Routing Software

Marine routing software is a navigation tool designed to help sailors plan, analyze and optimize a route. It can combine marine charts with weather forecasts, wind, currents, sea conditions and, depending on the software, the performance characteristics of the vessel. Used on an onboard computer, PC or compatible navigation environment, routing software turns large amounts of navigation data into information that can be used directly by the navigator.

Weather routing is particularly valuable for offshore sailing, ocean passages, long-distance cruising and offshore racing. It can also be useful for coastal navigation and for planning a route between several ports. The objective is not simply to find the shortest geographical route, but to identify a suitable trajectory according to the expected conditions and the performance of the boat.

The Routing Software category at Librairie Maritime Nautic Way includes several established solutions, including Adrena, MaxSea, ScanNav, NV Charts and SeaPro, together with compatible digital marine charts and navigation data.

What is marine routing software used for?

Routing software allows navigators to compare different navigation scenarios before departure or during a passage. It brings together the main information required for route planning in a single navigation environment.

Depending on the software and installed modules, it may allow the navigator to:

• create waypoints and routes;

• display digital marine charts;

• import weather forecasts in GRIB format;

• integrate wind forecasts;

• take marine currents into account;

• analyze waves and sea conditions when suitable data are available;

• use boat polar diagrams;

• calculate different possible trajectories;

• compare alternative routes;

• monitor the vessel's position;

• use GPS and onboard instrument data;

• integrate AIS information;

• analyze vessel performance;

• prepare an offshore passage and update the route during the voyage.

Routing software is therefore primarily a decision-support tool. It does not replace the navigator's experience, weather analysis or the nautical publications required for safe navigation.

Weather routing and route calculation

Weather routing aims to identify a suitable trajectory according to forecast weather conditions. For a sailing yacht, the software can combine wind forecasts with the expected performance of the vessel to evaluate several possible routes.

Boat polar diagrams are particularly important for sailing routing. A polar describes the expected performance of a boat according to wind speed and wind angle. It allows routing software to estimate the speed that may be achieved under different sailing conditions.

The calculated route may therefore be longer in distance than a direct route. A slightly longer trajectory may provide better wind conditions, avoid an area of bad weather or take advantage of a favorable current.

For an ocean passage, the calculation can be repeated as forecasts change. The navigator can then compare the original plan with the actual conditions and the latest available forecasts.

Weather data and GRIB files

GRIB files are widely used in marine weather routing. They provide digital weather data that can be displayed directly within compatible navigation software.

Depending on the data source and software, information may include:

• wind direction and speed;

• gusts;

• atmospheric pressure;

• precipitation;

• waves;

• swell height and direction;

• ocean currents.

This allows the navigator to visualize forecast conditions and evaluate different routing scenarios.

Forecasts, however, should not be confused with observed conditions. Routing calculations rely on models and forecasts that can change. The longer the passage, the greater the uncertainty. Weather routing should therefore be regarded as a decision-support tool rather than a guarantee of future conditions.

The importance of marine currents

Currents can significantly affect both the duration and trajectory of a passage. A favorable current can increase boat speed over the ground, while an adverse current can substantially increase the time required to cover the same distance.

Routing software capable of incorporating currents can therefore produce more realistic route calculations. This becomes particularly valuable during ocean passages, in areas affected by strong currents and whenever a difference of several hours may change the conditions encountered along the route.

Combining wind, current, marine charts and vessel performance provides a much more complete picture than simply drawing a line between two points.

Marine charts and routing software

Routing software does not operate independently from marine charting. The quality and compatibility of digital chart data are fundamental to route planning.

Depending on the solution, software may work with digital charts such as C-MAP, SnMap, NV Charts or LiveChart. These may use vector or raster chart formats depending on the navigation system.

Marine charts provide information such as:

• coastlines and islands;

• ports and anchorages;

• depths and soundings;

• navigational hazards;

• buoys and other aids to navigation;

• regulatory information;

• restricted or special areas;

• routes and waypoints created by the navigator.

Digital charts must be suitable for both the intended navigation area and the software being used. Choosing a marine chart therefore involves more than selecting a geographical area: compatibility with the navigation software and computer environment must also be considered.

Adrena: routing, navigation and performance

Adrena is one of the solutions particularly focused on sailing navigation and performance analysis. Depending on the version, the software can combine charting, weather information, routing, GPS navigation, AIS, route management and boat-performance analysis.

Different versions are designed for different levels of use, from cruising to advanced routing and offshore racing.

Routing can use the boat's polar data to identify a suitable trajectory according to forecast conditions. Versions designed for racing and offshore competition also provide specialized functions for performance analysis and race preparation.

MaxSea and TimeZero

MaxSea and the TimeZero environment form another family of navigation software incorporating charting and routing functions.

Routing features can take several parameters into account, including weather, currents and vessel characteristics. Depending on the configuration, navigators can compare different routes and analyze alternative scenarios.

This approach is particularly useful for sailors who want to combine charting, route planning and environmental data within a single navigation environment.

ScanNav: a modular approach

ScanNav provides a modular approach to computer-based navigation. The software can be used to create waypoints and routes, monitor GPS navigation and add dedicated modules.

Depending on the configuration, the navigator can use functions related to:

• charting;

• GRIB weather data;

• AIS;

• currents;

• routing.

This modular approach allows the system to be adapted to the intended type of sailing. A coastal cruiser does not necessarily require the same features as a sailor preparing an Atlantic crossing.

NV Charts and SeaPro

NV Charts provides navigation solutions associated with its digital charting environment. Depending on the software and version, these solutions can be used to plan and monitor routes.

SeaPro is another navigation software family available in this category. Its different versions can address requirements ranging from recreational boating to more professional applications.

LiveChart digital charting associated with SeaPro provides a charting environment designed for use with the software.

Who can benefit from routing software?

Routing is not limited to professional skippers. Its usefulness mainly depends on the type of navigation being undertaken.

It can be used for:

• coastal sailing;

• Mediterranean cruising;

• English Channel passages;

• Atlantic sailing;

• transatlantic crossings;

• island-to-island passages;

• round-the-world voyages;

• offshore racing;

• delivery voyages;

• professional maritime operations.

For coastal navigation, routing software may primarily be used for route planning and GPS tracking. During an ocean passage, weather, current, polar and scenario-comparison functions become much more important.

Example: planning a transatlantic passage

Consider a sailing yacht preparing to sail from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean.

The navigator can define the departure point and destination, add waypoints or areas to avoid, select the appropriate digital charting and load the available weather data.

The software can then calculate several possible trajectories based on forecast wind, currents and the performance of the boat.

A direct route can be compared with a more southerly or northerly route. The navigator can examine the estimated duration, wind angles, expected conditions and weather evolution.

The selected scenario is not necessarily fixed. During the passage, new forecasts can be incorporated and the route recalculated. Routing therefore becomes a dynamic process rather than a calculation performed only before departure.

Routing software does not replace traditional navigation

Even when sophisticated software is available, passage planning should remain a comprehensive navigation process. Digital charting is an important tool, but it should be combined with the other navigation resources required for the voyage.

Paper charts and nautical publications issued by hydrographic organizations such as Shom, Admiralty and other official authorities remain important as navigation references and as independent resources when electronic systems are unavailable.

The navigator should also understand the limitations of the software, verify the data being used and maintain an appropriate backup navigation method.

Routing software is therefore a complement to nautical expertise, not a substitute for it.

How to choose routing software

The right solution depends primarily on the type of navigation, the vessel and the level of functionality required.

Important criteria include:

• vessel type: sailing yacht or powerboat;

• coastal or offshore navigation;

• cruising or racing;

• PC or Mac environment;

• compatibility with the required marine charts;

• GRIB weather integration;

• current data;

• polar diagrams;

• AIS functions;

• GPS tracking;

• performance analysis;

• data export and exchange capabilities;

• interface complexity;

• future expandability.

A routing solution intended for a family transatlantic passage will not necessarily require the same features as a system used for offshore racing. Conversely, an experienced navigator may want advanced performance analysis and routing functions.

Routing software, GPS and navigation instruments

Routing becomes particularly useful when it is integrated into the wider navigation system. GPS provides the vessel's position, instruments provide navigation data, and the software combines these inputs with charting and weather information.

Depending on the onboard installation, the system may use heading, speed, wind, position, depth or AIS data.

This integration makes it possible to compare the planned scenario with the actual progress of the vessel. The navigator can identify differences between the theoretical route and the real situation and decide whether a change of course is appropriate.

A decision-support tool for more precise navigation

Marine routing software should not be viewed simply as a route calculator. Its main value is its ability to help the navigator analyze alternatives and understand the consequences of different decisions.

It provides a consolidated view of navigation by bringing together charting, weather, currents, vessel performance and position. During a long passage, this analytical capability can simplify preparation and help the navigator react more efficiently when conditions change.

The Routing Software category at Librairie Maritime Nautic Way therefore brings together solutions suitable for different navigation profiles, from coastal cruising to long-distance voyages and from recreational sailing to offshore racing, with environments such as Adrena, MaxSea, ScanNav, NV Charts and SeaPro and their compatible charting solutions.

Conclusion

Routing software has become an important part of modern digital navigation. It helps sailors prepare routes, integrate weather forecasts, analyze currents, use vessel performance data and compare different navigation scenarios before and during a passage.

Its value is particularly clear during offshore and ocean passages, but route planning, GPS tracking and analysis functions can also be useful for coastal navigation.

Combined with suitable marine charts, onboard instruments, weather information and the appropriate nautical publications, routing software provides a powerful decision-support environment. It helps navigators anticipate changing conditions while retaining control over their route and navigation decisions.

FAQ – Routing Software

What is marine routing software?

Marine routing software is a program used to plan and optimize a route using charting, weather forecasts, wind, currents and, for sailing yachts, vessel performance data.

What is weather routing for a sailing yacht?

Weather routing identifies a trajectory based on forecast wind, currents and boat performance. It can be used to compare different routes and anticipate changing conditions during an offshore passage.

What is the difference between navigation software and routing software?

Navigation software can display charts, create routes and track the vessel's position. Software with routing functions can additionally calculate and compare trajectories using weather forecasts, currents and vessel-performance data.

Is routing software useful for coastal navigation?

Yes. Although weather routing is particularly valuable offshore, navigation software can also be used to prepare routes, manage waypoints, track GPS position and display digital marine charts.

Why are boat polar diagrams important for routing?

Polar diagrams allow the software to estimate boat speed according to wind speed and wind angle. They are therefore essential for realistic sailing-route calculations.

Can routing software use GRIB files?

Many routing systems can import and display GRIB weather data. The exact capabilities depend on the software, version and data service being used.

Can marine currents be included in routing calculations?

Some routing software and modules can integrate current data into route calculations. This is particularly useful for offshore and ocean navigation.

Which routing software should I choose for a transatlantic crossing?

The appropriate choice depends on the boat, experience and navigation requirements. Adrena, MaxSea, ScanNav, NV Charts and SeaPro offer different navigation environments. Weather, current, polar, charting and tracking functions are particularly relevant for an ocean passage.

Does routing software replace paper charts?

No. Routing software is a digital decision-support tool. Paper charts and appropriate nautical publications remain important references and provide an independent navigation resource if electronic systems fail.

Can routing software guarantee the best route?

No. The result depends on forecast quality, current data, polar accuracy and the calculation methods used. The navigator must always interpret the result and compare it with the actual situation.