The Cruising Association

The Cruising Association (TCA), a dedicated community for small boat cruisers, sought to modernise their data management and member experience.

Executive Summary

The Cruising Association (TCA), a dedicated community for small boat cruisers, sought to modernise their data management and member experience. Coreblue developed a comprehensive web and mobile application solution, enabling TCA editors to efficiently manage location data and providing members with an offline-accessible mobile app. This resulted in improved data handling, member engagement, and operational efficiency.

About the client

The Cruising Association (TCA) is a unique, mutually supportive association for individuals who cruise on small boats. With a history spanning over 100 years, TCA prides itself on offering high-quality, member-contributed information and experiences. The association is supported by a small team of dedicated staff and boasts a community enriched by well-known sailors, including Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Griff Rhys Jones, Keith Musto, and Jeanne Socrates.

The Challenge

TCA faced increasing competition from modern mobile apps, despite holding superior quality data compared to competitors. The need was clear: they required a user-friendly and modern solution to maintain their competitive edge and improve data accessibility for their members. Existing manual processes and limited digital access to their data presented significant challenges, hampering efficient management and engagement.

TCA needed a comprehensive solution to manage their vast database of location information and deliver this to their members through a modern interface. This meant creating a platform where editors could manage the database efficiently and developing an accessible mobile app for members, enabling them to interact with the data both online and offline.

The Solution

Coreblue was selected for the project due to its proven expertise in developing custom software solutions that blend design with technical excellence. The solution was divided into several key components:

  1. Editor Portal: A web application allowing TCA editors to view and manage their extensive database of locations. Built using React.js, the portal integrated seamlessly with TCA’s existing Single Sign-On (SSO) system and utilised a custom API created by TCA for smooth data handling.
  2. Mobile App (Captain’s Mate): A Flutter-based mobile app designed to provide TCA members with access to location data offline. The app allowed members to add location reports, upload images, and share their locations with others, ensuring functionality even in areas without internet connectivity. The offline-first design empowered members to create reports and save drafts, uploading them once they were reconnected.
  3. Web Application: An online, web-based version of the mobile app was developed, offering a slightly trimmed-down version of the mobile experience and integrated directly into the TCA website.

The project followed Agile methodology, with regular collaboration and feedback from TCA to ensure the solution met their needs. Lighthouse contributed design expertise, ensuring the user interfaces were intuitive and modern, while Coreblue provided the technical implementation.

In action

The Implementation Process

The implementation was carried out in several phases:

  • Planning & Scoping: A detailed project roadmap and backlog were created during an initial scoping study. Coreblue worked closely with TCA to prioritise tasks and establish a clear plan following Agile principles.
  • Development: The Editor Portal and mobile application were developed simultaneously, ensuring seamless integration with TCA’s existing systems. Coreblue’s team maintained close communication with TCA, providing regular updates and adapting to any changes or feedback.
  • Testing & Deployment: Rigorous testing ensured the software was robust and met TCA’s requirements. The mobile app was optimised for both iOS and Android, and the web version was tested for integration with the TCA website.

The initial release was deployed by the end of June 2021, with Coreblue providing ongoing support under a three-day-per-month maintenance contract.

Results & Impact

The solution developed by Coreblue resulted in:

  • Enhanced Efficiency: The Editor Portal streamlined data management processes, reducing manual work and improving data accuracy.
  • Improved Member Experience: The Captain’s Mate mobile app allowed members to access valuable location data offline, increasing engagement and satisfaction.
  • Operational Continuity: By embedding the web app into the TCA website, Coreblue ensured consistent access to location data for all members.

TCA experienced a notable increase in data contributions from members, and the offline functionality of the app significantly improved user engagement, particularly in remote areas with limited connectivity.

What’s next?

Coreblue continues to support TCA with ongoing maintenance and future developments, ensuring the platform remains up-to-date and responsive to members’ needs. Further enhancements and feature additions are planned, providing additional value to TCA members.

Testimonial

“The custom software solution provided by Coreblue transformed our operations, enabling us to manage our data more efficiently and engage our members in new ways. The Captain’s Mate app has become an essential tool for our community.”

Ivan Andrews
Vice President, The Cruising Association

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