City Sailingvideo
Parallel Indexing City Sailing Radar Course
December 2, 2025 · 8 min · 276 views · Portsmouth
What this video covers
Paul, host of City Sailing, demonstrates parallel indexing on a radar display as part of a radar navigation course.▶ 0:00 The technique requires north-up, heading-stabilised mode and a fixed, identifiable object on both the chart and radar screen.▶ 0:00 Paul uses Spit Sand Fort, near Portsmouth, as the reference target, measuring its range from the vessel's track at 0.48 nautical miles and the approach bearing at 049.4 degrees, rounded to 050.▶ 1:28 He enters these values as a parallel index line (EBL offset at 0.47 nm, bearing 050) so the line runs parallel to the intended track at the correct clearance distance.▶ 2:11 As the vessel proceeds, the Spit Sand Fort echo tracks along the index line, confirming the boat stays on the planned track through the Portsmouth channel.▶ 5:03 Paul combines the parallel index line with a VRM to monitor progress and cross-checks the radar picture against the chart.▶ 6:39 He notes that correct target identification is critical — using the wrong beacon or buoy invalidates the technique entirely.▶ 6:39 Multiple parallel index lines can be overlaid simultaneously, making it a powerful tool for channel navigation.▶ 6:39
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