On Mon, 17 Sep 2007 16:29:01 -0000, otnmbrd
wrote:

wrote in news:futse3pgo9nvn157klj3rkodjqh8gv0777@
4ax.com:


You know it's kind of funny. Everyone talks about using an archaic
method of determining position and never mention using either a lead
line to determine depth or a chip log to determine speed.

How come all the advocates of a relative low tech method of
determining a position never mention that the system is unusable for
navigation in tight spaces, narrow channels, etc. and dead reckoning
or taking sights or measuring depth will be necessary.

I never hear anyone recommend having a lead line on board in case your
electronic depth sounder fails or a chip log mounted on the stern
pulpit in case your electronic speed log fails.

I am not saying that one shouldn't learn celestial navigation or not
carry extra life jackets but it is no longer a necessary skill.




Bruce in Bangkok
(brucepaigeATgmailDOTcom)


Taking this back to the original post...... the poster was asking about
offshore navigation (my assumption) and the benefits of learning and having
the ability to use celestial.
A cheap sextant and a few books is an easy way to add a layer of possible
solutions should Mr. Murphy rear his ugly head.

BTW.... watching a show on offroading, the host suggested using one of
those vacumn packing/sealing machines with the plastic bags to seal parts
against dirt and water/weather..... should think this would have a great
potential on boats also... especially the offshore cruiser.


LOL....I know..... how'd I jump this far on subject matter?


Vacuum packing. Quite a number of people I meet use this system
both for food and for things that they don;t want to deteriorate in
the damp atmosphere on a boat. Apparently works great.

The original poster was asking if he HAD to learn celestial before
starting off on his world tour and frankly (I'm about half way around
on most people's trip) I have never talked to anyone who actually used
a sextant to navigate. I have talked to people who had one aboard but
if you ask them whether they actually use it they sort of grin and
admit that "no, they don't".






Bruce in Bangkok
(brucepaigeATgmailDOTcom)