Check the waypoint

We’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating early in the season. If you’re navigating with GPS and a paper chart, the easiest way to check each waypoint is first to punch them into the GPS on your home mooring using lat/long coordinates lifted from the chart. Next, activate each one in turn and note its range and bearing from your present position. You know where you are right now, because you’re at home. Use your dividers and protractor to see if the reality on the chart stacks up with numbers on the screen. If there’s a discrepancy, check those lat/long figures again!