Next message: Derrick: "Hard copy?"
Herbert Prinz said,
>I do not see how one can maintain this attitude in the face of reality. In
>my
>admittedly very limited experience of ten thousand off shore miles over the
>last
>ten years I have not ONCE been in a situation where GPS didn't work, but
>cel nav
>would. In fact, I have not once been in a situation at sea where GPS didn't
>work.
>Full stop. But I have REPEATEDLY been in situations where celestial was
>unavailable for several days in a row and GPS was the only position finding
>tool
>available. Conclusion: Celestial is not even a backup!
>
Herbert,
I almost hate to admit this, but I still only use CN and a taffrail log as
my only means of navigation offshore. More then that, I use a 56-hour
chronometer. I sail for the pleasure of sailing, if you take all the skill
out of it what’s the point to spending all the money to do a trip that can
be better made for less cost by air. Take it to the extreme, a radio
controlled boat run from your couch at home, what’s the point.
I have several trans Atlantics now and there have been many times that CN
was not available do to weather. I maintain a plot that is compared to all
outside data and can see the effects of current and leeway so I think I can
maintain a DR track going forward for several days without any worry.
I deal with navigation the same way I deal with sailing without an engine or
electric system. Plan ahead and try not to get into a position where you
“need” either the engine or magic for navigation. They share some of the
same goals, stay off lee shores and don’t make landfall under poor
conditions. I know how to watch the weather, and time my landfall to avoid
bad weather and a foul tide.
I take some pride in my skills and have no immediate plans to add any
electronics to my boat.
All the best,
Robert Gainer
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