Using a chart ´spiders web´ to quickly plot your position and bearing underway.
A spiders web is simply a pre-drawn array of bearing lines drawn on a paper chart from a common point, augmented by useful distance rings centred around the same point (Figure 1).
Figure 2 shows my well-worn chart for the approach to my home port of Christchurch Harbour. All I do is set the Christchurch Harbour entrance buoy as a waypoint on my Chart Plotter, and read off the bearing and distance to run from the electronics as I approach home, and then plot the position on my paper chart.
Many small vessels coming home from the west take the inner channel over Christchurch Ledge. There is a series of rocks just off the shore on the eastern side of Hengistbury Head, however, that has sheared off many a propeller leg. So you can see I have cross-hatched in the danger area on the chart to remind me not to add my props to the tally.
Season 2023/24
Call Will for all boat training requirements on
01202 836721
Bespoke Tuition to suit your requirements, can also include crew training on your boat.
Call Will to discuss on
01202 836721
Saltwater Experience
Bailey Bridge Marina,
10 Bailey Drive,
Christchurch,
Dorset BH23 2BN
Tel: 01202 836721
Principal: Will Eveleigh
Chief Instructor: Lloyd James