Imray Nautical Chart: The Worldwide Reference for Safe Recreational Sailing

In the meticulous planning of a voyage, whether for coastal cruising, recreational fishing or an offshore passage, the chart table is the operational centre where safety and anticipation are planned with the utmost rigour. Imray nautical charts occupy a privileged position in this environment, being recognised worldwide for their outstanding precision and reliability. Primarily designed for recreational sailing, they are an essential tool for exploring coastlines with confidence and ensuring the safety of the crew.

Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop, an authorised Imray agent, offers the complete catalogue from this historic publisher. With 246 products listed, covering areas ranging from the French coastline to the Caribbean via the Mediterranean and the United Kingdom, every sailor can find the chart suited to their cruising area. Choosing an Imray chart from Nautic Way means relying on a high-quality document, regularly updated and designed to meet the realities of navigation at sea.

What is an Imray [nautical chart] used for?

The value of an official Imray nautical chart lies in its ability to synthesise complex hydrographic data and transform your navigation chart into a strategic decision-making tool.

Practical uses and route planning

The Imray paper chart is the preferred tool for planning a cruise. It allows you to:

• Plot a route accurately by measuring distances and courses using a Cras ruler or protractor.

• Discover beautiful anchorages, bays and coves that are often overlooked by overly general cartography.

• Assess shelter options in the event of adverse weather and plan stopovers while taking water levels into account.

• Anticipate currents, leading lines and isolated dangers thanks to a broad and intuitive view of the sailing area.

Added value compared with digital navigation

Although digital navigation provides instant precision, the Imray paper chart offers a global view that is impossible to obtain on a screen. It is the ultimate backup navigation system: reliable without dependence on a power supply or batteries, and operational even in the event of GPS signal loss or software failure. For experienced sailors, manually plotting a route on paper also helps fix information more effectively in the memory, promoting greater awareness at sea.

What type of sailor is this chart recommended for?

Nautic Way provides solutions for all types of sailors, from beginners to professionals, helping ensure that every voyage is conducted with confidence and control.

• Cruisers and cruising skippers: Whether for short trips or demanding cruises, the clarity of Imray charts provides reassuring navigation.

• Recreational fishermen: They provide the necessary detail on seabed features, sandbanks, wrecks and isolated rocks to help optimise fishing trips.

• Sailors in training: An excellent educational tool for learning to interpret seabed features, understand coastal morphology and master the rules of navigation.

• Day and night navigation: Thanks to high-definition printing and contrasting colours, the charts remain easy to read, even under a red light during night-time navigation.

Reading and understanding an Imray chart

The success of Imray charts lies in their graphic design, specifically developed for sailors in real navigation situations.

Symbols and visual ergonomics

The charts stand out for their clear and intuitive visual representation:

• Standardised, easy-to-read symbols for immediate understanding of buoyage, channels and landmarks.

• Contrasting colours for instantly identifying ports, danger areas and anchorages.

• Integrated additional information: waypoints, GPS coordinates, currents and regulated areas.

Formats and scales adapted to navigation

Imray offers its charts in formats optimised for use on board:

• Folded charts (230 products): Practical, easy to handle at the chart table and intelligently folded for repeated use.

• Folio charts (16 products): Several charts at different scales combined into a single folio, providing broader coverage and optimal reading comfort.

• Specific scales: The catalogue allows sailors to choose between charts covering coastal areas (129 products), coastal cruising areas (58 products), offshore areas (35 products) or passage/ocean areas.

Reliability, updates and safety

The reliability of hydrographic information is the foundation of your safety at sea. Imray charts have been produced for more than a century with consistent rigour.

Data quality and materials

• Official sources: Information comes from official hydrographic services, supplemented by surveys and information collected by experienced sailors.

• Durable material: Printed on paper designed and treated for the marine environment, the charts are protected against moisture and frequent handling.

• Regular updates: A recent edition ensures accurate buoyage information and updated depths, reducing the risks associated with obsolete data.

Nautic Way's expertise as an authorised Imray agent

Choosing Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop means relying on recognised specialist expertise:

• Authorised Imray agent: Nautic Way offers the complete catalogue of Imray books and charts, guaranteeing authentic products and recent editions.

• Heritage and expertise: As a specialist in navigation products, Nautic Way provides advice based on in-depth knowledge of the maritime sector.

• Logistics and service: With more than 20,000 references and fast logistics, Nautic Way supports sailors in choosing their nautical documentation, whether paper or digital.

• Complementary approach: We understand the synergy between paper navigation (global overview) and digital navigation (instant precision) for maximum safety.

FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for sailing in Northern Brittany? For this technically demanding area, we recommend Imray folio 2510 (France Northern Brittany – Saint-Malo to Brest), which combines several scales for a safe approach to the coast. For more detailed coverage, coastal charts such as C34 (Cap d'Erquy to Île de Batz) or C35 (Bay of Morlaix) are ideal.

Is this chart sufficient on its own for my safety? Although comprehensive, a nautical chart should be used together with complementary publications such as Imray cruising guides, almanacs (Reeds, Bloc Marine) and tide tables for comprehensive risk management.

How often should I replace my Imray chart? It is essential to check the edition before setting out. Buoyage and depths can change; using an up-to-date chart is the only way to ensure accurate and current navigational information.

Can Imray charts be used with a GPS? Absolutely. Imray charts include waypoints and GPS coordinates specifically to facilitate correlation between your electronic position and the paper chart.

What is the difference between an Imray chart and a SHOM chart? SHOM is France's official government hydrographic service. Imray reworks this data with a graphic design specifically adapted to recreational sailing: simplified symbols, contrasting colours for rapid reading, and more practical folded formats for smaller boats.