Check out these navigation instruments!

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Apr 19, 1999
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Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
I saw this display in the National Museum of the Turks and Caicos Islands last week. It's truly amazing that oceans were crossed and charts drawn using these primitive devices. Clockwise from left: hourglass, chip log, astrolabe, astronomical tables and magnetic compass. There's also a leadline at bottom right. And we get nervous when the GPS battery dies! Peter H23 "Raven"
 

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Dave Winiker

Old Navigational Instruments

I just finished reading the book "1421" by Gavin Menzies, a former British submarine skipper. He documents the Chinese exploratory voyages during the 1421-23 time period and mentions most of the instruments pictured. Its quite conceivable that some may have been found in the wrecks of Chinese ocean-going junks discovered during the course of his research. BTW his book is a most interesting read for all sailors regardless of navigational prowess/tools. Thanks for posting the photo.
 
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