Text Box: #  Virtual Passage
Text Box: you do not need to select this option. The higher reolution  allows the user to sail in smaller bodies of water such as the English Channel or through the Straits of Gibraltar without running aground.  However, load times for the initial start and unload times at the end of the voyage are extended.  Also, zooms of the base map take longer if the Simple Base Map is not selected.  Click “Next” to continue.



Screen 3.   Select Boat

This screen allows the user to select the type and length of the boat to be sailed.  Three type boats are offered.  The first boat, an offshore cruiser , is the traditional heavy displacement , full keel boat with limited sail area.  The second, the coastal cruiser, is a lighter boat traditionally used for coastal and weekend cruising but capable with care of making offshore passages.  The third boat, an offshore racer, is a modern racer which gets its stability from beaminess and low ballast and capable of carrying a large sail area.  Length of each type boat can be selected.  Remember the waterline length of displacement monohull boats largely determines the hull speed in stronger winds.

			
Screen 4.  Select Start Position

Select starting and destination position by clicking on the appropriate select button.  As you move the cursor over the map the latitude and 
longitude will change.  Click on the position you desire. You can always change these positions.

Only the start position is required.  After the desired start and destination positions are selected , click the “Next” button or the “Forward Button”.  The distance to the destination is shown at the bottom of the screen. Both a rhumbline distance and great circle distance are provided. If you wish to sail the great circle route then                                       
select the Great Circle option. Subsequent  bearing to destination will 
use the great circle direction. A dashed line gives the rhumbline course and a yellow line gives the great circle route.

You may wish to zoom the map to give a better view. Smaller domains speed up subsequent map draws.  Do this by clicking on the globe button in the tool bar.  A new window will appear.  Move the cursor to the upper left corner of the domain you want to have.  Drag and drop

Screen 3