Imray Nautical Chart (Folded Chart): The Worldwide Reference for Safe Recreational Sailing

In the meticulous planning of a voyage, whether it is a coastal cruise, recreational fishing trip or demanding offshore passage, the chart table is the operational centre where safety and anticipation are planned with absolute rigour. Imray nautical charts (folded format) occupy a privileged position in this environment and are recognised worldwide for their outstanding precision and reliability. Designed primarily for recreational sailing, they are an essential tool for planning a cruise, ensuring safe navigation and exploring coastlines with confidence.

Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop, an authorised Imray agent, offers the complete catalogue of books and charts from this historic British publisher. With its range of nautical charts, Nautic Way supports every type of sailing, from short trips to long-distance cruises. Choosing an Imray chart from Nautic Way means relying on a high-quality document, regularly updated and designed around the practical realities of the cockpit.

What is an Imray nautical chart (folded 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 precisely by measuring courses and estimating distances, helping to embed key information in memory and improving safety.

• Discover excellent anchorages, bays and ports that may be overlooked by overly general systems.

• Identify hazards (rocks, shoals) and regulated areas through a broad and intuitive view of the waterway.

• Manage channels and currents for demanding coastal navigation.

Added value compared with digital navigation alone

Although digital navigation tools are ubiquitous, the Imray paper chart provides an overall view that a screen can struggle to offer. Above all, it is the ultimate backup navigation system: reliable without dependence on a power source, battery, GPS signal or electronic equipment. In the event of an electrical or software failure, it immediately becomes an essential survival navigation tool.

What type of sailor is this chart recommended for?

Nautic Way provides solutions for all types of sailors, ensuring that every voyage can be planned and conducted with confidence and in accordance with good safety practices.

• Cruisers and cruising skippers: The folded format is ideal because it is practical and easy to handle on board, particularly in the limited space of a cockpit.

• Recreational fishermen: They use Imray charts to identify seabed features, rocky areas and wrecks where fish are often concentrated.

• Experienced sailors and long-distance cruisers: For offshore passages, Imray charts provide a broad overview of the main routes and areas to avoid.

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

Reading and understanding an Imray chart

The success of Imray charts is based on a century-old graphic design developed for rapid reading while navigating.

Scales and visible strategic information

The Nautic Way catalogue allows sailors to select precisely the appropriate level of detail according to the stage of navigation:

• Coastal area (129 products): The most detailed format for harbour entrances, precise anchorages and complex areas.

• Coastal cruising area (58 products): Ideal for coastal cruising, providing detailed information on buoyage and bays.

• Offshore area (35 products): Designed for offshore navigation, providing a broad overview for passages.

• Ocean / passage area (1 product): For planning major transatlantic routes (e.g. Imray Chart 100 for the North Atlantic).

Visual design and integrated data

The charts stand out through standardised symbols and contrasting colours that make the waterway immediately understandable. They incorporate essential information such as waypoints, GPS coordinates, currents and major landmarks.

Reliability, updates and safety

The reliability of hydrographic information is the foundation of safe navigation at sea. Imray charts are the result of a rigorous cartographic tradition.

A certified data system

Imray’s expertise is based on consulting official hydrographic services, complemented by information collected directly by experienced sailors. This combination of data ensures a level of accuracy suited to the real needs of recreational sailors.

Durability and care

The charts are printed on durable paper specially treated to withstand humidity and repeated handling in a saltwater environment. Nautic Way emphasises the importance of using a recent edition: this helps ensure the accuracy of buoyage, depths and local regulations, all fundamental elements in preventing accidents.

Nautic Way’s expertise as an authorised Imray agent

Choosing Nautic Way Maritime Bookshop means relying on a recognised specialist in the nautical sector:

• Authorised Imray agent: Nautic Way is an official Imray agent and offers the publisher’s complete catalogue of charts and books.

• Heritage and expertise: As a specialist in nautical products, Nautic Way provides expert advice based on in-depth knowledge of more than 20,000 references in the maritime sector.

• Authenticity guarantee: Charts are supplied directly by the publisher or official distributors, ensuring the authenticity and currency of the editions.

• Global service: From fast logistics to complementary solutions (digital charts, chart-table instruments), Nautic Way supports sailors with all their navigation projects.

FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for sailing to the Channel Islands?
For this technically demanding area, Imray chart C33B (Jersey to Mont-Saint-Michel) is an essential reference for recreational sailors.

Is this chart sufficient on its own for my safety?
Although comprehensive, a nautical chart should be used together with complementary documents such as Imray cruising guides (often available in French), tide tables and Lists of Lights to ensure comprehensive risk management.

How often should I replace my Imray chart?
It is essential to use the latest edition before every major cruise. Changes to buoyage and sandbanks can make older charts potentially unsafe.

Can Imray charts be used with a GPS?
Absolutely. Imray charts are designed to complement electronic navigation systems. They include waypoints and GPS coordinates to facilitate position plotting.

What is the difference between an Imray chart and a SHOM chart?
SHOM is France’s official government hydrographic service. Imray processes this official data with a layout specifically designed for recreational sailing, including simplified symbols, contrasting colours for quick reading and folded formats that are much easier to handle in the cockpit of a sailing yacht or motorboat.