Next message: Bill: "Re: Auroras/compass readings"
> on 10/13/04 2:16 AM, Alexandre Eremenko at wrote:
>
>> I agree that the "justification" of Cel Nav as
>> a "backup for GPS" cannot be defended.
>> GPS is indeed more precise, more reliable and easier
>> to use.
>>
> My only rejoinder to this is that when one goes to sea, he should have a
> manual way of doing anything that is important. CN and a compass is the
> only manual way to navigate at sea (apart from watching the contrails).
>
> Ken Gebhart
When the boaters among you head out do you have a compass even though you
have GPS or other electronic navigation equipment? Perhaps a hand-bearing
compass as well? A manual bilge pump to back up the electric one. A
flashlight. Spare batteries? Perhaps one that has an LED and can generate
it's own electricity? If you have wheel steering, an emergency tiller?
Paper charts and plotting tools? A log?
Except for the manual bilge pump, they are all both practical and FUN to
use. Which is why recreation boaters boat. As a side note, what gives you
a better "feel" on a sailboat--a wheel of tiller?
Bill
