Maps?

[Dan]

Hello there,As you understand by the nature of my question I'm just getting involved, so do not laugh about such a question. When you go out sailing for some extended distance where you can find information on the waters you are approaching, possible docking, refueling and so on. Are there any special maps with such info available? If so where can I find those?Thanks,Dan.

 

[rick robbins]

i won't laugh

i feel the same way.i am also fairly nu to this & have millions of questions i would like to ask yet fear i should somehow know the answer/everyone has to start at the beginning

 

[John Mavrovich]

Local Chandlery

Visit your local marine supply store. It may be a West Marine or a local marina. They will have nautical charts which will map out the waters you plan to sail in. There are also cruising guides that are written for many popular boating areas which will include points of interest, good anchorages, popular marinas, fuel stops, navigation aids, etc. Some can be found in book stores under travel-local. Many are written particularly toward sailing craft. Wander around a local marina and ask a boater or two. You'll come across someone who will give you as much information as you need - and then some. BTW, West Marine is mail order also. Get their catalog and you'll find cruising guides for the more popular areas - Chesapeake, InterCoastal Waterway and more - westmarine.com

 

[Joe Ford]

Dan, Nick and other newbies.......

... If you don't have "The Annapolis Book of Seamanship" by John Rousmaniere, pick up a copy when you go to the marine store, or order it through the C.O. store. Study this book, along with your charts and cruising guides, and you are on your way to becoming an accomplished sailor. It is the most important sailing book you'll ever read! Have fun.

 

[Russ Williams]

RE: Maps

All good advice. When buying charts or cruising guides, get the most up-to-date you can find. My 4-year old cruising guide to the Texas coast still has much valuable information in it, but many of the phone numbers, area codes, shoaling advice, etc., have changed already.Sometimes the internet is a good resource also. I've seen some web pages with "local knowledge" and just asking about your planned cruising area on websites like this can yield valuable information from recent experiences by others.RussC36 #206Four Sail

 

[Mike Hagerman]

Maps and Other Sailing Questions

If sailing were just getting on the point and raising the sails, there would be more sailors, I suppose. Your question reflects a lack of a good basic sailing course. Depending on your sailing grounds (lake or coastal ocean waters), you should take some sailing courses to answer these questions BEFORE you it's time to ask them.Though I thought I knew how to sail when I moved to New England, 5 courses later (including a navigation course) I STILL am not sure I know enough. Needless to say, knowing where you are at all times is critical. As the prior replies noted, good cruising guides are a must along with up to date charts, a compass, maybe a GPS AND the knowledge to use them. Otherwise you'll be calling the Coast Guard for directions, an embarassing call for any sailor!