OpenCPN, navigation software for a sailing yacht

Introduction to OpenCPN navigation software

The navigation system is a vital element aboard any boat and of course on a sailboat; and today there are many options to choose from, as the market offers multiple systems, software and equipment, and possible configurations.

On a sailboat, in my opinion, the most important thing is to have on board a navigation system with well updated electronic cartography, reliable, robust, easy to use, and with enough redundancy in case we suffer some kind of failure when we are at sea.

One option is to use a commercial chartplotter of a recognized brand, such as “B&G”, “Raymarine”, “Furuno”, etc, and acquire the electronic cartography corresponding to our navigation area. This option, with modern equipment and a good configuration, will be robust and reliable, although it is possibly the most expensive option.

Another option is to use a computer and/or a tablet (or even a cell phone) with good navigation software and electronic cartography properly installed. This cheaper option, which also offers greater flexibility, is becoming more and more widespread, especially on small and medium-sized boats.

On the other hand, both options are perfectly valid for a sailboat, and they are also compatible with each other. For example, I can have a chartplotter next to the wheel, and also a PC or tablet as a back-up, and to use them at the chart table or anywhere on the boat.

OpenCPN is a very robust and easy to use navigation software, designed and programmed “by sailors for sailors”. It is one of the most widespread, complete, secure and proven navigation software for PCs and mobile devices that you can find today.
In short, OpenCPN is a free navigation software that allows us to:

– I install the OpenCPN software on a PC, which I can use at home and plan the route with peace of mind (as well as use it for many other things) and, when I get on board, I place it on the chart table, connect the GPS and AIS signal to it, and quickly turn it into a navigation system.

– The same OpenCPN software I can install on an android tablet (not Ipad) and turn it into a chartplotter that I can use in the cockpit, next to the helm or anywhere else on the boat.

– With a cell phone, with the same electronic cartography and the same software, I turn the mobile (android) into a mini (but relatively powerful) navigation system.

– Open CPN supports ENC vectorial electronic cartography and RASTER type with several formats, many possibilities and great flexibility.
– I can integrate GPS signal and AIS data into OpenCPN, with multiple functionalities, such as “Man overboard”, “Waypoints”, etc.

– By means of additional software, which is added by means of various plug-ins, OpenCPN allows to incorporate useful functionalities for navigation, such as downloading and displaying weather data (GRIB files) on the cartography, among others.

In this new chapter of the on-line book “Electronics and Navigation” we will see, in more detail, the most important features of the OpenCPN software, where to install it, the use of electronic cartography, the integration of GPS and IAS, the acquisition of weather data, and other useful features for navigation on board a sailboat.