Traditional Yacht Navigation- The Essential Handbook for Sailors

by Media Services on 16 May 2011 This new book combines two of Jeff Toghill’s most popular books - Coastal Navigation and Celestial Navigation - making this the essential handbook about small-boat navigation.

Using numerous charts, diagrams and photographs, Jeff Toghill explains the naval chart, how to use a marine compass and all the details of coastal sailing, including:

• Lights and lighthouses
• Planning the voyage and plotting the track
• Understanding winds and currents, tides and streams
• The harbour pilotage system
• Weather and weather forecasting
The complex subject of celestial navigation is made simple enough
for even the most nonmathematical sailor, with details on:
• Plotting position by sun, planets and stars
• Related navigational routines, such as checking the compass by
using heavenly objects
• Taking radio time signals
• Adjusting the sextant for day-to-day corrections.

Most small boats are fitted with electronic navigation systems. But electronic gear is notoriously problematic in a damp or wet atmosphere and in the sometimes hazardous environment of a big seaway. Depending on their accuracy in such conditions can lead to life-threatening situations.

With traditional navigation systems using compass and sextant, these problems do not arise – so a skilled navigator needs to be familiar with both systems. The book deals with electronic navigation, but covers the basic aspects of the traditional systems in depth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Toghill is a graduate of the School of Navigation, Southhampton University and has travelled the world as a navigating officer on board a variety of ships. He has conducted schools of sailing and navigation in Sydney for more than 25 years. Jeff is now an advisor and expert witness in maritime litigation, and has written more than 60 books, most of which relate to yachting and other maritime activities. RRP $24.95 New Holland.