Celestial Navigation

Guiding a craft using one of the oldest of the mariner's

arts-celestial navigation

As romantic–sounding as sailing to Tahiti did centuries ago, using the sun, moon, planets, and stars to guide one's boat on the seas is enjoying a comeback. For those who do not wish to be caught short when modern technology fails on board, knowing how to chart a path with the aid of a sextant is an essential navigating skill. In Celestial Navigation, veteran yachtsman, Tom Cunliffe, reveals how any boat owner can master this seafaring technique, without complex mathematics, using his simplified approach. Readers begin with a sound foundation of basic concepts and definitions, before moving on to the hardware-the sextant and how to use it. Within a few pages, you'll be working out your latitude from a noon sight, and learning how to plot a position from observing the sun, planets, moon or stars-or wherever you may be on the world's oceans.

• Helps readers prepare for the RYA Yachtsmaster Ocean Exam, which includes celestial navigation as a requirement
• Includes clear diagrams and worked examples to help guide the novice navigator
• New edition has downloadable material, a new chapter on electronic navigation as well as the bonus feature of online video demonstrations

Whether setting out to sea on a short or long journey, Celestial Navigation is an essential guide to using the sun, moon, planets, and stars as your guideposts home.