"Cappy Kicker" Cappy_kicked_all_over_ ASA wrote in message
...
On Mon, 28 Jul 2003 19:28:53 -0400, "Jeff Morris"
jeffmo@NoSpam-sv-lokiDOTcom wrote:


Actually, this was the only point I was interested in.

Fact is, if you know how to use a compass , it's not necessary to
practice the use every time you go out.

Nothing is necessary.

Actually you are incorrect! It is necessary to practice but not every
time.

There are times I practice by not using the GPS for a 30 mile sail down the coast, working
out the courses, and seeing how well it works out.

But other times its as simple as noting that a heading I read on the chart lines up
properly with a bearing from the compass. If the compass were covered, I'd never do it.
Now this may seem like a trivial thing, but how many novices (i.e.girl friends, guest, and
RB) can do this without thinking?


But I try to do at least one piloting exercise whenever I go out.
Nothing fancy - it might only be a few seconds to look at a bearing - but I never know
what it will be. Further, novice helmsmen should learn how to follow a compass use,
as
well as heading or an object, or tracking the wind. This should be reinforced whenever
possible.

OK if that suits you, but what's wrong with sliding the cover down
when you're not using the compass?

Why do something that makes you less effective, and discourages practice?


Do you practice emergency stops and handbrake turns every time you get
in your car...just in case?
No, but every Winter I play around a bit ...

But not every time!
Same same, the compass is not required every time so keep it covered,
safe from the sun or scratching.

Do your cats use the compass as a scrarching post? I would think you log and sounder are
at the same risk.



Do you pull out a chart of your local bay when you go into the fuel
dock?

My slip is on the fuel dock. Although I don't need the chart in the inner harbor -
there
are no hazards and few navaids - I usually have a chart on deck. I always have one if
I
go further.

Nope, because it would cause excessive wear just as uncovering yur
compass when it's definately not required to navigate will expose it
to fading, yellowing and risk of physical damage.

Good God! Don't tell me you still use paper charts in Oz? Well no wonder!

Umm yeah, and Ozi Explorer
You don't have paper charts onboard?

Of course I do. But the paper charts stay below. For my home waters (everything within
about 80 miles, Cape Ann to Cape Cod) I have a waterproof, virtually indestructable
chartkit. Cost me about $40. I have another for south of Cape Cod.

When I traveled the East Coast I had full paper charts that stayed below, and compact
versions for the cockpit. Plus a mess of software that I didn't use much.



BTW when I'm sailing in unfamiliar awters I always uncover the compass
before weighing anchor and have a chart for the area at hand.


I'm glad to hear it! I find the momentary disoreintation in a new place to be most
annoying. I try to stay sharp by practising in more familiar environments. Also, it
fun
to be looking for new things in a harbor I've sailed in for 25 years.
Yah won't see anything if your eyes are glued to a compass!

Glued? Quite the opposite. The point is to be able ot use the compass quickly and get it
right. As opposed to spending a lot of time to screw it up!




Oz1...of the 3 twins.
I welcome you to crackerbox palace,We've been expecting you.




Oz1...of the 3 twins.
I welcome you to crackerbox palace,We've been expecting you.