Imray to phase out chart publishing

[ScottC]

I received this email today from Imray (www.imray.com). It's quite a shock!

Imray to phase out chart publishing and refocus activities​ ​ For more than two centuries, Imray has been a trusted name among mariners and sailing enthusiasts. Today, we announce the gradual conclusion of our chart publishing operations, marking the end of an era. This decision, not taken lightly, reflects the growing shift toward digital nautical navigation. Imray will continue to serve the maritime community via our renowned pilot books, cruising guides, and the popular ‘Explore with Imray’ digital product. These resources will remain a cornerstone for sailors and adventurers, offering reliable, verified information for both coastal and offshore navigation. Chart production and support, including Imray Notices to Mariners, will continue through the 2025 season. Beyond that, no new editions will be published. This lead time provides a valuable opportunity for leisure and coded vessels to secure Imray’s high-quality paper charts whilst stocks are available. As one of only two chart providers recognised by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Imray charts are tailored to leisure sailors, and offer an excellent alternative to official government charts, especially in light of price increases for those charts scheduled for January 2025. Imray's charting legacy Imray’s legacy of nautical innovation and knowledge-sharing has been at the heart of our mission since the mid-eighteenth century, when our founders served merchant ships in the City of London with charts, pilot books and nautical instruments. For those interested in preserving this legacy, we are offering a unique opportunity to acquire the chart business and/or rights to the Imray name, enabling a continuation of our tradition within the global maritime community. Thank you We extend our heartfelt thanks to our customers, partners, and the wider marine community for your loyal support over the years. Your trust has enabled us to guide countless journeys and inspire exploration. As we conclude the production of paper charts, we remain committed to upholding our legacy with reliable, high-quality navigation resources for generations to come. www.imray.com​

 

[tiltrider1]

Not really. I have a box of charts that get tossed on the boat when we head to Alaska. I never use them. Everything I need is on my chart plotter, duplicated on my IPad and then duplicated again on my laptop.

Clearly I will never buy another paper chart again. Digital charts are likely my only future purchase.

They will still publish travel guides.

 

[ScottC]

I will miss them. Despite having all manner of devices with charts on them, I am one of those who prefers the back up security of paper.

 

[Blissboat]

I will miss them. Despite having all manner of devices with charts on them, I am one of those who prefers the back up security of paper.

Same here. In addition to the security of a hard-copy backup to electronic devices, I also value the big-picture situational awareness that a paper chart can provide, even while underway with the chart plotter running. It's helpful to be able to, at a glance, orient my position relative to features that often require temporarily re-scaling the plotter view. Finally, I find paper charts more helpful than digital for trip planning.

I regret the news from Imray, though I confess to having failed to spend enough to keep their paper chart shop in business.

 

[OldDan1943]

Buy some chart books that cover the same area.
I look at the area covered, was Europe

 

[psneeld]

Can't say I use paper for anything except when scribbling notes when on the phone and can't put it right in my phone or in my computer.

Paper charts? Haven't used them in nearly 2 decades now.

 

[oguidry]

I also virtually never use paper charts. Most modern boats lack any semblance of a chart table.

However, I regularly teach navigation and it is not possible to teach the fundamentals of navigation without using a paper chart. The concepts of latitude and longitude, the nautical mile as a minute of latitude, the compass rose, the difference between magnetic and true north and others are very difficult to illustrate without paper charts.

 

[OldDan1943]

I also virtually never use paper charts. Most modern boats lack any semblance of a chart table.

However, I regularly teach navigation and it is not possible to teach the fundamentals of navigation without using a paper chart. The concepts of latitude and longitude, the nautical mile as a minute of latitude, the compass rose, the difference between magnetic and true north and others are very difficult to illustrate without paper charts.

I total agree.

 

[OldDan1943]

Don’t forget your sextant