BOSTON WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Turn Your Phone into a Chart Plotter: A Hands‑On Navionics Workshop in Boston Harbor
A compact, classroom-based clinic that teaches Garmin Navionics fundamentals—custom boat profiles, routing, tides and weather—so you can navigate with confidence from your own device.
Turn Your Phone into a Chart Plotter: A Hands‑On Navionics Workshop in Boston Harbor.
Adventure brief
Turn Your Phone into a Chart Plotter: A Hands‑On Navionics Workshop in Boston Harbor
Intro to Navionics is a three‑hour, classroom-based clinic at First Reef Sailing in Boston Harbor that walks students through the Garmin Navionics program, teaching you how to turn a smartphone, tablet or GPS-enabled device into a fully featured chart plotter. Expect guided, hands‑on practice customizing boat parameters, creating and following routes, viewing tide and current data, and exploring integrated cruising guides and weather apps in a supportive learning environment.
Located in the bustling maritime hub of Boston Harbor, the Intro to Navionics course offered by First Reef Sailing provides a unique, practical dive into marine navigation technology. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a curious beginner, this hands-on class transforms your smartphone or GPS device into a high-powered chart plotter, turning the complexities of navigation into an accessible skill. Boston Harbor, with its historic docks and busy shipping lanes, is an ideal setting for learning navigation in a real-world environment. Over the course, participants learn how to customize settings for their vessel, create routes tailored to their trip plans, and track their progress in real time. The class also introduces weather apps crucial for safe passage, blending technology with traditional seamanship. What makes this experience standout is its focus on practical skills delivered in a supportive setting, perfect for boaters eager to increase confidence and safety at sea. The harbor's vibrant scenery—marked by iconic ships, historic piers, and the lively waterfront—serves as a dynamic classroom. This course is especially beneficial for those planning to venture beyond the harbor or improve their navigation skills during local trips. First Reef Sailing’s commitment to empowering sailors ensures that students leave with the confidence to navigate independently, whether returning home or heading out on new adventures. Boston Harbor's strategic location and rich nautical history add layers of context and interest to the learning experience, making it an engaging way to enhance your boating expertise.
Route Schematic
How to Reach the Classroom
A few simple waypoints from the marina entrance lead you to First Reef Sailing’s classroom and office at Building #36.
Boston Harbor Shipyard main entrance
Enter the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina and proceed straight ahead toward the campus interior.
Landmark: Down East Cider Brewery
Drive past the Down East Cider Brewery (the brick building with a blue mural) to orient yourself before the turn to the classroom building.
Turn and approach Building #36
Take the first right turn after the brewery; First Reef Sailing occupies the first doorway on the right in Building #36.
Sign‑in and settle
Arrive at least 10 minutes early to sign in, meet instructors and get seated before the three‑hour classroom session begins.
This is a classroom course suitable for all ages and requires no prior experience; attendees should be prepared to work on their own devices and follow instructor guidance (course format is classroom‑based and subject to operator scheduling).
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Navionics on Your Device
Learn to convert any compatible mobile device into a chart plotter: set boat parameters like draft and fuel consumption, toggle chart layers, and use automatic routing to plan passages.
Practical Route‑Making and Tracking
Hands‑on instruction shows you how to create routes manually and with automatic routing, track progress and view navigation stats such as ETA, ETD and average speed.
Tides, Currents and Weather Integration
The curriculum covers tidal and current information and a selection of mobile weather apps so you can interpret conditions alongside your charts and cruising guides.
What the day feels like
What the Classroom Experience Feels Like
The session is structured, practical and device‑centric: instructors guide students through installing and customizing Navionics for their own boat, demonstrate chart layers and routing tools, and provide time for attendees to practice creating routes, tracking runs and interrogating tide, current and ActiveCaptain cruising‑guide data—all in a classroom at First Reef Sailing on the Boston Harbor Shipyard campus.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course is best for—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring any device you plan to use with Navionics—phone, tablet or laptop—and the chargers for that device. One goal is to customize Navionics with your own boat’s details, so have any relevant specs on hand.
The classroom provides powered outlets at each table; Navionics can be CPU‑intensive, so bring chargers to keep your device running for the full session.
Navionics runs on mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers—bring whichever platform you plan to use and ensure it’s charged and accessible.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The Intro to Navionics course runs three hours.
Do I need prior navigation experience?
No experience is necessary—the clinic is designed to teach beginners as well as those wanting to sharpen device skills.
What should I bring?
Bring the device (phone, tablet or desktop) you plan to use with Navionics and any chargers; the classroom has powered outlets at each table.
Where is the course held?
The course takes place at First Reef Sailing in the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina—256 Marginal St., Building #36, East Boston. Arrive at least 10 minutes early to sign in.
Is parking available?
Parking is free; you will need a guest parking pass provided by the First Reef Sailing office prior to parking.
Who can I contact with questions before the course?
If you have any questions or concerns before the course, contact First Reef Sailing at (617) 466 - 3317.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-15T12:03:52.810Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.