Navigator Equipment

Maps

Virtually all events now use the Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 Landranger series of maps (the purple covered ones). The series covers the whole of the British Mainland plus most of the off lying islands, each is identified by a number, that covering the Cardigan & Mynydd Preseli area, for examples, is No.145. Each map currently costs around £6.49.

When you buy one check that it's a recent edition, the publication date is given at the botom left hand corner of the map. Unfortunately there is no set period for maps to be updated, so that, for example the latest edition of Map 136 is from 1993, but that of the neighbouring Map137 is 1985. I've found the most reliable way of getting the latest edition is by buying them at the local Tourist Information Office. If you're still in doubt about the age of a map there are a couple of things to look for; firstly, check if any new roads you know of are on there, and secondly, check the distance between contour lines, if they're not recorded at regular 10 metre intervals then the map is at least 12 years old as the contours are based on the old imperial heights.

Romer

A romer is a piece of plastic with markings in one corner that allow you to divide the grid squares into tenths and so locate a specific point identified by a six figure reference. If you're planning to do any type of rallying event don't leave home without one, you're sure to need it at some point. Some romers also have a number of holes cut in them which equate to 100 metres, 200 metres and so on; these allow you to plot items that are a circle based on a given point i.e. no go and quiet zones.

Romers cost around £2.50 and can be bought at any rally spares shop, through mail order adverts in the motoring press.

Poti

Also known as a terrain follower but in both cases basically a tube with a small light and a magnifying glass at the top, essential for reading a map in a fast moving rally car. They can be obtained from the same sources as the romers. They can cost anything between £23 and £63. If you're very lucky the driver might provide one with the car - more usually he's spent the money on that oh-so-essential polished aluminium gear knob.

Clip Boards and Map Boards

I find having two clip boards useful; one for the time cards and the other for pieces of information, such as three metre control diagrams, which are needed at points through out an event. The map board needs to be nothing more than a 2ft by 2ft piece of hardboard, it's just something to rest your map on during a rally.

Pencils, Rubber and Pencil Sharpener

Most use 2B pencils as these make a clearer mark on the map and are easier to rub out. Have a good supply of them as they invariable go missing during an event.

A Stop Watch or at least a digital wrist watch

This should be set to match those of the offical clocks at the Start so that you're aware of your exact time while on route. Essential pieces of equipment particularly if you'll be timed as you pass a control board - you need to know the exact time so you are aware of the correct time to enter the control.

Items the driver should provide in the car

There are four things which seem to be essential in the car, these are:

• Somewhere to plug your poti into - normally a jack plug socket.
• Somewhere close to hand which can securely hold your poti while you're plotting or negogiating a non-competitive section.
• A light to allow you to plot and carrying out any other work in the car in the dark. Ideally this light should be screened from the driver so it doesn't hinder his ability to see out of the car when you're plotting on the move.
• A foot rest so that you can hold yourself securely in place while he tries to emulate the most Scandinavian of rally drivers.