Navigating SoCal waters without getting wet

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James Hendrick in Nav class

Three intrepid sailors – Pam Malpartida, James Hendrick and Sandy Golden – now know why their GPS is so important. They have just completed ASA 105 Coastal Navigation with Capt. Dan at the Anacapa Yacht Club. They’ve tried their hand (dividers, protractor and roll plotter) at charting fixes, calculating set and drift and have dealt with the most arcane tide table ever published.

 
 
 
Pam

This is not an easy course and, though most us have GPS and chart plotter on our boats, there are navigation requirements that are not easily done electronically. Foremost is planning extended cruises.

The argument for taking this course that you usually hear is that you’ll need these skills when the GPS satellite fails. That would be true, but it is a rare occurrence. There are two other reasons – it’s the most effective way to plan at home and, second, safety issues such as calculating and adhering to a danger bearing aren’t built into your GPS.

If you’re interested in taking ASA 105, let us know. 805.750.7828.

Sandy

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About Capt. Dan

Capt. Dan is an American Sailing Association certified instructor and runs a sail charter operation in Southern California. I'm particularly interested in sailing (obviously) and ecology issues, particularly those affecting the Channel Islands here in Southern California

4 thoughts on “Navigating SoCal waters without getting wet”

  1. Thanks Pam, James, Sandy & John for making my first teacher’s aid experience a fun one. You all did a great job and you should be proud of yourselves.

    Captain Dan, thank you for the opportunity to assist you. I have a newfound admiration for teachers.

    See you all on the water.

    Sincerely,
    Rob Walton

  2. Nope, it’s not any easy course; definitely calls all of the dormant brain cells into action. But even in the GPS era, I still think it’s pretty cool to know that stuff. Congrats to you all, and double congrats for dealing with the added component of Rob as a TA… :-)

    RB

  3. Mr. Bush Sir,

    We all know that Rob can’t find his stern with both hands and a handheld compass. The only reason he helped the Captain is because someday he plans a hostile takeover of SCI. Mumms the word…actually, GROUSE is the word.

    Cheers,
    Shirly Ujest