From Here to There

Chart, divider, pencil and parallel ruler

It is pretty amazing how much has changed in the way we navigate now compared to our family sailing trip in 2001. Back then our daughter Leah (who was 15 at the time) and Peggy spent an hour every night planning the next day's route. This involved using a large paper chart, dividers, and parallel rulers. We plotted way points using latitude and longitude, determined the compass headings we should take to travel, taking into account any magnetic deviation plus the amount of set and drift (how much and which direction the current and wind would push us off course). We would actually utilize the math skills Leah learned in “boat school” to calculate time, speed and distance equations. We used “dead reckoning” (short for deduced reckoning) to figure out where we were. We had an early model GPS to double check our position so at least we didn't need a sextant!

"Little Lara's" electronic chart with plotted way points

Today, we are spoiled and we even feel a bit lazy, because it is so easy to navigate using electronic charts. On our IPAD we just touch the screen at the point on the chart we want to go and it automatically tells us the latitude and longitude, the compass heading, the time, distance, and how much diesel we will use! We still have on board paper charts and a GPS for backup, in case these electronics tools take a day off.

Guidebook

Hand held GPS

We have also invested in some guidebooks that are helpful in finding secluded anchorages as well as noting which marinas have showers and laundry (some don't!). The guidebooks also give some history about the towns along our route and points of interest to see and do in the areas we visit.

One of the other great tools we use to get from here to there safely is a

"Little Lara's" Radar

radar which shows any land masses nearby or scary things in the water that might go bump in the night. Also, we love our AIS (Automatic Identification System) which tells us what commercial ships are within a 10 mile range of "Little Lara" including the vessel's name, course, speed, bearing and its closest point of approach (ie how close it will come to our boat). This is a great tool when we are in shipping channels or in the waterway wondering if a double wide barge is coming towards us from around a blind bend.

"Little Lara's" VHF Marine Radio

To contact other boats or should we need to call for help, we have on board a VHF (Very High Frequency) marine radio, which has a range of about 25 miles.

EPIRB

Finally, in a worst case scenario – if we were sinking or dis-masted or lost our rudder and needed immediate rescue – we would use our EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) which would send out a distress signal along with our GPS location to the Coast Guard over a satellite system. Though we strive to be safe and try to be prepared for every possible scenario, we always rely on the Lord through prayer to guide and direct us in our travels. We pray you too remain safe where ever you may be. Fair winds

Ship's Compass