As sailors continue to debate the pros and cons of digital navigation apps and paper charts, map junkies just grin and think: the more, the merrier! Well, junkies, rejoice. The National Geographic Society has expanded its “Trails Illustrated Maps” series to include a number of popular sailing locations, including the Virgin Islands, Channel Islands, Apostle Islands and Boston Harbor Islands. In addition to providing detailed topographic information, island-to-island mileage charts and commercial vessel routes, the charts also contain information on each area’s history, points of interest, amenities and activities, making them a great complement to a boat’s existing set of charts. The Virgin Islands map, for instance, features images of native birds and plants in St. John National Park, while the Boston Harbor Islands map explains each island’s history and lists important on-island stopping points. National Geographic plans to expand this series to include more sailing areas over the next few years.
National Geographic Trails
Illustrated Map, $11.95
