When I am navigating an offshore race I like to prepare a table of all the marks in the race. The table lists the identity (type & light etc.) of the marks, which way they should be rounded and the course and distance to the next mark.

I can then stick this table up on the bulkhead or stuff it in my boots and I don't need to go below at critical times in the race to look up simple information.

Of course you still have to apply tidal correction and other factors to the calculated course in the table, but most experienced navigators can guestimate the corrections required if they know the waters & the boat, at least until you have time to go below and work it out for real on the chart.

The program has a database of all the marks in the Southern part of the North Sea (The area covered by the EAORA circuit). To plan a race you simply select the marks in order and the program prints out the table.

The marks in the database can be changed for other sea areas, although this is tedious if there are lots of marks - unless you have them in electronic format already.

The program works functionally - i.e. it gets the results - but I never got around to finishing it properly (debugging it). The user interface leaves a bit to be desired!

If you are interested in this program let me know what your interest is & I can send you a copy. Ideally I would like to find someone interested in finishing it (or rewriting it) but if you just want to try it and don't mind it is a bit flaky I can send a copy.

If you would be interested in a finished version - e-mail me as well - If there is enough interest I may remember how to program in VB again one day.