Setting the scene A ship leaves New York, USA, bound for Brest, France. Assuming it takes the shortest route, what will be its departure course? If it is sailing at 15 knots, how long will it take to reach Brest? The coordinates of the two ports are known (below). City...
This short text describes two particular cases of navigation lights that have come to my attention in recent days. Both are in situations of reduced visibility, or at night. I found the examples interesting because they reveal parts of the navigation lights conventions that are less well known. Three red...
Navigation is about getting from point A to point B in a safe and fun manner. 8 fundamental concepts of arithmetic are required to do so. Read them here.
Here are four advanced coastal navigation techniques. The first of the four is of practical use. The last three would require a lot of on-board systems to be broken to make them a real-life use case. On the other hand, some of them can be found in the RYA or...
The passage between Gaspé and Nova Scotia is relatively easy via the Magdalen Islands. If you’re keen to gain offshore experience, this is an excellent passage. You must learn how to sail without landmarks… and at night. Gaspé, the Islands and Chéticamp Jean-du-Sud ‘s stay in Gaspé was a compromise...
With Bastian Raulier and Zac Harie. Fancy a sailboat cruise on the river? Tired of high marina fees? Want to get away without (too) many neighbors? Here are fifteen anchorages, illustrated in a summary map at the end of the text, to help you plan your stops and nights on...
Royal Yachting Association The RYA Yachtmaster Ocean is experienced and competent to skipper a yacht on passages of any length in all parts of the world. Introduction The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster Ocean is the last tier of the Yachtmaster program. In the sailing industry, it is one of...
Navionics makes serious errors with the St-Lawrence currents. The Observatoire Général sur le St-Laurent’s forecast provide better information.
We left Quebec City in mid-July, stopped for a few days at l’Anse St-Jean, then headed down to Gaspé with the weather. Three weeks later, we are moored in Gaspé for a few days. If you ever think of doing the same trip, here is what to expect and how...
In celestial navigation, you can avoid a 500-page document if you know two mathematical formulas… and have a calculator.
