I really appreciate the replies from everyone. It's nice to see that
some folks share my interest for navigation.

I've placed a bid on a taffrail log on ebay. If it gets eaten by a
shark, I suppose I could whittle up another rotator and then rate it
for error. That seems better than the alternative, which is not having
a run distance. I rarely use ebay, so I'd forgotten to check there for
compasses. Thanks for reminding me. There are plenty of good options
there. I think I can find the kind of compass I'm looking for on
there, or, failing that, I'll take Steve's advice and swing a handheld
compass for the spot on the boat where I will normally be using it.

Some of the yacht "navigation" practices I've read about in blogs are
indeed appalling. The most shocking example that comes to mind was the
entry of an unfamiliar atoll from below decks, using an electronic
chart (CMAP, I think it was called) plugged into a GPS, along with the
remote control for the autopilot.

Regards,
-Maxime

On Mon, 7 Dec 2009 11:14:50 -0800 (PST), max camirand
wrote:

I really appreciate the replies from everyone. It's nice to see that
some folks share my interest for navigation.

I've placed a bid on a taffrail log on ebay. If it gets eaten by a
shark, I suppose I could whittle up another rotator and then rate it
for error. That seems better than the alternative, which is not having
a run distance. I rarely use ebay, so I'd forgotten to check there for
compasses. Thanks for reminding me. There are plenty of good options
there. I think I can find the kind of compass I'm looking for on
there, or, failing that, I'll take Steve's advice and swing a handheld
compass for the spot on the boat where I will normally be using it.

Some of the yacht "navigation" practices I've read about in blogs are
indeed appalling. The most shocking example that comes to mind was the
entry of an unfamiliar atoll from below decks, using an electronic
chart (CMAP, I think it was called) plugged into a GPS, along with the
remote control for the autopilot.

Regards,
-Maxime

I'd say that depended a great deal on the circumstances. How wide the
entrance into the atoll is, etc. Although, I can't imagine sailing
anywhere near-shore without an on deck watch.

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)

Bruce In Bangkok wrote:
On Mon, 7 Dec 2009 11:14:50 -0800 (PST), max camirand
wrote:

I really appreciate the replies from everyone. It's nice to see that
some folks share my interest for navigation.

I've placed a bid on a taffrail log on ebay. If it gets eaten by a
shark, I suppose I could whittle up another rotator and then rate it
for error. That seems better than the alternative, which is not having
a run distance. I rarely use ebay, so I'd forgotten to check there for
compasses. Thanks for reminding me. There are plenty of good options
there. I think I can find the kind of compass I'm looking for on
there, or, failing that, I'll take Steve's advice and swing a handheld
compass for the spot on the boat where I will normally be using it.

Some of the yacht "navigation" practices I've read about in blogs are
indeed appalling. The most shocking example that comes to mind was the
entry of an unfamiliar atoll from below decks, using an electronic
chart (CMAP, I think it was called) plugged into a GPS, along with the
remote control for the autopilot.

Regards,
-Maxime

I'd say that depended a great deal on the circumstances. How wide the
entrance into the atoll is, etc. Although, I can't imagine sailing
anywhere near-shore without an on deck watch.

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)


If you sail across a time zone, do you have to change teh deck watch???

If you sail across a time zone, do you have to change teh deck watch???

On ships we do. I've seen it done different ways. Either one mate
gains or loses an hour from his watch when the time zone changes, or
each watch gains/loses 20 minutes.

-m

cavelamb wrote:

If you sail across a time zone, do you have to change the deck watch???

Completely vessel dependent....
In Atlantic crossings they would often adjust a watch one hour and a
different watch every day, so it got shared.
Or they adjust every watch overnight by 20 minutes.

But then there are lakers. . .
The boat is on Eastern or Central based on the master's determination.
Sometimes it is where you fit-out and sometimes not. One we fit-out in
Toledo and changed to Central as soon as we cleared the Soo and never
changed back.

Makes calling home or getting to a store interesting sometimes...

Matt

One of the issues with plastic sextants is that they distort in the
sunlight, so keep it below decks as long as possible, and check the
index error before and after each sight.
If you want to make the sight reduction cacs easy, have a look at
WinAstro (www.winastro.co.uk)
Many years ago I did an Atlantic crossing with a taffrail log - but it
isn't too good in crowded sailing waters!
Tim