Electronic Navigation - $140

The convergence of GPS, electronic charts, LCD displays, and wireless Internet access is revolutionizing marine navigation so quickly that new and impressive benefits are available to sailors almost every year. The challenge for most of us is to separate the truly useful technologies from the ones that are just distracting or entertaining.

Towards that goal, the course will examine the underlying accuracy and reliability of GPS, and of both raster and vector format electronic charts. Then we'll explain - and practice - the simple techniques that make GPS such a powerful tool for safe, smart cruising or for tactically efficient racing. These include:

• sailing in currents
• making landfall at night or in fog
• optimizing sailing angles off the wind or in shifty conditions
• navigating along unfamiliar or sparsely buoyed coastlines
• shorthanded passage making

The course is not devoted to the features of any specific piece of software or hardware. Instead, using paper and electronic charts, onboard or handheld electronics, and freely available information from the web, we will focus on skills that work with any platform to help you better plan and enjoy your time on the water.

Prerequisites: None, but some fluency in traditional navigation is highly desirable. The fundamental navigation skills and elements of seamanship required to competently skipper a cruising boat are taught in our Learn to Sail, Advanced, Cruising and Coastal Navigation Courses.

Format
Two classroom sessions from 6:00 to 8:00pm held on Thursdays.