SailBlogs Member Group - Celestial Navigation

Greetings all. I just joined this group - just discovered sailblogs today. I teach celestial navigation at California Maritime Academy, where I work. We teach only the Pub 299 and ALmanac method because that is how the USCG tests on the subject. I wish we had time to delce deeper into the subject, but we don't. The cadets only get one semester of celestial.

Nice idea. Self taught the basics but decided to take formal training now. Am using the tables method (HO229). Did a sight three years ago from Norfolk to Bermuda and was amazed when the plot came to within 1nm of the GPS coordinate. Very exciting feeling. Plan to crew this fall from Norfolk to USVIs and hope to put into practice what I have learnt.

I have taken 2 courses in celestial navigation, one using the Nautical Almanac method, and the other using the "S tables". I much prefer the S tables, as it is so much easier. I take a sight every week or two so that I don't lose the skill.

Since I created this group, let me introduce myself. My name is Gary Harkins. I teach celestial navigation for the United States Power Squadrons. I have used all of the popular sight reduction methods. My two favorite methods are "The Law of Cosines" method using a scientific calculator, and The "Nautical Almanac" method. I like the Law of Cosines method because it is, by far, the fastest method and it allows the plots to be done from your DR position. The Nautical Almanac method is like most other tabular methods in that it requires you to do the plot from an "assumed position." The advantage of the Nautical Almanac method is that it is printed in every Nautical Almanac which you must have anyway. Let's talk celestial navigation!!! I love the subject and we can all learn from each other.