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Dead Reckoning: Calculating Without Instruments

Michael Chabon

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Dead Reckoning is a fascinating and practical guide to the art of celestial navigation, a centuries-old technique for determining one's position on Earth using only the stars, the moon, and a few simple tools.

Dead Reckoning: Calculating Without Instruments

by Ronald W. Doerfler

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5145 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	193 pages

Written by renowned navigator and author Captain John Trimmer, Dead Reckoning provides a clear and concise explanation of the principles of celestial navigation, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to use them in practice.

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a complete novice, Dead Reckoning will teach you the skills you need to navigate the world's oceans with confidence.

What is Dead Reckoning?

Dead Reckoning is a method of navigation that uses a known starting point and a series of course changes and speed measurements to estimate a vessel's current position.

This method has been used for centuries by sailors, explorers, and navigators to chart their course across the globe. While modern technology like GPS has made dead reckoning less common, it remains a valuable skill for anyone who wants to be able to navigate without relying on electronics.

How does Dead Reckoning work?

Dead Reckoning works by keeping track of a vessel's position over time. To do this, you need to know your starting point, your speed, and your course.

Once you have this information, you can use a simple formula to calculate your new position.

New position = Starting position + (Speed * Time) * Course

For example, if you start at a latitude of 40 degrees north and a longitude of 70 degrees west, and you travel for 10 hours at a speed of 10 knots on a course of 090 degrees (east),your new position would be 40 degrees north and 60 degrees west.

The tools of Dead Reckoning

The only tools you need to practice dead reckoning are a compass, a sextant, and a nautical chart.

Compass: A compass is used to measure the direction of travel.
Sextant: A sextant is used to measure the angle between the horizon and a celestial body.
Nautical chart: A nautical chart is a map of the oceans and seas, which shows the location of landmasses, depths, and other navigational hazards.

The benefits of Dead Reckoning

There are many benefits to learning dead reckoning, including:

Independence: Dead reckoning allows you to navigate without relying on GPS or other electronic devices.
Accuracy: Dead reckoning can be very accurate, especially when combined with other navigational techniques.
Safety: Dead reckoning can help you to avoid navigational hazards, such as shoals and reefs.
Fun: Dead reckoning is a challenging and rewarding skill to learn.

Dead Reckoning is a valuable skill for anyone who wants to be able to navigate the world's oceans with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a complete novice, Dead Reckoning will teach you the skills you need to get started.

Free Download your copy of Dead Reckoning today and start your journey into the world of celestial navigation!

Dead Reckoning: Calculating Without Instruments