In a new and complicated situation I make a route, usually taking it directly off the waypoints or bouy position on a chart. Coming into Charleston harbor at night I made a route and followed it in and around the basin to the approach for the City Marina. After a long passage, a night entry and fatigue I think it's a good way to keep from getting into trouble.

I need to qualify that with the fact that our chartplotter is 'below' in the nav station and is not seen from the helm. The route is an easy way to confirm that we're going the right direction. Having the chartplotter out of view forces me to use my eyes and senses. Every once in a while or when I become unsure of the next move I'll hop below and re-reference myself then go back to the helm and continue on.

Mostly it's a conformation device. Did the same thing going around 'The Whale' in the Abacos. Although not tricky it is a route you need to follow closely. As it turned out in the middle of that route a squall came through making visibility very poor. Having the chartplotter below in the nav station with the route on it for reference made the exit, rounding and entrance back into the bank a no anxiety situation.

On passages I use the GPS to compare the boat speed and direction with the compass and paddle wheel. At times comparing the two is an enlightening experience and an easy way to tell when you've entered or exited the Gulfstream.