Sextant

[Jack]

Given all of the questions on this board about electronics, I was curious as to how many out there know how to use and carry a sextant on board when going off shore? Are we becoming totally reliant on electronics?This came up when asking my son about doing some math problems and the first thing he asked for was the calculator. I wanted to know if he could do them without a calculator. Have to prepare for the blackouts.Hey Phil, what about spell check?

 

[Phil Herring]

Spell check

Unfortunately, I have yet to find one that will work with my hardware / software. And no matter what, people must actually use it. No spell check is involuntary. Based on the number of people who use client-based spell check (i.e., Cassidy and Greene Spell Catcher, which works in _any_ application and will spell check your posts prior to posting) I'd say there ain't much hope.Signed,X

 

[dave]

I have a sextant and keep it on board. I am trying to teach myself how to use it. Basic sun sights I'm comfortable with but that's about it, I might try to take a course if I can find one. there is a class in the marion to bermuda race for traditional navigation (no electronics permitted).dave

 

[Rich Stidger]

I can do it

Having completed all courses in the United States Power Squadron, the Navigator course (now called Senior Navigation) teaches the theory as well as the mechanics of celestial navigation.Although I don't use this in practice right now, with a review, I could take sights and plot my position. A good sight will determine your position anywhere on the planet within 5 miles, and usually within 2 miles.I would highly recommend the USPS membership and courses for all boaters. They offer all levels of classes for powerboaters and sailors alike. Check out the attached link for further information.BTW, I was on the 1991 Marion to Bermuda race where electronic navigation was not permitted. We used a sextant and ran our DR plots and we arrived at St. George, Bermuda after 105 hours and we were within 5 miles of our calculated position.Rich

 

[Robert Tuten]

I use a sextant

I keep a sextant aboard and use it regularly. I try to take several sights on every cruise even if just for the afternoon.i taught myself to use a sextant by reading books and backyard practice with an artificial horizon. I was unsure of myself until I met a retired navy captain who convinced me that I had it down. It's really not that hard once you understand the mechanics. I try to stay in practice just incase the electronics go out. I'm accurate enough to find my way with just a sextant if necessary. Also whatcan be more salty and make yu look like a sailor than using a sextant?

 

[Bob]

Sorry

The man told me he has dome tents, screen tents, and cabin tents but what you do in them is your business...No seriously,I intend to pick up one and learn prior to going offshore. I'm young yet and my crew is still in diapers but I would never consider going off shore without one when we do get to that point in our cruising life.

 

[Stan]

I Learned

I learned how to use a sextant out of curiosity and challenge. I still use it to verify my GPS coordinates. (ha ha) Seriously I think a backup form of navigation is a good idea. As long as the sun, stars and planets continue to be in the sky I feel confident I can find my way.

 

[Ron]

and, "Mark!"

Yes, I use a sextant. Although not as accurate as a GPS they are a lot more fun. Sun and moon is all I do. Stars are a neat piece of work if you can handle them. Anyone can learn. There are some great books out there which take you through the entire process. Also, and excellant video by William F. Buckley, Jr. which I would be willing to lend to you for the price of shipping. Ron/KA5HZV