearing
compasses come with a miniature compass mounted atop a pistol grip. Others
look like a rubber-coated hockey puck with a neck lanyard.
Follow these steps to accurately use a handbearing compass:
- Raise the compass to the eye.
- Sight an object through the vanes or slot that runs across the compass.
- Read the magnifi ed compass bearing.
CHART
PLOTTING AND
PREPARATION
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