In 1994, Waypoint began selling nautical books and software products for boaters in a converted warehouse space left over from WWII shipbuilding activities. Because we realized early on that we could best serve the marine community with complete solutions--not just products--we added traditional paper charts and navigation equipment, hard-to-find equipment for cruisers such as courtesy and signal flags, and computer hardware. Later, Waypoint expanded operations to include solutions for shipping and professional mariners, too, with an expanded collection of charts, government publications, reference texts, and Coast Guard license test preparation materials. And, because we feel that no one should take boating too seriously, we keep a wide selection of goodies--little treats from cards to nautical art to music, clothing, jewelry, and much more. Waypoint's retail store is located on Alameda Island, a community rich in nautical tradition from shipbuilding to yacht racing. We're physically on the Oakland Estuary in San Francisco Bay with a great view of Coast Guard ships and yachts large and small. In 1997, we established our current location in Alameda Marina, where we could expand our facilities to include more books and charts and our boat building workshop. Even after working with marine-related subjects all week, we can't stay away from boats in our spare time. 1997 also saw Waypoint's participation in Complete Cruising Solutions, a partnership of marine businesses devoted to supplying solutions--not just equipment--to make bluewater cruising easier and safer for boaters. Because we work so closely together with so many of the same customers, we actually share our retail space with one of those partners, HF Radio On Board, specialists in marine communications. You'll often see us at boat shows and in print advertising as Complete Cruising Solutions rather than Waypoint. We're still the same folks, and we're absolutely interested in helping you realize your cruising dreams, near or far. Waypoint's approach to customer service is straightforward: we're happy only when you are. We believe that our focus on the needs of boaters--particularly those who cruise to exotic locations--allows you to get what you want and need in a manner that is both convenient and economical. We hope that you see from other parts of our site that we want to give you as much information as possible to help you make solid, informed decisions. However, we don't feel that information about you should be as readily available as information for you. We do not share our customers' names or addresses to outsiders for advertising or solicitation. We will provide your name and address for warranty purposes (unless you specifically request that we do not) so that you can be informed about product updates, upgrades, or bugs. If you have questions or comments about Waypoint that aren't addressed, please contact us. We're here to help.