Tools of the trade

During our Fast Track to Cruising course we were warned by our instructor against relying upon modern electronic navigational tools such as chart plotters and GPS. Each day before setting out from our anchorage we were required to plot our course on a nautical chart (map) using parallel rulers and dividers. Although we aren’t going to go so far as to try to learn to navigate via the stars with a sextant we do plan on keeping up with standard navigational methods in spite of how common the electronic aids now are.

Yesterday we ordered a couple of charts of our local sailing grounds from West Marine. Once they arrive we can start to familiarize ourselves with the area. This will be a definite requirement if Plan B works out as we hope!