You Can't Hack a Sextant

Carl Thunberg · Post by **Carl Thunberg** » Oct 14th, '15, 16:40

Did anyone catch the story about the Naval Academy re-introducing Celestial Navigation into their curriculum? It has nothing to do with the rich maritime history of celestial navigation. It's because you can't hack a sextant. It's all about cyber security and having a fool-proof back-up navigational system. Here's the link to the article.

http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/nava ... story.html

Jim Walsh · Post by **Jim Walsh** » Oct 14th, '15, 18:29

Interesting news. I'd never have thought they'd drop celestial navigation from their curriculum in the first place. I don't have the steps memorized since my sextant use is infrequent but my notes make it relatively easy. It's just cool to be able to use the instrument. When I went to Bermuda I had layers of back-up to enable me to ascertain my position.
My position finding equipment are as follows; Raymarine C80 chartplotter with Navionics chip, IPad with a Navionics app. Bluetoothed to a Bad Elf GPS receiver, Bad Elf GPS receiver independent of the IPad, Standard Horizon VHF with AIS and built in GPS, 1940 Tamaya sextant, dead reckoning, wild guesses, and prayer. (Not necessarily listed in order of Importance)

Sea Hunt Video · Post by **Sea Hunt Video** » Oct 14th, '15, 18:39

Jim Walsh wrote:When I went to Bermuda I had layers of back-up to enable me to ascertain my position. My position finding equipment are as follows; . . . a Bad Elf GPS receiver, Bad Elf GPS receiver independent of the IPad, . . .

Jim:

Were you handicapped at all by the lack of a Good Elf

Jim Walsh · Post by **Jim Walsh** » Oct 14th, '15, 19:38

Sea Hunt Video wrote:
Jim Walsh wrote:When I went to Bermuda I had layers of back-up to enable me to ascertain my position. My position finding equipment are as follows; . . . a Bad Elf GPS receiver, Bad Elf GPS receiver independent of the IPad, . . .
Jim:

Were you handicapped at all by the lack of a Good Elf

No, I exhibited my handicap long before that.

tartansailor · Post by **tartansailor** » Oct 18th, '15, 19:38

I use to teach Celestial Navigation, and this news warms my heart.
Still have all volumes of HO 229, 214, plus Ageton, and NASRM.
Not an easy subject to master. Wonder if the Navy will allow or teach
the hand held calculator method? Article didn't say. Don't agree with the 1.5 mile
precision though; may be in a small boat in a blow, but a good Navigator
will be within 1/4 mile.
richard

gates_cliff · Post by **gates_cliff** » Oct 20th, '15, 09:02

Learning Celestial Navigation has long been on my bucket list. I don't have a strong math or technical background so it will probably be a challenge for me. Nonetheless, can anyone recommend a course or school?

The son of one of my neighbors is a "Surface Warfare Officer" in the Navy and he said they still do celestial, at least on the ships he's been on. Maybe it was just coincidence on the ships he's been on though, as a mandate of the particular captain.

Jim Walsh · Post by **Jim Walsh** » Oct 20th, '15, 17:26

gates_cliff wrote:Learning Celestial Navigation has long been on my bucket list. I don't have a strong math or technical background so it will probably be a challenge for me. Nonetheless, can anyone recommend a course or school?

The son of one of my neighbors is a "Surface Warfare Officer" in the Navy and he said they still do celestial, at least on the ships he's been on. Maybe it was just coincidence on the ships he's been on though, as a mandate of the particular captain.

I took this course two years ago at Mystic Seaport. It's very interesting and you'll walk out knowing how to take a noon sight. This hyperlink is for a class taking place this weekend. They have classes periodically throughout the year.
http://www.mysticseaport.org/event/mode ... avigation/

gates_cliff · Post by **gates_cliff** » Oct 20th, '15, 20:33

Thanks Jim. Unfortunately I'm working on a contract in Goergia right now for the next several months, maybe a year. Nonetheless, I'll follow up on your suggestion.

Doug Jesseman · Post by **Doug Jesseman** » Oct 20th, '15, 20:36

Carl, It really time for you to get back to your roots and own a Cape Dory !!! Fair Winds.

tartansailor · Post by **tartansailor** » Oct 21st, '15, 09:09

ost subject: Re: You Can't Hack a SextantPostPosted: Tue 10/20/15 8:36 pm
Offline

Joined: Sat 6/16/07 5:16 pm
Posts: 40
Boat: Cape Dory 36 Hull #5 "Free Spirit"
Carl, It really time for you to get back to your roots and own a Cape Dory !!! Fair Winds.

Yes Carl

Carl Thunberg · Post by **Carl Thunberg** » Oct 21st, '15, 12:24

Let's just say it wasn't by choice. Sometimes events are thrust upon you, and you adapt. Cliff, is there a U.S. Power Squadron chapter near you? The USPS Navigator class features celestial navigation.

gates_cliff · Post by **gates_cliff** » Oct 23rd, '15, 10:27

Carl, good idea. I did contact the Power Squadron, but not certain they will have anything near where I am, Augusta, GA.

Thanks

The Cape Dory Board

You Can't Hack a Sextant

You Can't Hack a Sextant

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Wow, that was harsh.

Re: You Can't Hack a Sextant