I have a very vague memory of maybe having read that book.... is that the
one where the guy sails to the pacific in a sloop or something and does a
bunch of research on how the navigators there follow 'star paths' by having
them navigate the boat in double blind tests (he locked away all his charts
and compass)? If so it was a pretty good read. Ill have to have a look for
that one again....

If i recall, there was something about finding land by phosphoresence as
well?

Shaun

Yes, Shaun, there is. For your edification, I refer you to, "We, the
Navigators The Ancient Art of Landfinding in the Pacific," by David Lewis.
Specifically chapters 5, "Keeping course by Sun, Swills, and Wind,"
chapter 6, "Dead Reckoning," which directly addresses your question, and
chapter 7, "Orientation Concepts in Dead Reckoning."

http://books.google.com/books?vid=IS...H54BfXwOv1l5Zs