Offshore Navigation

HEADING FOR THE OPEN SEA Crossing means going to see what's happening beyond the horizon. We undertake it both for the intrinsic pleasure of the sea voyage and for the discovery of a final destination. While it's doubly enjoyable, the exercise is not entirely trivial.

It will be all the more satisfying and will take place in a more serene manner if one has calmly prepared for it. UNDERSTANDING OFFSHORE NAVIGATION Offshore navigation begins where visual navigation ends, when the land and its landmarks disappear behind the horizon. Reaching the high seas means engaging in a logic of "crossing", and preparing to spend - at least - one night at sea. Whether it is to reach Corsica, to set a course for Spain or Ireland, or to cross the Atlantic, the particularities of offshore navigation will obviously not be manifested on the same scale, but the required know-how is of the same order.

Whether it is modest or large-scale, a crossing cannot be improvised. The boat and crew must be prepared for the navigation conditions that may be encountered, ensure their autonomy in electrical energy ensuring the operation of all the systems on board. Under the authority of a skipper whose responsibilities cannot be underestimated, the crew must adopt an efficient mode of organization in order to ensure the smooth running of the boat over the long term but also community life in a restricted space, and under the influence of numerous constraints. To remain a pleasure trip from start to finish, an ocean cruise requires a form of rigor.

Anticipation remains a key word, and even in an era where electronics and satellite communications have both improved and facilitated the navigator's work, the latter must be able to interpret the weather data available to him. While routing software allows him to choose the fastest and safest routes, he must be able to understand the evolution of the weather, adapt to local or momentary phenomena, and prepare for his landing.

Distance finally leads to addressing security issues more acutely, to knowing the procedures for requesting assistance and to knowing how to deal with emergency situations, whether human or material.