Navigation Books

Longitude

Dava Sobel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 264 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Genuinely great story, but BEWARE of some inaccuracies in this book. 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 4 people found this review helpful.

John Harrison completes his first pendulum clock in 1713 before the age of 20. He made the gears for this out of wood which was radical for such a use, but as a carpenter, perhaps not to him---which is a mark of genius, I'd say; to reach beyond accepted norms in this manner. This he did after borrowing a book on math and the laws of motion; which he copied word for word, making his own copy. He incorporated different varieties of wood into his clock for strength and later invented a bi-metal pendulum to counteract the expansion and compression of various individual metals. He also employed friction-free movements so as to do away with problematic lubricants. When intrigued by the puzzle of time at sea and the issue of longitude he contemplated substituting something not prone to gravity, as a pendulum of course is, to track times passing. In 1737 he creates a cantilevered clock 4 foot square. This the longitude board (which had offered a cash bonus to anyone who could devise a method in which time at sea could be kept) admired. Four years later he returns with an improved model; then starts on a 3rd model, like the previous two, also a fairly large sized clock.But there exists a problem within this book: An artisan freemason by the name of John Jefferys at the Worshipful Company of clockmakers befriends Harrison and then later presents to him a pocket watch in 1753. Then in 1755, while still working on his 3rd model, Harrison says this to the Longitude board: I have..."good reason to think" on the basis of a watch "already executed that such small machines[he's referring to pocket watches] may be of great service with respect to longitude." He then completes version 3 in 1759. His fourth version appears just a year later, however, and is a 5 inch wide pocket watch! The obvious inference made by the author is that after he received the pocket watch from Jeffreys he seemingly put his version #3 on the back burner and soon started on the pocket watch 4th version. The author does not claim Harrison copied anything from the Jeffreys model, but she certainly phrases this section so as to lend one to believe that this may have been the case; that Jefferys had a hand in the masterstroke invention Harrison eventually produced in version #4. This is not true. Harrison commissioned the watch he received from Jeffreys and was based on Harrison's specifications. It seems that Harrison simply asked Jeffreys to test an idea which he himself hadn't the time to attack just then; as he was still working on his 3rd version of a table-top prototype clock. Hence Harrison's above statement to the board in 1755 whence his ideas were validated by Jeffreys. In addition, the author plays up the part of the Astronomer Royal's part in attempting to impede Harrison from convincing the longitude board of the efficacy of a time-piece solution to this problem over a celestial answer to this conundrum. The author also jazzes up the issue of whether Harrison received the prize the board promised to pay for a successful solution herein; even though the board supported him for upwards of 20 years as he pursued this quest. It's as if the author intentionally omitted some facts (that the Jefferys was a Harrison commission), and pumped up others (of a rival/foil on the board trying to impede Harrison and the compensation issue; implying that Harrison was jipped) just to make the story more compelling. John Harrison's story, however, is extremely compelling as it is and didn't need this extra spice served up by the author.Do read this (very short) book on how this Mr. Harrison solved the problem of knowing where one is when at sea; and if you're in London, visit the Old Royal Observatory and the Clockmakers museum (in the Guildhall) where you can see Harrison's wonderful creations in person. Enjoy!

Editorial Review:

During the great ages of exploration, "the longitude problem" was the gravest of all scientific challenges. Lacking the ability to determine their longitude, sailors were literally lost at sea as soon as they lost sight of land. Ships ran aground on rocky shores; those traveling well-known routes were easy prey to pirates.

In 1714, England's Parliament offered a huge reward to anyone whose method of measuring longitude could be proven successful. The scientific establishment--from Galileo to Sir Isaac Newton--had mapped the heavens in its certainty of a celestial answer. In stark contrast, one man, John Harrison, dared to imagine a mechanical solution--a clock that would keep precise time at sea, something no clock had been able to do on land. And the race was on....

World Cruising Routes, 4th Edition

Jimmy Cornell

List Price: $49.95 By: International Marine Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 13 new & used starting at $19.36

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

World Cruising Routes 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

When planning a circumnavigation one has three choices: 1) Do not plan and accept the extreme dangers of circumnavigation; 2) take a year or more and plan using all available nautical publications, charts, electronic navigation systems; and 3) read and use the outstanding information provided in "World Cruising Routes." This publication will save you time and more important provide excellent tips for short and long passages across the oceans of the world. Cornell has taken the time to consolidate information and plot the important way-points for us.

The most important advice given is the timing of transits. Cornell identifies the risks and the pleasures of circumnavition and avoiding weather disasters. Thanks to Mr. Cornell, sailors who venture forth on the oceans will be safer and more comfortable at sea.

Editorial Review:

This updated comprehensive cruising guide to all the world's oceans is a valuable reference for cruising sailors and armchair dreamers. More than 500 sailing routes are detailed, including 40 new routes to such high-latitude destinations as Scandinavia, Iceland, Greenland, Alaska, and Antarctica. The book includes 64 pages of 2-color maps, updated Gps coordinates for navigation, and route-by-route descriptions of weather and hazards.

How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts

Nigel Calder

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press Amazon Marketplace: 44 new & used starting at $8.90

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The best handbook on chart usage, from one of the most trusted names in boating

In 2000, the U.S. government ceased publication of Chart No. 1, the invaluable little book that generations of mariners have consulted to make sense of the complex system of signs, symbols, and graphic elements used in nautical charts. Now Chart No. 1 is not just reborn but expanded and improved in How to Read a Nautical Chart. The demand for a book like this has never been greater.

Arranged and edited by Nigel Calder, one of today's most respected boating authors, --and containing four-color illustrations throughout,-- How to Read a Nautical Chart presents a number of original features that help readers make optimum use of the data found in Chart No. 1, including a more intuitive format, crucial background information, international chart symbol equivalents, electronic chart symbology, and thorough explanations of the practical aspects of nautical chart reading.

Navigation Rules

US Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, John M. Morehouse

Amazon Price: $8.76 List Price: $10.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Paradise Cay Publications Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $6.24

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Nav Rules of the Road 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I was looking for the latest copy of the Rules of the Road and I found them; exactly what I wanted. This is a must-have for Navigators, Naval deck watchstanders and 3rd Mates.

Sailing with the best 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Navigation Rules is a must have for any responsible boater. Until licences for boat "drivers' becomes a law, every one must take responsibility for following the rules. Navigation Rules makes this an easy task. It's clear and concise with excellent cross referencing. A must read!

Editorial Review:

This book contains a complete copy of the Inland and International Navigation Rules as presented by the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard requires that an up-to-date copy such as this one be carried on all vessels 12 meters (39 feet) or more in length at all times. We frequently update this title for corrections presented in Notice to Mariners. We have also included detailed instructions on how to log on to the NIMA website to update your Nav Rules. We have added an annotated table of contents to help the reader find the rule they seek, no such feature is found in the government edition.

Cruising Guide to the Virgin Islands, 13th ed

Nancy Scott; Simon Scott

Amazon Price: $19.77 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Cruising Guide Publications Amazon Marketplace: 17 new & used starting at $14.99

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Not very in depth guide 2 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This guide only gives basic information about cruising the Virgin Islands. It's not much better than the free guides that are given out and supported entirely by ads. It only gives information on islands where a commercial interest has supported the write up. It only gives a mention of islands or anchorages where some one is collecting a fee, so if there is a secluded spot that is free you won't read about it here. It doesn't provide any critique on establishments so you won't know if you are walking into the best restaurant on the island or a complete dump. I don't know if there are better guides for the Virgin Islands but it is a poor example of a cruising guide.

Editorial Review:

Completely revised and updated with full color sketch charts, these guides have been indispensable companions for sailors and visitors to these islands since 1982. Includes a free 17" x 27" color planning chart covering the Virgin Islands from St. Thomas to Anegada. Anchoring and mooring information and fees. Customs, immigration and National Parks regulations. Particulars on marina facilities and the amenities they offer. Water sports - where to go and where to rent equipment. Shore-side facilities, restaurants, beach bars, shops, provisions, Internet connections. Alphabetical - by island - Directory of goods and services. Everything you will need to help make your vacation an enjoyable and memorable experience in a concise easy-to-use format.

The Marlinspike Sailor

Hervey Garrett Smith

List Price: $15.95 By: International Marine Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 6 new & used starting at $13.00

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Very out dated 2 out of 5 stars.
1 of 9 people found this review helpful.

With the exception of some pages that have been added in the back on braided rope this book is horribly outdated. The newer section is just reprints from Sampson rope splices which are available on the web. Unless you are restoring an old square masted sailing craft don't bother.

Editorial Review:

Hervey Garrett Smith was the foremost marine illustrator of the 1950s and 1960s, and his wonderful drawings of traditional ropework quickly propelled The Marlinspike Sailor to cult classic status when it was published in 1956. With the addition of a section on modern, synthetic rope in the 1970s, its popularity has continued undiminished to this day. It teaches a few basic knots--the bowline, sheet bend, and rolling hitch, among others--and splices in three-strand and braided rope. But its real business is decorative rope and canvaswork--the traditional arts of the sailor--and here it has no equal. For a rope mat, a rope ladder, a sea chest, a ditty bag, a canvas bucket, a mast boot, and the best-looking rope fenders or heaving line in the marina, this is the book of choice.

Celestial Navigation for Yachtsmen

Mary Blewitt

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

There is deep mystery and profound satisfaction in finding your position on earth by reference to the sun, moon, and stars--not to mention profound relief when the GPS receiver stops working in mid-passage. That is why knowledge of celestial navigation is still a rite of initiation, and its practice still a favorite pastime among serious cruisers..

That this edition of Celestial Navigation for Yachtsmen should appear 44 years after the first British edition and 27 years after its first publication in the U.S. is eloquent testimony to the author's clear, concise explanation of a difficult skill. Through those years, Celestial Navigation for Yachtsmen has been the best-known, best-loved primer on the subject throughout the English-speaking world. It successfully teaches sailors who have been demoralized by bigger books. It remains "the famous little book" on celestial navigation..

Among other changes, this edition substitutes the Nautical Almanac for the Air Almanac, discusses the "short" tables based on H.O. 211, expands the discussion in a few areas, fine-tunes it in others, and shows how to advance a line of position for a running fix from sun sights. The only mathematics involved are straightforward addition and subtraction..

Celestial Navigation for Yachtsmen has spawned many imitators over the years, but it's still the best--with this new edition more than ever..

The American Practical Navigator: "Bowditch"

Nathaniel Bowditch

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

This is a new edition of The American Practical Navigator, "Bowditch," offered by Celestaire and Paradise Cay Publications. This new edition is the most recent update of Bowditch, the definitive work on navigation.

Nathanial Bowditch first published this encyclopedic work in 1802. During the last two centuries over 75 editions, almost 1,000,000 copies, of Bowditch have been published by the US Government. It has lived because it has combined the best technologies of each generation of navigator. This new Bicentennial Edition includes the latest advances in electronic navigation and digital charting technology. It also covers nonelectronic navigation such as celestial, plotting and dead reckoning. Bowditch contains numerous tables which have been valued for years by practicing navigators.

Bowditch is carried on the bridge of every U.S. Navy ship and should be the mainstay of any serious navigator’s library. Paradise Cay and Celestaire’s commercial edition of Bowditch is a complete copy of the latest Government edition.

Basic Keelboat (U.S. Sailing Certification) (U.S. Sailing Certification)

Monk Henry

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: U.S. Sailing Association Amazon Marketplace: 69 new & used starting at $2.58

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Used by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This was a great book to learn from. It made the whole learning to sail process easy.

Great Illustrations, but feels incomplete 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The illustrations in this book really are outstanding; especially compared to the ASA Sailing Fundamentals book. However, the Sailing Fundamentals book is more complete when it comes to regulations and safety. I recommend using both books.

Nice primer 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a compact book with lots of diagrams. Makes for a nice complement to a beginner's keelboat sailing course. More detailed information can be found in the Colgates' "Fast Track to Cruising."

Nice intro to sailing 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Geared toward adult new sailors. Not a bad book at all...

Pefect Primer for the Beginning Sailor 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I purchased this book with the intention of using it as a study guide for SailNY course in Basic Keelboat. The book told me all of the basic information I needed to be ready to intelligently discuss and put into practice basic knowledge about the parts of a boat, the parts of a sail, points of sail, rigging, water safety and rules of the "road."

I recommend this book for any beginning sailor. I was learning on old olympic racing boats with a jib and a mainsail, which were very responsive, so if I could learn what I needed, this book should be appropriate for smaller, slower craft without a doubt.

Editorial Review:

Although sailing is an enjoyable passion, it is also a challenging and dangerous sport. Therefore, safety is of paramount importance. This book covers the skills you will need for safety at sea.

Cruising Fundamentals

Harry Munns

List Price: $19.95 By: Intl Marine Pub Amazon Marketplace: 21 new & used starting at $2.24

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Cruising Fundamentals provides the tools necessary to make the transition from basic sailing to competent coastal cruising. Sailors interested in learning how to sail and live aboard a 30 foot to 50 foot auxiliary-powered sailboat will find a wealth of practical skills in this book, from simple instruction on plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems to navigation, weather prediction, and anchoring techniques.

Cruising Fundamentals is the official American Sailing Association guide to intermediate coastal cruising and bareboat chartering. Sailing schools, yacht clubs, and other educational institutions throughout North America use this book as a text and indispensable resource in their teaching. Unlike other books on similar subjects, Cruising Fundamentals presents material in a chronology that has proven effective with thousands of developing sailors. Readers progress from "Getting Acquainted" to "Getting Familiar," "The Voyage," "Arrival and Living Aboard," and finally "Emergencies and Trouble Shooting." Each of the first four sections has review questions to help sailors evaluate their comprehension. Cruising Fundamentals is more than a book; it is a complete course that can benefit any sailor who desires to enter the exciting world of sailboat cruising.