Charting the future: Imray, CA and cruising organisations meet at CA House

The evolution of nautical charts and cruising guides was on the agenda when representatives from FB Imray, the Cruising Association, the Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation, and several Imray authors met at CA House on 30 September 2026.

The meeting, the second following the inaugural gathering in September 2025, brought authors and clubs up to date with developments at FB Imray and explored the opportunities facing nautical publishing.

New and updated publications were a key focus, including editions of Solent Harbours, Orkney & Shetland and the Adriatic Pilot, with further FB Imray cruising guides planned for the Mediterranean, Norway, the North Sea and other destinations. Chart updates scheduled for 2027 include the Solent, Thames Estuary, East Coast and other popular cruising areas in the UK, Mediterranean, Atlantic and Caribbean.

The growing use of boating apps alongside the continuing importance of authoritative paper charts and pilot books was discussed, especially at a time when the Maritime and Coastguard Agency urge caution around over-reliance on GPS systems for navigation. The meeting emphasised the value of reliable, professionally-researched navigational information and the standards of accuracy that have long distinguished Imray publications in both physical paper and digital formats.

Innovations within cruising guides discussed included greater use of drone photography to provide valuable aerial perspectives of harbour approaches and anchorages, alongside developments in digital services, chart production and access to navigational updates.

Continuing close cooperation between FB Imray, the CA and other cruising organisations was an important theme, recognising the wealth of local knowledge and practical experience that club members can contribute to new and existing publications.

The discussions reinforced a shared commitment to keeping trusted charts and cruising guides relevant, accessible and authoritative for future generations of sailors.

Back row l-r: Gordon Knight (CA), Lucy Wilson (FB Imray), Carl Rauch (FB Imray), James Eaton (RCCPF), Lu Heikell, Dick Holness
Front row l-r: Judith Grimwade (CA), Robin Baron (CA), Roger Bickerstaff (RCCPF), Paul Bryans (RCCPF)