We are delighted to report that electronics giant GARMIN whose products ‘deliver innovative GPS technology across diverse markets, including marine, aviation, fitness and outdoor recreation’ has generously donated a new suite of Navionics for Boleh. The partnership approach between GARMIN and the Boleh Trust also involves GARMIN using Boleh for 6 days of corporate team-building over the next 2 years. Their cutting edge technology will improve safety and operational efficiency, as well as providing enhanced teaching material for Boleh’s crew – instruction now includes bottom scanning with the sonar screen to verify navigation near wrecks.
For the technically minded, Boleh now has a 12” touchscreen Plotter (GPSMAP 1223) displayed in the cockpit locker. This is the ‘heart’ of the new system, linked to a 5” touchscreen at the Chart Table (TD50, only just released) which displays selected data including motor controls and charts. There is also a new VHF radio (VHF215i) linked to a full function handset (GHS11i) sited alongside the Plotter. All this is supported by the AIS Transponder transmitting Boleh’s data and providing other vessel tracking, together with associated sensors for wind, heading, etc.
Our heartfelt thanks to GARMIN and to Trustee and Volunteer Skipper, Nigel Craine for master-minding this very generous arrangement.