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NAVOPLAN Briefings: Daily Passage Intel
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Weather Deterioration Enroute

Here’s a 250-character summary suitable for your Oracle APEX card: **Card Description:** Practical underway playbook for worsening weather: link forecasts w

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Solar & Energy Budgeting

Plan and run marine solar right: build a daily energy budget, size bank and array together, mitigate shading, set MPPTs and protection correctly, monitor with a

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Mission Profile Worksheet

Structured worksheet to turn voyage intent into an executable plan: define objectives and windows, architect primary/contingency routes, verify vessel readiness

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Import/Tax Considerations

Cross-border cruising brings customs/tax rules that affect costs, stay limits, and paperwork. This briefing explains duty vs VAT/GST, Temporary Admission/Import

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Steering Anomalies

Diagnose and control steering anomalies underway. A safety-first workflow separates symptoms from root causes across mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic syste

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Standing Rigging

Offshore rig reliability: inspect wire/rod, chainplates, toggles, and turnbuckles; tune with a Loos gauge and log tensions; re-bed/replace on schedule (≈10–12 y

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Catamaran Sail Plans

Build the inventory around a square-top main (3 reefs) and self-tacking jib, then add a furling Code 0/screecher for 5–15 kt and an asymmetric or Parasailor for

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Dominican Republic

Cruising brief for the Dominican Republic: outlines entry/exit rules, visas, passports, and documents; ports of entry like Luperón, Samaná, La Romana, Santo Dom

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Cuba

Operational country brief for Cuba: entry/exit steps, visas and D'Viajeros, documents, ports of entry, internal movement permits, fees, seasons and weather, ree

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Choosing Your Cruising Grounds

Pick cruising grounds with intent: align seasonality and prevailing winds, match routes to your boat’s draft, range, and crew, and verify visas, permits, and en

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Cost of Cruising (First Year)

Your first year afloat blends living costs with a front-loaded wave of outfitting and catch-up maintenance. This guide maps the big drivers, realistic budget ba

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Mexico

Mexico cruising brief: routes on Pacific, Sea of Cortez & Caribbean; step-by-step entry (Capitanía, FMM/immigration, customs/TIP); required docs, ports, fees/za

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Multihull Considerations

Practical guide to choosing, outfitting, and operating cruising multihulls. Covers geometry, bridgedeck clearance, appendages, rig and loads, weight/payload, he

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Rigorous Watch Logs

Disciplined, hour-by-hour watch logs that boost safety, navigation, and maintenance. A simple, repeatable template—paper or digital—captures position, weather,

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Redundancy by Design

Apex card description (≤250 chars): Build fault-tolerant cruising boats: eliminate SPOFs, layer independent backups, label for fast switchover, and drill. Re

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Provisioning

Practical provisioning playbook for cruising vessels: plan menus and calories, manage water and power, optimize cold storage and stowage, shop and repackage sma

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Outfitting Priorities

Prioritize upgrades in five layers: 1) legal/lifesaving, 2) hull & propulsion reliability, 3) navigation/comms & visibility, 4) power, water & spares for endura

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Navoplan in Practice

Hands-on guide to using Navoplan with APEM: appraise risks/readiness, plan primary/alternate routes with tides & weather, execute with synced logs, and monitor/

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Man-Overboard Prevention

TL;DR — Prevent > respond: clip in, wear PFDs w/ lights, rig inboard jackstays. First minute: shout/point, hit MOB, throw flotation. Approach on lee, secure & h

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Light-Air Sailing Strategies

Build speed first; keep flow attached. Trim deep with slight twist; ease halyards, headstay sag. Sail hotter angles; steer with sheets, small helm. Weight forwa

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Jury Steering

Stabilize and diagnose, then restore control with drogue-on-bridle steering, warped towlines, an emergency “soft” rudder, or (for twins) differential throttle.

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Hurricane Survival at Anchor or Port

Choose the safest refuge—haul out if possible; otherwise a sheltered marina with tall pilings, a verified helix mooring, or a sand/mud hurricane hole. Rig long

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Spares & Redundancy for Sailboat

Build graceful degradation offshore: identify mission-critical functions, stock compact spares and whole-unit swaps, organize tools and kits, track dates with Q

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Sail Balance & Helm

Achieve neutral, predictable helm. Diagnose weather/lee helm fast, then tune trim, mast rake, and weight using clear cockpit drills and playbooks. Enjoy fingert

Updated Dec 26, 2025

General Country Check In/Check Out Procedures

Before landfall, confirm ports of entry and any pre-arrival e-notices, then proceed directly to the designated arrival point. Present a tidy clearance pack and

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Vibration Diagnostics

Practical guide to diagnosing and fixing onboard vibration. Identify sources (prop, shaft, mounts, cavitation), run structured checks and measurements, and veri

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Tender & Outboard Selection

Choose the right tender/outboard by mission, load, and stowage limits. Compare RIB vs inflatables, Hypalon vs PVC, and gas vs electric. Check davit all-up weigh

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Step-By-Step Plan for Moving From Home to Boat

"Step-by-step plan for moving from house to boat. Covers finance, legal domicile, vessel choice, refit, safety, downsizing, training, and phased onboarding with

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Bermuda

Bermuda is a key North Atlantic stop for yachts transiting between North America, the Caribbean, and Europe. This brief covers entry rules, clearance, ports, cr

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia cruising brief: Entry at Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay, Soufriere, Castries, or Vieux Fort. Immigration, Customs, Port Authority required; Q flag until cl

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Dominica

Cruiser brief for Dominica: clear entry steps, documents, visa/ED forms, ports of entry at Portsmouth and Roseau, fees and office hours, moorings vs anchoring,

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Saint Kitts & Nevis

Saint Kitts & Nevis cruising brief: Entry via Basseterre, Southeast Peninsula, or Charlestown. Immigration → Customs → Port Authority; Q flag until cleared. Des

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Transiting the Panama Canal

"Step-by-step guide for small craft transiting the Panama Canal, covering planning, fees, equipment, line handling, lock procedures, safety, and advisor coordin

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Costa Rica

Costa Rica cruising guide for yachts. Covers arrival formalities, visas, zarpe procedures, ports of entry, required documents, fees, seasonal weather, security,

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Determining Best Time to Depart on a Sailboat

A structured guide for choosing safe sailboat departure windows—balancing weather, seas, tides, currents, and crew factors. Offers a repeatable workflow, key de

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Sail Trim & Shape Control

Turn sail-trim theory into a watch-friendly routine. Set draft, twist, and angle of attack with a clear sequence; read telltales and helm feel; adapt for sea st

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Refrigeration and Freezing Afloat

Troubleshoot BD35/BD50-based marine fridges underway: stabilize food, check power/LED codes, airflow/waterflow, and thermostat before refrigeration work. Diagno

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Panama

Panama cruising brief: Entry at Balboa/Flamenco, Cristóbal/Colón, Bocas del Toro. Clearance with Immigration, Customs, Port Captain; Q flag until pratique. Cana

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Grenada

Grenada cruising brief: tri-island state with main entry at St. George’s, south coast bays, and Carriacou’s Tyrrel Bay. SailClear pre-arrival, Q flag, Customs/I

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Saint Vincent & The Grenadines

Saint Vincent & Grenadines cruising brief: Entry at Kingstown, Blue Lagoon, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Union Island. Clearance via Customs/Immigration; Q flag u

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Steering & Control

Concise executive guide to vessel steering: covers mechanical, hydraulic, and EFU systems, plus autopilot setup, inspection, and symptom-based troubleshooting.

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Honduras

Honduras cruising brief: Entry via Bay Islands (Roatán, Utila, Guanaja), La Ceiba, Puerto Cortés, or Pacific Gulf of Fonseca ports. Clearance with Capitanía, Im

Updated Dec 26, 2025

HVAC & Comfort

Comprehensive guide to marine HVAC and comfort systems: design, installation, power planning, and upkeep of AC, diesel heat, ventilation, and dehumidification.

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Plumbing & Fluids

Field-tested handbook for small-craft plumbing: design, refit, and upkeep of potable water, sanitation, raw-water circuits, bilge/greywater, and fuel. Emphasize

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Propulsion & Powertrain

Comprehensive field manual for propulsion and powertrain: diesel/gas engines, gearboxes, shafts, seals, props, and wet exhaust. Covers selection, installation,

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Bahamas

700 islands, clear banks, steady trades—then winter fronts that clock winds. Pre-file in Click2Clear, fly Q, and clear in person at a Port of Entry. Permit tier

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Jamaica

Jamaica cruising brief: Entry at Port Antonio, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Falmouth, Kingston. Q flag, Port Health → Immigration → Customs. MAJ cruising permit requ

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Reefing Systems

Apex card description (≤250 chars): Specify reefing systems small crews can use fast and repeatably. Compare slab, in-boom, in-mast; line layouts and marked

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Medical Readiness

Owner-operator medical readiness: prevent illness/injury, tailor a medicine chest, train & drill, use checklists/logs, and set telemedical and evacuation workfl

Updated Dec 26, 2025

Jury Rigging

Stabilize first, protect the hull, then build controllable jury systems. Steer with a drogue on a midships bridle or a lash-up rudder; rig a boom/pole as a shor

Updated Dec 26, 2025