19 Sextant on an ocean crossing #isharemoments
2 May 2020 · 10 min · 11K views · North Atlantic
What this video covers
Paula practices celestial navigation using a sextant during an Atlantic crossing from Bermuda to the Azores and onward to Galicia.0:22 She aims to complete the 600-nautical-mile requirement for the Yachtmaster Ocean certification, which necessitates navigating without GPS.2:46 She relies on the *Nautical Almanac*, a watch, and the book *Navegación Astronómica* by Luis Mederos for calculations.2:06 Observations include solar meridians and twilight sights, often performed while the vessel maintains speeds of 9 to 12 knots in 25 to 30 knots of wind.2:58 She notes that the primary challenge of celestial navigation is the consistency required to maintain dead reckoning, calculate twilight times, and perform post-observation math while managing daily watch duties and boat motion.8:53 To determine the sun's highest point while moving, she employs the method of corresponding altitudes.7:09 She emphasizes the importance of using proper filters when observing the sun to protect eyesight.6:30
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