Sextants
Subject: Sextants
From: bhudson (bhudson@XXX.XXX)
Date: Thu Jun 13 2002 - 19:07:15 EDT
I own two, one 1942 Husan, the other Frieberger. I use them for passing out
students in the practical sextant unit for Marine Safety Astro. I have on a
number of occasions taken them out on the Straits of Georgia to get a sun
sight so that they will have some idea of the practical application. They
are quite pleased to see their P/L at the end. For students living within
easy reach I offer this. As for the sale of sextants I know of a person in
Campbell River with a Tamaya for sale at a price I consider a steal but no
takers. I know of quite a few deep sea ships where the Captain requires at
least one sight per day from all officers and stars/planets in the morning
and evening . Two sextants were in a conspicuous place on the bridge on the
last ship I visited.
So commercially the sextant is still alive however in the yachting industry
there is little interest except for a small number of the more
intellectually inclined. The majority carry a number of GPS's they seem to
have complete faith, in spite of the recommendations by experienced sailors
to always have a sextant , reliable time piece and tables at least as a
backup.
Barrie Hudson
International Navigation School
3794 Meredith Dr.
Royston, B.C.
VOR 2V0
Canada.
Phone: 250 703 0364
Fax: 250 703 0348
www.learntonavigate.com
