Commonsense Celestial Navigation Author:Hewitt Schlereth Cruising sailors who venture beyond the sight of land -- either on sailboats or on powerboats -- should have a thorough knowledge of celestial navigation so that they may determine their position and plot and follow a course. On long sailing races, this facility becomes critically important to winning. — Celestial navigation, though an exact scie... more »nce, is not the mystery it has been made out to be. As the author shows, all the navigator needs in way of equipment is a relatively inexpensive sextant -- specific recommendations are given -- and a reasonable accurate time piece. All the rest is in this book, which contains a complete navigation system. Each step in the system is clearly explained, and the book is illustrated throughout by simple yet precise line drawings and charts.
In addition, this book offers information on how to use the two almanacs and two sight reduction tables available worldwide today; and gives specific advice on what to buy, what to avoid and why. Using the sextant is the most important part of celestial navigation, and the author demonstrates how the novice navigator can practice using the instrument on land.
Going through all the motions of taking an actual celestial observation, the author leads the beginner through a number of exercises -- which can be performed in the living room and backyard -- that will ensure that the navigator, once he sets sail, will be able to "shoot" to determine his position, exactly and accurately. Even the most "unscientific" of sailors will find the information and theory in this book easily understandable and eminently practical.« less