OpenCPN Basics - The FREE Chartplotter Program
Out Chasing Stars
Welcome to Out Chasing Stars! We're Admiral Amy and Captain David and we're currently exploring the world on s/v Starry Horizons, our Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 catamaran. We started out (nervously!) watching our boat get launched in La Rochelle, France in October of 2014. Since then we've completed an entire world circumnavigation, sailing over 37,000nm, and documented it all here on YouTube. We started making these videos to show our family and friends what life was like on a sailboat, and we're still amazed that other people have also started following along. It's been so much fun to share our adventures and we love reading all the comments and support! There's a lot of world left to see so don't forget to check back in and subscribe! You can check out our blog: www.outchasingstars.com And of course, we're also on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/outchasingstars/ https://www.instagram.com/outchasingstars/
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OpenCPN is a FREE program you can use for planning sailing routes, or you can get more in-depth and use it as a complete chart plotter. It is incredibly powerful, and yes, completely FREE!
We use OpenCPN all the time aboard Starry Horizons so it was the logical choice to share with you in the first of our helpful programs/apps series. This video will cover where to download OpenCPN, how to install the program, some useful options to change, how to download (free!) navigational charts, setting up a GPS connection and a quick bonus segment talking about the feature we use most often.
These are just the basics, so if you’re interested for us to a deeper dive into the features and capabilities of OpenCPN, be sure and leave a comment below!
Be sure to also checkout my newest project: Maintenance Right on Schedule!
https://maintenanceros.com/
This is a new service, built by boaters FOR boaters, that is designed to help you identify and track all the maintenance necessary on your boat. For a limited time, sign up using the promo code “outchasingstars” to get 20% off for 6 months!
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Table Of Contents
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0:00 – Intro
0:33 – What Is OpenCPN?
1:48 – How To Download
2:46 – Resources: Manuals, Charts & Forum
5:15 – Installing OpenCPN
8:41 – Basic Setup Options
12:00 – Downloading Charts
19:35 – Setting Up a GPS Connection
23:50 – Bonus Tip: Measuring Distances
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Related Links
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OpenCPN Website: https://opencpn.org/
OpenCPN Forum: https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f134/
GlobalSat BU-353-S4 USB GPS Receiver: https://amzn.to/3D0qkDt
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