Nav Tips
Which is Quicker and More Accurate: GPS or Compass?
Brought to you by coastalnavigation.com
The GPS is a neat little piece of electronics that is almost as reliable
as your compass. What you say? Well, consider these facts: The GPS may be
accurate in giving your boat's position, but sometimes there are problems.
Its signal can be shut off by the US government without warning, it may
be more accurate than the chart you're using, it may fall overboard (with
or without you), and its batteries may go dead or power source dry up. And
you could be aground while the chart shows you in the middle of the channel
- if the chart was sounded inaccurately, which can happen.
Continued...
A Fire Aboard...
As I was rounding the point coming into the Nepean harbor, I suddenly smelt smoke. I was alone on the boat. So while keeping the boat under power so as not to lose way, I jumped down into the cabin to see where the source was.
Single Handed
Sailing...
I've completed my 400 mile qualifier for next summer's Transpac. I can tell you that I started out last Saturday morning (June 11, 2005) thinking that it would be something that I just do to get it over with. But it turned out to be something completely different. It turned out to be a major learning experience.