Agana Chart Briefing - Essential Insights and Practical Guide

Begin by identifying the top three islands by displayed area and usable space. Permitted data sources include municipal permits and venue floor plans; rely on only verifiable figures for area, space, and charge per event. This focused approach keeps the briefing tight and actionable.

Spotlight the critical zones: restaurant terraces, markets, and public space parcels. For each island, map display elements that shape decisions–labels, icons, and area boundaries–with precise coordinates and margins.

Bring stakeholders together: when you meet, share a one-page chart that lists choices for color, labeling, and symbols. Use clear labels and high-contrast colors to prevent erasure of previous marks.

Clothing considerations stay practical: align staff clothing color with map markers to improve quick recognition during on-site checks and events.

Operational cadence: refresh quarterly, verify the displayed islands list, update space charges and event allowances, and review erasure history to avoid lost data.

Agana Chart Briefing and Sailing Plan

Recommendation: Update the calendar, receive the latest notices, and file the documents before departure; set a single primary leg from Agana to the target marks. This gives you a clear, executable plan with minimal ambiguity and smooth crew handoffs on the water. This offering adds value to the briefing and the vignette of the day’s progression, helping everyone stay aligned.

Define the structure of the route by listing waypoints with safe alternates, and verify coral and wrecks with two sources. Mark coral zones and wrecks on the chart, then plot safe bearings around them. Operate at night with a spotlight for final alignment, and choose a venice-like channeling through tight passages to minimize traffic conflicts. Note any terminated channels and adjust the leg order accordingly. There are no thrones on the chart; treat each waypoint as a station.

Assign roles: captain, navigator, and lookout; hire a local pilot if needed. Park the vessel at designated moorings when winds permit, and transfer all required documents to the master file. Keep a single log for the night, receive updates from harbor control, and give clear orders to the crew. The order of execution: complete checks, confirm positions, then proceed to the next leg.

Ensure the accepted plan is reviewed by the crew, and all changes are transferred to the official plan; when done, distribute the updated pages to the calendar and log. Other risk items should be captured; this process gives clarity, and the documents stay current across the team. If a deviation occurs, re-evaluate coral and wrecks risk and update the plan, then re-issue the schedule.

Agana Chart Briefing: Key Insights and Practical Guide; Agana Sailing Itinerary

Start with a full safety check at the entrance to Agana Harbor, complete provisioning from a reputable supermarket, and assign an experienced member as skipper.

The wind is blowing 12–20 knots from the north-northwest, with occasional gusts to 25 knots; keep a reefed mainsail and jib to maintain a steady speed of about 6–9 knots under a favorable breeze.

For provisioning, visit the main supermarket in Hagåtña for fresh fruit, bread, water, and ice; store non-perishables aboard and plan for a couple of days of provisions. Pack water toys and a swimsuit for coastal stops, and keep safety gear ready on deck. Choose parking near the marina to shorten pre-sail prep, and coordinate with a reputable crew member if you prefer a guided experience.

Day 1 – Agana Bay to Cocos Island: depart Agana Bay at 08:00 and sail along the reef line for roughly 10–12 nautical miles; anchor in 8–12 m of water for a calm mooring, then snorkel along the outer edge to view vibrant reef life. Return by sunset to Agana for a relaxed evening ashore. This leg suits a couple or small crew seeking a compact, adventure-friendly loop with straightforward provisioning.

Day 2 – Merizo and Piti loop: head south to Merizo for a sheltered stop and light provisioning if needed, then cruise to a quiet cove near Piti for a swim and a break from open water. Watch for historic coastal fortifications visible from the water and time your approach to re-enter the Hagåtña area through the entrance channel before dusk. End the day back at a full-service slip with easy access to parking and nearby eateries.

Best practice centers on consulting local authority guidelines and using a trusted chart app to monitor currents and traffic. Maintain a safe speed in busy zones, respect coral and protected areas, and keep trash secured onboard to support retention of a clean harbor. This plan emphasizes reputable operators, reliable provisioning options, and practical stops that maximize comfort, safety, and enjoyment aboard a well-equipped vessel with water toys and comfortable swimsuits on hand.

Interpret the Chart Legend: Symbols, Depths, and Aids to Navigation

Begin with the legend: confirm symbols, verify depth ranges, and locate aids to navigation before plotting your course; be aware of shallow areas and limit notes that the chart highlights. Set forth with confidence by cross-checking the legend against the actual marks on the water, and note those markings that can save you time and risk.

Symbols and colors indicate the type of aid: buoys, beacons, light characteristics, and warning marks. Identify the stern-to line that signals docking alignment, and note inlet approaches and outlet channels shown in the legend. Look for those symbols that reveal birth of new hazards after storms, and keep the chart consistent with the vessel's line of travel.

Depths appear as contour bands and spot depths; use the legend to translate numbers into your scale, and plan routes that keep you above the published limit. Consider cases where depth is caused by scours, shoals, or seasonal silt; adjust speed to avoid damage to the hull. If you sail a vlaška route, verify any local symbols that could indicate a shallow passage and heed the risk signs.

In summer, during leisure trips or when participating in local tours near biševo inlet or a nearby resort, use the legend to anticipate tides and currents. The surroundings influence your route choices, and awareness of shoals, channels, and outlets helps you stay clear of hazards. If you see a shallow outlet or a wind shadow, re-route before entering an inlet near washington or other busy harbors.

Practical checklist: keep phones charged but do not rely on them alone; the legend provides reasons for symbols and depths, not just a visual cue. Stay aware of those indicators, note the need to avoid the limit, and map a safe path that prevents pain to crew or a blow to your hull. If someone calls for help or you lose contact, re-check the legend and adjust your plan to prevent damage and manage risk in several cases.

Analyze Tides and Currents: Predict Transit Windows and Maneuvering Strategies

Plan transit at slack-water intervals using a tide forecast and current gauges. For Agana-area passages, expect a semi-diurnal pattern: two highs and two lows per day, with a cycle near 12 hours 25 minutes and depth variation around 0.9–1.3 meters. Target a 90–120 minute window centered on slack water, plus 15–30 minutes for line handling and engine response.

Record wind and swell in forecast packages; currents in major channels during ebb or flood can reach 1.0–2.5 knots, with stronger speeds near bends and in narrow fairways. Use a forecast that blends harmonic constituents with coastal models; refresh every 2–4 hours during planning and set alerts for speed changes above 0.8 knots. Maintain a short playlist of alert signals to trigger crew action.

Maneuvering strategies: keep a stable course until the approach, then stage turns to align with the current, use small rudder inputs, and avoid abrupt changes in trim. If the channel narrows, reduce speed to 2–4 knots; maintain extra clearance of at least a quarter mile from banks and other vessels. Prepare contingency routes and have engines ready to adjust power within a minute of forecast updates.

Checklist: assemble a transit card listing window, predicted currents, wind, depth, and engine settings; confirm plan with the bridge team and shore liaison; adjust speed and turning point if current speed deviates by more than 0.5 knots. Maintain a ready plan B for a swift reroute to a nearby harbor with suitable depths and a safe holding area.

Plan Entry and Anchorage: Optimal Routes, Berthing Options, and Hazards

Recommendation: Start with the approved entry plan and place the anchorage position just inside the fairway to keep the vessel in the safe corridor. Verify current and depth from the latest charts, then appoint the pilot and support tugs as needed; this makes hisher interests protected and aligns with the operations team.

Optimal Routes: Plan the approach later after confirming the current tides and wind. Use the route along the outer shelf to the harbor entrance, then steer toward the anchorage. This path is agreed with planners and the harbor authorities and minimizes risk for the vessel and for current traffic; it also provides a spectacular view of the harbor lights during the approach. Keep speed mostly in the 4–8 knot range to reduce wash and maintain control. Be mindful of shallow patches past the entrance and adjust as needed.

Berthing Options: Choose quay-side berthing or offshore moorings depending on current and wind. If quay-side, arrange fenders along the side, use two lines forward and aft, and verify that the approach angle remains comfortable for the crew. When offshore moorings are used, select single-point or two-point systems and check chafing on all lines. Fees and licenses for port services are outlined in the agreed prescription and must be noted in the master’s log; confirm any special permit with licensepongo before finalizing.

Hazards: Monitor strong current at the entrance and gusts in the evening; keep the vessel in the chosen lane and maintain a safe distance from traffic and obstacles. Use the stupica markers and local notices to confirm position and proceed. If wind shifts or visibility drops, revert to the earlier maneuver and secure the vessel in the anchorage; this keeps operations safe and reduces liable exposure for the company and crew. If conditions improve, run the plan again as needed.

Local codes and checks: Follow vlaška conventions and verify stupica markers before entry. Share the latest plan with the crew as a gift of clarity, and keep the prescription on board updated. This approach reduces liable risk and keeps the operations compliant while fees and approvals are confirmed with authorities, aligning with agreed practices.

Draft a 3-4 Day Itinerary: Distances, Wind Windows, and Stopover Timing

Begin Day 1 with a 28 NM hop from Agana Harbour to Historic Cove, aligning departure to wind window ENE 12–18 knots between 10:00 and 15:00. Position for the next leg and reserve berths for all parties in advance to maximize convenience.

1. Day 1

   1. Leg 1: Agana Harbour → Historic Cove

      • Distance: 28 NM
      • Wind window: ENE 12–18 knots, 10:00–15:00
      • Stopover: 2.5 hours at Historic Cove. Enjoy a waterside vignette, review charts, and refresh information panels. Popular with vessels; with cocktails available on the quay, the thing stays relaxed for the parties.
      • Notes: Confirm berth assignment for all members; ready the position for the next leg and align with local forecasts before departure.

   2. Leg 2: Historic Cove → Waterside Village

      • Distance: 18 NM
      • Wind window: NE 14–22 knots, 15:30–19:00
      • Stopover: 2 hours at Waterside Village. Walk the promenade, enjoy a waterside vignette, and check on information boards. The stop is convenient for the parties to regroup and for a quick cocktails break on deck.
      • Notes: Verify tide and current, update member crews, and ensure charts reflect the next hop.

2. Day 2

   1. Leg 3: Waterside Village → Ancient Reef Anchorage

      • Distance: 35 NM
      • Wind window: SE 10–16 knots, 08:40–13:00
      • Stopover: 3 hours at Ancient Reef Anchorage. Ancient ruins and a historic vignette ashore; information panels for users; light lunch on a waterside deck. Part ies can share a short cocktail break, if desired.
      • Notes: Coordinate with the member crews for a smooth handoff; confirm readiness for the next leg and log the position in the chart book.

   2. Leg 4: Ancient Reef Anchorage → Popular Marina

      • Distance: 22 NM
      • Wind window: NW 12–20 knots, 14:30–18:00
      • Stopover: 1.5–2 hours at Popular Marina. Refill, refresh, and enjoy a waterside vignette before the final leg of the day; on-deck cocktails available for the parties.
      • Notes: Update information screens, confirm berths, and capture a quick look at the historic harbor works for the charts.

3. Day 3

   1. Leg 5: Popular Marina → Historic Lighthouse Point

      • Distance: 40 NM
      • Wind window: NE 12–18 knots, 07:50–12:40
      • Stopover: 2 hours at Historic Lighthouse Point. Take in a coastal vignette, visit a historic beacon site, and review information panels. This stop remains popular with veteran crews and many vessels.
      • Notes: Log position precisely, and prepare for the short afternoon hop to the final anchor for the day.

   2. Leg 6: Historic Lighthouse Point → Vessels Anchorage

      • Distance: 28 NM
      • Wind window: SW 9–15 knots, 14:00–18:00
      • Stopover: 1–2 hours at Vessels Anchorage. Quiet waterside scene, a quick stroll, and a final onboard cocktails session for the parties.
      • Notes: Ensure all crew positions are updated; confirm the plan for Day 4 if needed and adjust timings for any late shifts in wind.

4. Day 4 (optional)

   1. Leg 7: Vessels Anchorage → Home Anchorage

      • Distance: 25 NM
      • Wind window: W 12–18 knots, 09:00–13:00
      • Stopover: 1.5 hours at Home Anchorage. Final waterside vignette, a last look at historic points, and a quick debrief with the team. Cocktails can be shared on deck to celebrate the readiness of one last leg.
      • Notes: Update charts with the day’s data, collect crew feedback, and file a quick information log for users and members.

   2. Optional wrap-up: Return or base arrival. If time allows, run a final check on distance records, wind windows, and anchor positions for future plans.

      • Tips: Keep everything documented in a single account; share with all parties to maintain a clear record of events.

Advise relying on official charts and current information before each leg; verify weather forecasts and tide tables, and keep the position visible to all users and crew members. This layout accommodates 3–4 days, balances distances with wind windows, and preserves a convenient cadence for waterside rests, historic vignettes, and social moments like cocktails at each stop.