User's Manual

Weather Routing

What is Weather Routing ?

- The Weather Routing is an optional module. To check if you have this add-on, select "About

MaxSea" under the MaxSea Menu. The Routing Module would appear listed under "Activated Module".

The unique Routing algorithm developed by MaxSea uses the isochrons method (displayed on the

charts using yellow and purple curves). Each isochron represents a group of points that can be reached

in the same amount of time. The calculation of the isochrones take into account the weather forecast

(wind, Waves), currents and the boat characteristics. The boat characteristics are factored into the

equation from a polar curve diagram (called "Wind Polar") which relate boat speed to wind speed at a

given wind-angle. One of the most important factor involved in achieving the optimum course is the

weather forecast: make sure to use the most up to date weather forecast available when launching a

routing. Another important factor are the polars file loaded in MaxSea. While the default Wave Polar

can be use with great result in most of the case, the Wind Polar should be adapted to each sailing

boat. At minimum, it is recommended to use a Wind Polar file from a boat of the same category. You

can download various Wind Polar files from the maxsea website (Log In to "My MaxSea" and select

"Download").

Before Launching a Routing

1. Select the Planning WorkSpace.

2. Download or Open a Weather File in MaxSea. Make sure the weather file covers the same

geographic location as your departure and arrival points. .

3. Select a Departure Date from the Virtual Time box on the lower right (if you want to start the

routing now, click on the "Actual Time" button).

4. Launch the Routing Calculation using the "Launch Routing" tool from the ToolBar (refer to

next chapters)