How to use a sextant

Comment

Comment by Ger3926 on November 5, 2010 at 9:52pm

In time when GPS is giving 99 % of all positions - it is a historic joke when US - shows how to handel a Sextant. To handel a sextant is the 1 st step to going messuring the Sun, Moon, Stars. To get a Position, when you can - do it by mathematiks and tabels.
I use the Sextant only for Joke - "to check the GPS" - Data !
It is so inconsequent to use an Sextant - and using Nav. Programms by computer -
But when you get your first postion by HO 234, HO 249 or Semiverus rules and logarithems, your are proude to have a position better than 3 miles - when you are good - you need for HO 249 - so aböud 5 Minutes.

Comment by Capt. John on October 9, 2010 at 10:58am

Very good for first timers. I can dig it out and give it a try.

Comment by Pat S/V Ciao! on March 9, 2010 at 11:19am

Terri, the first boat was a day sailor I put on a lake in N.J. It was 90 degrees out and no wind or clouds ,after floating for a few hours I questioned my sanity because I thought this was supposed to be FUN.Instead I baked.Now of course,I can t get enought of it and live on my boat most of the season& love it.

Comment by Terri on March 9, 2010 at 11:01am

You're a brave one on the buy a boat- learn to sail. Agree on always something to learn with sailing. Funny thing is, as an antique dealer I had a sextant about 8 years ago that I bought in a box lot. Sold it before I really got bitten by the sailing bug..geesh..trying to tell myself probably only a replica for show so I won't feel so bad. Who knew!!?? Just got done transfering old pictures to new albums when son was a baby ..first vacation..Jamestown, RI.. Lots of pictures of sailboats sailing in Narrangansett Bay..never a thought back then I even be on a boat let alone own one and sail in those same waters....my how things can change in not so long a time...glad they did :-) .

Comment by Pat S/V Ciao! on March 9, 2010 at 10:27am

I always wanted to learn even to the point of buying one first,I guess no different than how I got starting in sailing, buy a boat then learn to sail. One thing about sailing there is always something to learn,it is a life long process!

Comment by Terri on March 9, 2010 at 10:21am

Agree, I didn't have clue as to how they work..at least have an idea now. Would like to learn how to use this summer.

Comment by Pat S/V Ciao! on March 9, 2010 at 9:43am

Thanks for the video,basic but brings out method in an easy and pleasing way, thank you, Pat