In brief, a “Predicted Navigation Event” can be likened to a car rally on water, with the major difference being that each navigation event competitor chooses to enter in either the GPS or Traditional division and nominates their own speed OVER THE GROUND to suit the performance criteria of their vessel. The event involves travelling over a set course at a nominated speed over the ground, and hence tidal and weather conditions have to be reckoned with to maintain this speed and to reach the finish at the correct time.

Furthermore, there are a number of check point gates at locations, unknown to competitors, where times are recorded and vessels scored. Penalty points are imposed for every second early or late. After all penalty points are added for each vessel, the competitor with the lowest score is the winner. Prior to the event it is necessary to plot the course by hand on an appropriate chart, electronically via chart plotting software or online tools like Navionics or Google Earth, as a series of legs and turn points and identify possible timing points (transits) along the legs then calculate the correct times to arrive at these points, based on the Start time and nominated speed over the ground. Course lengths can vary from 8 to 15 nautical miles. The variation introduced by weather, wind, waves and current, cause constantly changing conditions and accordingly, a perfect score is associated with a high degree of difficulty. The identification of these influences, the estimation of the effect on the performance of the vessel, and the subsequent adjustments in throttle and heading to compensate, helps to hone a skipper and crew’s knowledge of navigation and boat handling. Members of the Cruising and Navigation Committee along with fellow competitors are available to advise newcomers on course plotting, the preparation of run-sheets and set up the GPS.

Link to the program of events.

Myora-Cup-2026-Program-V6.pdf

Good luck and good boating!   RC Chris Land