All Jeppesen chart update

All Jeppesen nautical charts will be updated in June and made available in our chart catalog as follows:

  • Canada, North America, Caribbean & South America chart zones: June 10th
  • Europe chart zones: June 14th
  • ROW chart zones: June 24th

Jeppesen Chart update - June 2013

Here are some examples of these updates:

Old/New Mediterranean and Black Sea Mega Wide Chart 

OLD-NEW Mediterranean and Black Sea chart

Old/New Central America and Caribbean Wide Chart 

OLD-NEW Central America and Caribbean

These updates include the latest charts and NTM provided by our data providers.

You can see more examples of this charts update release in our Facebook album or Google+ Photos section.

Isabelle Joschke’s Preparation Diaries – Part 5

Isabelle Joschke gives tips on how to train for the solo multi-stage sailing race The Solitaire du Figaro.

Developing Different types of strength, which are sometimes opposing

Isabelle Joschke performing sailing manoeuversOcean races require a wide range of very different abilities that sometimes appear to not fit together:

  • Hoisting the pinnaker or dumping the mainsail in windy conditions requires power and sudden intense strength. During the time between 2 maneuvers (i.e hauling down the spinnaker and then tacting gear), the heart rate must slow down as fast as possible.
  • To endure these kinds of efforts and maintain the pace over several days, it is important to improve our stamina and resistance.

However, we do not prepare our bodies in the same manner to develop endurance as for powerful and explosive strength. These efforts require different qualities and muscle structure.

The MaxSea TimeZero App is available now!

Isabelle Joschke is a French-German skipper (Galettes Saint-Michel) at the Ocean racing team Absolute Dreamer. She has raced 5 Solitaire du Figaro and is sponsored by MaxSea.  

Don’t miss the previous parts of this series:

Isabelle Joschke’s Preparation Diaries – Part 1

Isabelle Joschke’s Preparation Diaries – Part 2

Isabelle Joschke’s Preparation Diaries – Part 3

Isabelle Joschke’s Preparation Diaries – Part 4

Borealis Expedition: pollution of the Arctic

Since 1975, the passionate couple Joëlle and Janusz Kurbiel, who has a doctorate in climatology from the prestigious French University the Sorbonne, have dedicated their lives to the exploration of the North Pole. For the last few years, they have navigated through this region with the help of MaxSea TimeZero Navigatortheir marine navigation software.

Here is a description of the advances they have made in climatology research onboard the Vagabond’elle and the Marguerite 1 vessels:

Studies/Research
Climatology (Dr. Janusz Kurbiel)
Ice polution in the North PoleOur 2005-2010 expeditions were dedicated to the study of ice conditions in the Knud Rasmussen Land, the most unreachable part of the eastern coast of Greenland. The results allowed us to identify the various factors that affect the melting of sea ice and establish the process in this part of the world.

The question is whether this process is identical or not in other parts of the Arctic. Only systematic studies in the field over periods of time will enable the better understanding of the mechanisms governing ice melting in these areas. As preliminary results in 2011 seemed to confirm those of previous expeditions, we decided to expand it to other maritime areas of the Arctic in 2012. The results are being evaluated.

Cold Weather Sailing Guide

Data acquisition (Dr. Janusz Kurbiel)
Despite the evolution of polar teledetection, field work is still indispensable. Our role is to
collect data about the climatic environment of an Arctic maritime area lying between Greenland and Alaska.

Environmental Arctic study (Prof. Maria Olech)
Lichens sampling in Bernard HarbourWe continued to study the level of pollution of the Arctic and its possible impact on global climate change. More than 700 samples of lichens and mosses were collected, catalogued and preserved for future analysis. Lichens and mosses retain heavy metals and other pollutants in the air. Unlike other plants, they do not grow from the soil, so are considered excellent bio indicators of climate change.

This analysis will determine the degree and nature of the pollution present in the study area and will help assess which changes in the global climate can be attributed to natural changes and which are due to human activity.

We will keep you posted about the results of these studies and adventures in the North Pole!

MaxSea Support and Training Services

After receiving several requests from MaxSea users, we have decided to launch new Support and Training services, which aim to provide a more advanced level of customer service at very affordable prices. However, we will continue to provide standard technical support for free.

MaxSea Support Services

MaxSea Training Services

Our users can now take advantage of the following options:

Software installation: A MaxSea Support Technician remotely takes control of your computer in order to install your software for you. You can stay in the comfort of your own living room while this service is being carried out.

Chart installation: A MaxSea Support Technician remotely takes control of your computer in order to install all the charts that you have purchased – raster/vector charts, 3D data and high resolution satellite photos.

Software and chart installation: If you would like both your software and charts to be installed by a MaxSea representative, this option offers all the convenience at a reduced overall price.

1H Remote training: This option is for customers who wish to receive one-on-one training on the basic, most frequently-used features in MaxSea software. Again, a technician will remote into your computer and show you how to use each feature while explaining it to you over the phone.

3H Remote training: For customers who would like to receive a more in-depth one-on-one training in a range of more advanced topics such as radar/ sounder integration.

2 day In-Person course: This course is a fully-immersive 2 day programme offered in the Barcelona MaxSea office with our highly-trained technicians. You will have the opportunity to learn about all of the software functionalities and also ask any questions that you may have. These courses are carried out in very small groups so that you receive full attention.

Whether you are a beginner or just in need of a little extra help, MaxSea has a Support and Training Service solution for you. For more information, please see https://www.maxsea.com/store#services

More information at http://www.maxsea.com/support/support_and_training_services

Purchase one of these services at https://www.maxsea.com/store#services

Isabelle Joschke’s Preparation Diaries – Part 4

Isabelle Joschke gives tips on how to train for the solo multi-stage sailing race The Solitaire du Figaro.

Isabelle Joschke cycling

Spice things up, it is possible!

We are lucky: to get physically prepared for sailing, it is advised to practice different kinds of sports. Cycling, swimming (indoor or at sea), running, triathlon, cross-country skiing, rowing, surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, wind surfing…There’s really something for everyone!

Get prepared for D-Day

It is important to follow a training program that will help you to reach your “optimal shape” at the starting line. The Solitaire du Figaro lasts several weeks but being in good shape from the moment of departure and making a good start could be essential afterwards.

To get prepared for a long sailing experience, we first of all need to build muscle in our legs, which are not used very much while sailing and become thinner as a result.

Learn how to train like an Ocean Skipper Free Guide

Isabelle Joschke is a French-German skipper (Galettes Saint-Michel) at the Ocean racing team Absolute Dreamer. She has raced 5 Solitaire du Figaro and is sponsored by MaxSea.  

Don’t miss the previous parts of this series:

Isabelle Joschke’s Preparation Diaries – Part 1

Isabelle Joschke’s Preparation Diaries – Part 2

Isabelle Joschke’s Preparation Diaries – Part 3

Where does the name MaxSea come from?

MacSea testingBrice Pryszo was born in Bayonne, a city in the south west of France, on March 12th, 1952. From an early age he discovered the joys of sailing in the Basque Country.

Driven by this passion, he participated in the creation of a new naval architecture specialization during his time spent studying at  École des Beaux-Arts (School or Fine Arts) in Paris (1972)

Upon completion of his studies, back in his native Basque country, he began his professional career by designing his first boat. The advent of the Personal Computer in 1984 made Brice aware of the huge technological future potential. He decided to embark on a new professional adventure involving the area of Maritime Navigation and Information.  He subsequently set up the company “Informatique et Mer” (literally “Computers and Sea”) on January 3, 1985.

Macintosh Lisa used for developmentThe company’s first investment was the purchase of the third Macintosh 128k ever sold in France, in the spring of 1984 (in addition to the Macintosh Lisa used for development). These revolutionary machines allowed the company to develop the software prototype MACSEA to be tested aboard “Crédit Agricole” in 1985. It was subsequently tested by Philippe Poupon and Eric Tabarly. The MACSEA software gradually became a reference in the sector of high-level competitive sailing.

Following this early success, the company began to focus on the commercial fishing industry by working with the fishermen of Port Hendaye (including Mr. Blanchot). The challenge of putting a computer on a fishing vessel in 1986 was huge! “Computers and Sea” succeeded to do so and of course, continued to grow by equipping more and more vessels abroad (especially in Northern Europe).

Third Macintosh 128k ever sold in FranceBetween 1996 and 1999, MACSEA abandoned the Mac platform, deciding to develop for the dominant Microsoft Windows platform instead. The company then became known as MaxSea.

“Computers and Sea” again changed its name to “MaxSea International” in 2001 as it began to expand globally and to have a name that was more “exportable”.

In 2013, MaxSea returned to its first love, Apple, by launching their first iPad application for MaxSea.

The MaxSea TimeZero App is available now!And so, the adventure continues…

Europe, Mediterranean and Transat Raster Charts Update

The following European, Mediterranean and Transatlantic Raster charts have been updated and will be available in May on our Chart Catalogue:

Raster Chart update - April 2013

These updates include the latest charts and NTM provided by our data providers.

Here are some examples of the improvements introduced to these MapMedia Raster charts:

Old/New West Europe chart

Old-new  West Europe Raster chart (MWRMEW46MAP5.1)
Old-new West Europe Raster chart (MWRMEW46MAP5.1)

Old/New Mediterranean Sea – West chart

Old-new Mediterranean Sea - West chart (WRMEM32MAP3.1)
Old-new Mediterranean Sea – West chart (WRMEM32MAP3.1)

You can see more examples of this charts update release in our Facebook album or Google+ Photos section.

MaxSea Tales from the Field: Navotas (Philippines)

This is part of a series of short chronicles sent by MaxSea staff from different locations worldwide.

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Navotas is a city that occupies a narrow strip of land along the eastern shores of Manila Bay in Metro Manila, better known as the “Fishing Capital of the Philippines”.

MaxSea sales representative Dinh went there to meet fisherman from Frabelle Fishing Corporation*, a world-class Philippine deep sea fishing company to present MaxSea TimeZero PLOT, our best solution for commercial fishing.

MaxSea TimeZero PLOT product demoFirst, the company started by trawl fishing and then moved into purse seining. Target species were small pelagic fish like sardines, mackerel, and scads within the Philippine waters. In the mid-70s, Frabelle also started the purse seining of tuna and expanded its fishing operations beyond the Philippines into the waters of the Western and Central Pacific region.

Today, Frabelle supplies fresh, frozen and processed seafood products to the Philippine domestic market and exports the same to Africa, the Middle East, North America, Europe and other parts of Asia. Other business areas that Frabelle has ventured into includes: Marl culture; Aquaculture; Post Harvest Facilities and Services; Engineering services; Ship Repair and Shipbuilding; Real Estate and Food Trading and Processing.

Frabelle Fishing Corporation practicingFrabelle’s Master fishermen are always looking for new equipment to increase their efficiency. So, naturally, when Dinh introduced them MaxSea TimeZero PLOT, they were convinced that our software could be a very helpful tool for navigation and deep-sea fishing. Right away, Frabelle decided to equip 13 of their biggest purse seiners with MaxSea, mostly operating in Papua New Guinea. After Y&L Fishing, RD Fishing, another big actor in the Filipino fishing industry chose MaxSea!

*Founded in Navotas, Frabelle has more than 40 years of deep sea fishing experience. The vertical and horizontal growth of its fishing operations has made Frabelle Group of Companies one of the most recognized company in both the fishing and food processing industries.

Find a reseller - MaxSea TimeZero PLOT

Isabelle Joschke’s Preparation Diaries – Part 3

Isabelle Joschke gives tips on how to train for the solo multi-stage sailing race The Solitaire du Figaro.

 Training Outline (3 of 3)

Body core exercisesBodycore is by far the most important muscle exercise to perform. Bodycore is a term used to describe body exercises that require the abdomen and lower back muscles.  This helps us to avoid the back pains we often experience, as we regularly have to repeat the same twisting movement, as well as bending down or crawling while moving a load…

It is also useful to spend time in static positions, such as lying on an exercise ball. Usually core workouts go hand-in-hand with proprioception and balance training which are essential on board,  especially when fatigue has set in after several days sailing.

Learn how to train like an Ocean Skipper Free Guide

Isabelle Joschke is a French-German skipper (Galettes Saint-Michel) at the Ocean racing team Absolute Dreamer. She has raced 5 Solitaire du Figaro and is sponsored by MaxSea.  

Don’t miss the previous parts of this series:

Isabelle Joschke’s Preparation Diaries – Part 1

Isabelle Joschke’s Preparation Diaries – Part 2

MaxSea TimeZero Spring 2013 Releases

This Spring, we’released 2 new software versions, 1 new module and a software upgrade. Here’s the summary:

MaxSea TimeZero Recreational v2

  • Windows 8 CompatibilityMaxSea TimeZero Recreational v2
  • Advanced planning according to tides and tidal currents
  • Major improvements to the presentation of AIS information
  • New Progress Bar (Date/Time)

Click here for more information

Advanced Routing Module

This module allows advanced sailors to manually control and adjust the weather fileAdvanced Routing Module parameters in order to get more accurate results. It also introduces the variability notion, helping the skipper to identify the particular moments in the navigation where strategy choices are critical.

Click here for more information

MaxSea TimeZero SportFishing

  • Real time PBG dataMaxSea TimeZero SportFishing
  • User-friendly interface
  • Seamless NavNet 3D connection
  • Free weather forecasts and oceanic data display directly on navigation charts to help you to detect the best fishing areas
  • Includes all of the nautical charts for one MapMedia Wide area
  • Built-in AIS/ARPA function

Click here for more information

MaxSea TimeZero Racing

  • Professional user interfaceMaxSea TimeZero Racing
  • Free weather forecast service
  • AIS/ARPA built-in function
  • Transat Mega Wide chart area
  • France and United Kingdom current zones
  • NN3D and FAR 2xx7 advanced compatibility
  • Advanced Routing Module: This NEW module brings many new features which complete our basic Routing Module (reliability index, polar % and configuration of the weather files over time)
  • PosReport Module: It allows racers tracking during an ocean race

Click here for more information

And last but not least…

The MaxSea TimeZero App is available now!