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The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is re-launching its Admiralty Raster Chart Service (ARCS) Skipper package at Southampton Boat Show on 15 September 2000.

The re-launched ARCS Skipper service focuses on the requirements of the leisure user, with the main emphasis on Skipper Folios, chart updating and pricing.

Skipper Folios
ARCS Skipper charts provide coverage across the world at the same range of scales as the world renowned "Admiralty" paper charts. ARCS Skipper Folios allow the user to purchase groups of ten charts at a reduced cost. There are 46 Skipper Folios of popular sailing areas available, each containing ten pre-selected charts. These Folios cover areas in the UK, NW Europe, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean.

Alternatively, Customers can create their own customised skipper Folio, choosing any ten ARCS charts. Customers can also add extra individual charts to their folios, although a minimum of one Folio (either pre-set or customised) will have to have been licensed previously.

Updating
ARCS Skipper charts are sold completely up to date at the time of sale, and this continues to be the case. The re-launched package allows customers to choose how they receive their updates using one of two services: Quarterly Updates or Annual Updates.

The Quarterly Update service is managed as a subscription service, with customers receiving four updates at strategic intervals throughout the year. Updates and new permits will be posted to customers in March, June, September and December.

The Annual Update allows customers to buy their updates off the shelf at the beginning of the sailing season (March), by purchasing an Update Disc from any ARCS Distributor. This change in policy brings ARCS Skipper into line with the popular range of Admiralty Small Craft Folios.

Both update services include the provision of access to any New Charts or New Editions that replace existing coverage.

Pricing
New pricing levels have been set for ARCS Skipper options as detailed:

Charts:
Pre-set Folio £70.00 (a reduction of over 40%)
Customised Folio £90.00 (a reduction of 25%)
Individual charts £15.00 (a reduction of over 40%) per chart

Updating:
Annual Update (discounted depending on chart quantity held)
1 Folio £20.00
2 Folios £30.00
3 Folios £45.00
4 or more Folios £60.00

Quarterly Updates: (4 Updates per Year)
£120.00 (irrespective of the number of charts held)

SPECIAL OFFER:
The UKHO is offering existing ARCS customers the chance to register for a free annual subscription to the Quarterly Update service. Customers should notify their ARCS Distributor, quoting their ARCS Skipper Licence Number.

For further details on ARCS Skipper, phone the ARCS Customer Helpline on +44 (0) 1823 723366, Fax +44 (0) 1823 334917, or e-mail dp_helpdesk@ukho.gov.uk

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