A Conversation for Using the Sun to Orient Yourself
US Naval Academy
Steve K. Started conversation Apr 4, 2002
I read a few years back that the US Naval Academy (Annapolis, the training University for Naval officers) dropped its requirement for celestial navigation. I realize this is beyond the scope of the entry, but as an (amateur) sailor, who has tried his hand at navigation, I thought it was interesting. I have recently purchased a GPS device, which works perfectly.
A footnote, the Naval Academy surveyed the ship's captains to determine what skills they wanted in their new officers. The overwhelming response was communication - writing in particular. Apparently the US Navy knows where it is - where it's going is the question.
US Naval Academy
phanakapan Posted Apr 5, 2002
I agree a gps works well, I use one as an amateur sailor too- but when I used one in the Ionian isles in Greece it put my yacht on top of a mountain! You have to have accurate charts too....
US Naval Academy
Steve K. Posted Apr 8, 2002
There is a very funny paperback book titled "Sailing: A Sailor's Dictionary". Under "Small Craft Warnings" they list several, like "Is there supposed to be water in these drawers down here?" The comment on charts reminded me of another: "You'd think an island this big would be on the chart." 
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US Naval Academy
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