Your Virtual First Mate—Working With Your Instruments, Not Replacing Them

The Rocket Cruising Guides are built to work with your charts, GPS, radar, weather apps and plotter—not instead of them. Think of Rocket as the friendly mate who has already scouted every bay, reef and market stall in New Caledonia. Use it wisely and you’ll cruise safer, arrive calmer, and enjoy more ashore.

1) Explore before you sail

The Rocket Guide is best used when you’re at rest—ideally before you even leave your current port. That’s when you’ll discover what provisions to stock up with that won’t be seized by biosecurity, what spares and basics will make life easier later. When you are in New Caledonia and actively cruising you'd check out the most appealing anchorages to suit the wind forecasts for the next few days.

Make it a simple evening ritual: fire up the guide, pour a sundowner, and explore tomorrow’s adventure—anchorages, walks, dive sites, surfing, stores, cultural visits. It’s like a super computer game, a virtual shakedown cruise to turn idle time into smart planning while enjoying amazingly beautiful photos of the World Heritage Lagoon.

2) Load only the GPX routes you need

When you’ve chosen your next stop, click the anchor icon, then point to the little sailboat icon for sailing directions. You’ll see the GPX route number from where you are to where you want to go. Note it—maybe grab the route for the following leg, too.

If you don't know how to import gpx routes into your plotter ask Chatgpt.com or click here for some turorials

Copy the routes folder onto a USB stick or the memory card your plotter uses, and import the gpx routes you plan to sail in the next few days into your navigation software. Do not import hundreds of routes at once—thousands of unneeded waypoints will bog down your plotter. Our tracks are tried and true, but as skipper you can tweak them on your plotter if conditions or judgement call for it. Keep in mind that the commercial navigation charts were primarily done for commercial shipping and the small bays and lagoon island anchorages often are poorly done. The information in the Rocket Guides is based on hydrographic surveys exclusively for yachts and are accurate and recent.

3) Sail with confidence—arrive like you’ve been there before

Set sail and enjoy it—trim the sails, wet a line, relax. As you close the destination, have one last look at the anchorage in the Rocket Guide: aerials, surface photos, notes. Then stow the laptop and bring her in—it will feel familiar, like you’ve already been there.

The route will lead you to the recommended anchorage, but always assess the scene. If other yachts are there, choose a respectful spot with plenty of scope and swinging room. In New Caledonia’s reserves, pick up a park mooring where provided. Never anchor on coral or let your chain grind the reef you came to enjoy.

4) Make the most of the anchorage—ashore and afloat

Once settled, open Rocket again to find dives, hikes, waterfalls and cultural visits that brought you here. Many treks include links you can add to your smartphone for a GPS trail with photos—your phone shows your position as you explore to lookouts, ruins and cascades.

You’ll also find important cultural and environmental guidance so you’re a welcomed guest—how to greet, where not to fish, and which sacred sites to avoid. Respect keeps paradise… paradise.

Quick Captain’s Checklist

• Plan at anchor: use Rocket in the evening, not at the helm.
• Grab the GPX number: from the sailboat icon; import only what you’ll sail next.
• Trust but verify: view routes on your plotter; adjust only if you’re sure.
• Preview the approach: study anchorage aerials/photos, then sail the plan.
• Anchor right: sand or mud (or park moorings); avoid coral 100%.
• Go ashore smart: use Rocket’s GPS walks and cultural tips to explore respectfully.