Planning beyond the plotter
Modern yachts—Maritimo’s included—come equipped with powerful, integrated electronics. But relying too heavily on the screen can be a trap. Maritimo reminds skippers that charting a course is more than tapping a destination—it’s about building awareness, managing risk, and creating space for enjoyment on board.
Smart planning begins well before departure. And while it ends with a plotted line, what matters most is the thinking behind it.
Begin big, then zoom in
Captain Sleeth’s preferred method is to start wide—reviewing weather windows, distance, and known hazards—then zoom in on anchorages, marina approaches, and backup options. It’s a layered process that adapts to everything from a weekend cruise to an ocean passage.
That narrowing focus helps skippers anticipate challenges, make better calls, and stay relaxed underway.
Use tech—but back it up
While chartplotters, PredictWind, and apps like Navily or Windy offer valuable tools, Maritimo advocates for a hybrid planning model:
- Update your digital charts regularly
- Cross-check with printed cruising guides
- Use satellite imagery to assess anchorages
- Keep a written ‘day sheet’ with weather, ETAs, and notes
- Always have paper charts and pens as backup
It’s a modern-meets-traditional approach that’s kept many a Maritimo journey running smoothly—even when systems fail or conditions change.
Plan for change, not just perfection
Maritimo’s planning advice includes assuming something will go wrong—then knowing what to do when it does. Sleeth always reviews bailout bays, bottom types, and wind exposure at alternative stops.
This mindset lets skippers avoid panic, preserve energy, and remain flexible. It also provides reassurance to everyone else on board.
Understand your vessel’s rhythm
Maritimo owners often cruise at dialled-in speeds to optimise fuel economy. Knowing your burn rate at 8.5 knots versus 10.2 knots, for example, helps prevent unnecessary stops—or running low when weather forces detours.
Even on shorter legs, having a clear sense of range and reserves makes all the difference.
Tap into the cruising community
Maritimo encourages using crowd-sourced insights to supplement charts. Online platforms now offer first-hand tips on everything from ferry wake schedules to bottom holding in popular bays.
This kind of detail can prevent headaches and keep your passage—and guests—relaxed from start to finish.
Brief early, brief simply
A Maritimo skipper’s responsibility isn’t just to the helm—it’s to the crew and guests. Sleeth recommends a casual evening briefing followed by a morning update. This builds trust, reduces questions, and creates a shared sense of direction—without overwhelming the group.
Simple clarity leads to better days on the water.
Zoom in again
Don’t trust the wide view alone. Maritimo advises always zooming in to look for fine details—rocks, fishing gear, shoals, cables. Talk to locals. Ask on forums. And always run plans past a second pair of eyes.
What looks clear on a 20-mile scale may be hiding trouble at 1:1,000.
Plan with intent, not assumptions
From luxurious long-range cruisers to weekend runabouts, Maritimo’s philosophy applies to all. Charting a confident course isn’t about complexity—it’s about clarity. It’s about asking: What’s our purpose today? What might change? What’s our plan B?
And when those questions are answered, you’re not just navigating—you’re skippering with confidence.
Boating New Zealand would like to thank Maritimo for generously sharing their insights. The full original article, written by the team at Maritimo, highlights the care and precision that underpins their reputation for long-range motor yacht cruising. These lessons, learned on their own decks, are valuable for skippers everywhere.
