Welcome to Estuary Forecast Passage Planner
Published 2026-04-27
Hi, I’m Ben, and welcome to the first blog post for Estuary Forecast Passage Planner.
I built this service because, as a sailor myself, I wanted a simple, practical way to plan a passage without having to jump between lots of different tools, websites, apps, notes, tide pages, weather forecasts and charting systems. Like many boat owners, I often found myself piecing information together from multiple places before going out on the water. That works, but it can be time-consuming, easy to forget something, and not always ideal when you just want a clear plan for a day’s sailing.
The idea behind this service is straightforward: give sailors a web-based passage planning tool where they can plot a route, add waypoints, record notes, view useful supporting information, and export their route for use elsewhere. It is designed to be practical rather than overcomplicated, and to help people think through their passage before they leave the berth.
I built the service using the Replit platform, which has allowed me to design, test, and launch the application quickly as an online web service. That means there is nothing to install, no complicated setup, and no need to be tied to one particular device. You can open it in a browser, plan your route, and use the information in the way that suits you best.
My aim is not to replace proper navigation software, paper charts, good seamanship, or the judgement of the skipper. This is a planning aid. It is there to help organise route information, encourage better preparation, and make it easier to pull key details together in one place before a trip.
Looking ahead, I want to keep improving the service based on real-world use. Some of the areas I would like to develop further include better route planning tools, improved export options, richer weather and tide information, better print layouts, more helpful waypoint notes, and features that make it easier for skippers to review and share passage plans.
Most importantly, I want this to become a service that is shaped by the people who actually use it. If something is confusing, missing, useful, annoying, or could be improved, I genuinely want to know.
Please try the service, have a play with it, and send me your feedback. You can contact me by using the Support button in the app, which will let you send me an email directly.
Thanks for taking a look, and I hope Estuary Forecast Passage Planner becomes a useful tool in your own passage planning.
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