Chartwork in Small Craft

Extract

Having had for some time to navigate small craft in all weather in the western approaches to the Clyde and on the west coast of Britain, the writer would like to submit for the consideration of other small-craft navigators some modification in chartwork which has proved useful, especially in rough weather when parallel rulers are an abomination and flying dividers can be lethal.

On a violently moving platform the navigator can only work with maximum efficiency when he is himself chocked off in a position in which he is sheltered, has the widest possible field of view, can take bearings and can brace himself securely to leave both hands free to carry out a limited amount of geometrical plotting with reasonable accuracy. The obvious position is of course the fore part of the wheelhouse, where there is very seldom sufficient room for a fullsized chart table with all the frills and trimmings.