Cardinal points, traditionally represented in the compass rose, are 4 orthogonal points that are used to orient anywhere on Earth. The compass rose is also called a “wind rose” because each quadrant represents a wind (for a total of 4 quadrants). First concept to be debunked: the idea of “North”… Read More »Cardinal points
GPS stands for Global positioning System, literally “global coverage system.” It is mandatory to have it on board in navigation beyond 12 miles, but it can help anyone who is about to take a boat in any weather condition and for any trip. In short: it is almost always advisable… Read More »What’s the GPS
All knowledge about Ship Point, coastal navigation, true bearing, and magnetism is important, but even more important is to keep practicing. In this short guide we will see how polar bearing works in practice and what the graphometer is. What is the graphometer To understand how a graphometer works, we… Read More »Tips on surveying and using the graphometer
We have seen how to calculate estimated navigation and how to estimate the estimated ship point accordingly, but this remains an uncertain parameter. While in navigation away from the coast, unless using a GPS, we are always unsure of our actual position, in coastal navigation it is easier. In coastal… Read More »The true bearing in coastal navigation
Understanding how the earth’s magnetism works helps sailors understand how the compass works. In this guide I will talk about the difference between magnetic north, declination and magnetic heading. External forces in navigation Remember that every boat is subjected to external forces – other than propellers and thrusters. If these… Read More »Magnetism: learn using the compass
There are several challenges in keeping your course, while you are sailing. It is almost impossible for you to keep your course as you have planned it: you have to take into account some important factors that affect it, such as fuel shortage, drift or sideslipping. It is also important,… Read More »The challenges of course-keeping
If you would like to sail properly and safely, there are some skills you are supposed to have: How to measure miles Measuring miles using a nautical chart is essential. It will allow you to know at what speed you should travel to reach the destination within a given time.… Read More »How to calculate miles, speed and time while sailing