09/05/2026
Although paper nautical charts are used far less frequently today, they are still an essential part of the training of every serious seafarer — especially for those of us sailing offshore. It is important to understand the many aspects of maritime cartography, whose significance remains just as great on the open sea as it is in coastal waters. There is always the possibility of failure of absolutely any electronic device, and in such situations your greatest allies are the magnetic (or gyro) compass, the chart itself, and the knowledge of calculating speed and course. Of course, if you have a sextant, it is also possible to make an approximate position fix — and therefore determine your movement — even without a chart. In any case, if things go sideways, you’re better off having me on board. I know this stuff.
