Hi Cruisers Forum Sailors,
My cruising partner and myself have spent the last 8months developing a new interactive cruising map platform for sharing information about the worlds waterways. It's a sophisticated and easy to use program which uses
google maps as its platform. Users are able to add a variety of information markers including; anchorage information,
marinas,
dinghy tie up points, swimming spots and
navigation information (just to name a few). We developed this program because we saw the need for a tool which would allow the cruising community to connect and share detailed information about cruising grounds.
As the platform grows in users, we will no doubt see a lot of useful information on
anchorages and
marinas, although a real hidden benefit of this tool will be in the smaller pieces of information it will contain. Users are able to share locations of taps, bins, local shops and
repair facilities, as well as information and accounts about bar entrances and passages. We can update information together to create an up to date and useful data base, as well as leave messages and comments to/for other users. We engineered the program to give users near complete control over the functions in the program. Any user can create, edit and add to any piece of information on the site. It's designed to give users a fully interactive experience.
Asides from the information adding functions, the site includes a social connection aspect with every user having a profile page in which they can add a bio, information on their vessel and their crew and post blogs and receive comments and messages from other users. Users can also leave up to date location markers on the map for
family and other sailors to see.
We are aware of other attempts at this style of platform. Most notably active
captain. The sophistication of our program, the freedom of access and functionality given to the users, the social connection functions and all the advantages of modern technology, is what sets Zulu Waterways apart.
The program and is and will always be 100% free to use. There is no aspect of the program that costs
money. Not now, or in the future. We are cruisers too, and this is a gift to the cruising community which we hope to see grow into a useful tool for everyone.
You can check out the site at
http://www.zuluwaterways.com
Or watch the video below for a brief
introduction to the functions available.
We welcome any and all feedback.