On Thu, 11 Nov 2004 00:46:49 GMT, otnmbrd
wrote:

I had a portable azimuth circle which mounted on the cabin hatch for
taking relative bearings ( could easily be mounted over a binnacle) when
there were two people available. I would use this, compared to a "mark"
heading on the steering compass (which I knew the error to -deviation
tables). This type of rig would need to be boat and/or operator
specific, but coupled with the ole red flashlight, I found it the least
cumbersome .... to each his/her own.

An idea I've seen on a couple of race boats with older skippers are
pieces of tape oriented on the coach house or the coaming or the deck
(your situation will vary) that give 30, 45, 60 and 90 degree bearing
on both tacks. 45 deg forward on a shore mark to abeam or 45 deg aft.
is pretty accurate if you have the chart and can keep even rough
time...a good skill to have when W turns off the GPS or whatever.

The tapes would have to be positioned by trial and error and would be
based on the normal helming position. It's an "at a glance" pilotage
aid that supplements the usual pelorus and/or bulkhead-binnacle
compass bearing. I find it particular useful for running fixes when
I'm alone and using the "60 D St." formula I am sure we all
know...right? G

The pieces of tape needn't be huge, and for night use, they could be
red and green reflective tape of the sort kids put on their bike
frames. The smallest beam of light (say, from a penlight on a lanyard
or a headband) will make them show up without blowing your night
vision.

Jeez, Parallax, whatever you've got is catching! The less I sail (I'm
on the hard for the winter now), the more I invent!

R.