Testimonials Notify me of new comments L’ETOILE is a French Navy schooner, built in 1932. Posted: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 4:57 PM (RST)     The school boat L’Etoile teaches traditional sailing and navigation…but also has MaxSea onboard. MaxSea is mainly used to plan routes and read weather forecast files (streams, wind…). We started recently to use the AIS module; it enables us to contact other vessels in crossing situations by their name, thus sailing easier and safer. Electronic charts are used as a complementary tool. When we are sailing, and trainees studying, the workspace is very busy. With MaxSea we can check our position quickly and let students work on paper charts and assume their responsibilities. I must admit that MaxSea software is very impressive and well designed, ergonomically easy and powerful.   Some things have to be checked: -         Verify and choose a correct geodesic system, particularly where the charts are very old. -         Update the charts as often as possible. -         Don’t forget to follow practicing traditional sailing in case of GPS or other equipment failure.   If you respect these things, MaxSea is far and away the best sailing mate, increasing your safety.   L’ETOILE CREW.   This summer, L’ETOILE will take part to l’Armada de Rouen, the world’s finest sailing ships meeting, and to the Tall Ship Race, sailing during 2 months and a half in North Sea.