Instead of filling up the chartplotter thread, I figured maybe best to create a thread on best practices when entering a new harbor.
For me, the most important thing is to gain good SA (situational awareness) BEFORE getting there. So before heading to say Union Island for the first time, I:
1) Studied charts for a basic understanding
2) Read the water pilot for the area. Find and get the best!!!
3) Check social sites like Noonsite and Active Captain for more current info
4) Talked to other sailor for current local knowledge
5) Set the depth alarm to a safe value based on the days transit
6) Check to see if on-board charting (papers or e.charts) match what I’ve been hearing
The Windward Islands Pilot shows high-level pics and lots of good info, but you have to remember this is 1-3 years old already, even the current version.
While not my fav, TimeZero is superb for SA, with land elevations and photo realistic views you can turn and tilt to get a water-level perspective.
My go-to is iSailor, even though they pissed me off and changed the chart license policy. Anyway, they always have the best charting, and with overlayed tides and currents, makes a great way to know what to expect. Entering from the SW, expect to see what will seem like a straight line of starboard hand laterals in front of you before passing a west quadrant cardinal mark. It shows a couple of shallow mounts, but expect good water on the way. You can plan to turn when the light/day mark on the jetty hits 327 true on your bearing compass (adjust for dec!). Stay channel center passing between the two laterals at harbor entrance.
Then you go. Landfall in daylight please. I could write forever, but others please jump in with tips, tricks, etc etc on how plan and execute.
For me, the most important thing is to gain good SA (situational awareness) BEFORE getting there. So before heading to say Union Island for the first time, I:
1) Studied charts for a basic understanding
2) Read the water pilot for the area. Find and get the best!!!
3) Check social sites like Noonsite and Active Captain for more current info
4) Talked to other sailor for current local knowledge
5) Set the depth alarm to a safe value based on the days transit
6) Check to see if on-board charting (papers or e.charts) match what I’ve been hearing
The Windward Islands Pilot shows high-level pics and lots of good info, but you have to remember this is 1-3 years old already, even the current version.
While not my fav, TimeZero is superb for SA, with land elevations and photo realistic views you can turn and tilt to get a water-level perspective.
My go-to is iSailor, even though they pissed me off and changed the chart license policy. Anyway, they always have the best charting, and with overlayed tides and currents, makes a great way to know what to expect. Entering from the SW, expect to see what will seem like a straight line of starboard hand laterals in front of you before passing a west quadrant cardinal mark. It shows a couple of shallow mounts, but expect good water on the way. You can plan to turn when the light/day mark on the jetty hits 327 true on your bearing compass (adjust for dec!). Stay channel center passing between the two laterals at harbor entrance.
Then you go. Landfall in daylight please. I could write forever, but others please jump in with tips, tricks, etc etc on how plan and execute.
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