The RYA is moving to a “Digital First” approach to
navigation instruction.
Start with electronic and then introduce paper
charts to demonstrate how they can be used either as an alternative or to complement the electronic.
It’s a recognition that the vast majority of boaters (both sail and power) only use electronic
navigation.
For the purists, I personally love paper
charts but then I grew up navigating on land by map and
compass while moving at 1-2 km/h. Now, while sailing, I use electronic navigation as my primary and paper as my secondary.
Quick question for the undecided: when was the last time you used a paper map in your car?
Another question: I update my electronic charts for the whole of
Australia every couple of weeks. When was the last time you updated your paper charts?