Easy does it - understanding chart plotters on CD

Chart coverage is for most of England and Wales

How often have you wondered if it's time to look at an electronic chart system for your boat? How often have your eyes glazed over, as you try to penetrate a manual seeking to explain how to use your latest investment in technology? Do you still ask the kids to set the video?

If the answer to these is yes, then we might just have a solution to your problem. The latest offering from Admiralty Leisure and the RYA simplifies the learning process down to what they call the 'Ten minute' method. I tried it and can report that it's true. I don't take naturally to instruction manuals, preferring to experiment first and consult later. But this way worked. Within less than ten minutes I was checking out West Mersea where I keep my boat; have you noticed that everyone does this at boat shows when they browse the latest almanac?

The latest version includes tide tables, launched at the London Boat show which includes a 'clearance indicator' which gives instant guidance on the best times to enter or leave an area safely. This is further supplemented with the Enhanced Route Planning feature, which uses tidal height and stream data to automatically correct a planned route and provide course-to-steer. This means that the route plan is automatically created at the same time as the crossing, providing a printable summary of information, from the comfort of home.

The other good news is that by covering 12 different sectors of the entire British Isles, each Chart Plotter comes with around 18 ARCS (Admiralty Raster Chart Service) charts and navigational software packaged together on one CD. ARCS charts offers clarity and quality of image reproduction therefore providing comprehensive information in each pack, which are an ideal starting point for leisure mariners choosing to use an electronic navigation system for the first time.

The chart plotter works on either a PC or laptop, as well as being able to be linked to a GPS, from the laptop. This further reinforces the key advantage of using electronic navigation as it can free up time on board to further enjoy cruising or to even concentrate on racing.

At only £49.95 it is the most cost-effective system on the market and can be purchased either direct from the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) or chandleries nationwide.

Prizes for the best contribution to the Forum on electronic chart systems