Celestial Navigation
in a Nutshell
By Hewitt Schlereth
128 pp. Line drawings. July 2000. Paperback. $16.95
ISBN 978 1 57409 058 1
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Practical considerations aside, there is something soul-satisfying about looking to the sky when plotting one's course. And despite the proliferation of electronic devices, celestial navigation remains an essential tool for those who do not wish to be caught short when modern technology fails.
In this easy-to-use guide, Hewitt Schlereth explains clearly and concisely how to navigate any stretch of sea using only a handheld sextant, a watch, a plotting sheet, and a copy of the Nautical Almanac. The basic process is simple: take a sight with a sextant, establish a secondary reference or “benchmark sight,” compare the two sights, and plot the result of that comparison on a chart. Schlereth demonstrates how to take a sight by the sun, moon, stars, and even planets. Along the way, he discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The reader is taken carefully through many examples and situational illustrations, making this an extremely effective self-teaching guide.
“…written in clear, concise language that makes it very easy to follow.” —Sailing
“…essential for the inevitable day when the electronics give out.” —WoodenBoat
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About the Author:
Hewitt Schlereth is an accomplished sailor who has written several books on navigation, including Commonsense Coastal Navigation and Latitude and Longitude by Noon Sight. He is also a frequent contributor to Cruising World magazine. He currently resides in Milford, Connecticut.