Allende los Mares · Vuelta Verticalvideo

19 Sextant on an ocean crossing #isharemoments

May 2, 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

Watch on YouTube

More from Allende los Mares · Vuelta Vertical

Vertical World Tour - Northwest PassageAug 2026Arctic ⛵️🌏 Northwest PassageAug 2026Sailing around the world 🌎⛵️VERTICALJul 2026How to configure your sailboat chartplotter | Charts, radar, AIS, and B&G Zeus SR12 instrumentsJun 2026

From Allende los Mares · Vuelta Vertical — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue