Cruising Association's mobile App, going gangbusters

by Louisa Nightingale/Sail-World Cruising on 19 Feb 2013 Britain's Cruising Association first mobile App is going gangbusters. It is now going Beta for Android, demonstrating just how popular their first mobile app, Captain's Mate, has become. A little under a year ago the Cruising Association launched CAptain’s Mate, only available for the iPhone and iPad, but in response to member demand an Android version is now beta testing with selected members.

Using the app members can view any of the thousands of cruising reports held on the Association’s database at any time, even when not in range of a phone or Wi-Fi signal. The reports are normally arranged starting with those nearest the member’s actual location, as determined by the device’s internal GPS. They can however, be organised in other ways – such as next port-of-call, or as a cruise route using an interactive map – depending on user preferences.

The app also lets members make on-the-spot cruising reports (anything from a out-of-position navigational buoy to a marina restaurant review) using just their Apple device. If they are out-of-contact when making the report, then it is automatically uploaded to the Cruising Association database next time the device finds a signal.

Since its introduction, Captain’s Mate has been downloaded by almost 25% of the Association’s 4300 members. Consequently the volume of cruising reports received has risen four-fold to – on average – 150 per month, May to September. Just as importantly, the number of members submitting reports has gone up five times.

CAptain’s Mate plays a major part in keeping the Association’s information relevant and timely. It is expected to be released generally in March, in time for the peak northern hemisphere cruising season. The Association’s database of cruising information is set to grow even bigger and more useful.

About The Cruising Association:
1. The Cruising Association is Britain’s leading organisation for cruising sailors. From its headquarters in London’s Limehouse Basin it maintains close contact with more than 4300 members worldwide. Founded in 1908 it has one of the most extensive nautical libraries and cruising information centres in the world and works closely with government and international bodies to protect the interests of leisure sailors. It also has specialist sections in 18 different cruising regions. The Association’s patron is Sir Robin Knox-Johnston CBE, the record-breaking round-the-world yachtsman. The current President is Desmond Scott. For further information on the association please visit www.cruising.org.uk.