Celestial Navigation for Yachtsmen

by Mary Blewitt

The 13th edition of this bestselling book is proof of the success of Mary Blewitt's concise and clear style in explaining a particularly difficult skill, and it has been the bible for many generations of ocean navigators. Since this book was first published, the huge advances in electronic navigation have transported most offshore navigators to a world of press-button convenience. However, there is still a vital need for traditional skills when things go batteries can fail, aerials go overboard, and electronics have been known to get wet. A bestseller for over 65 years, Celestial Navigation for Yachtsmen is a model of simplicity and clarity. The worked examples require only straightforward addition and subtraction, which explains why this book has truly earned its reputation for admirable conciseness and for making a tricky subject easy to understand.This edition has been thoroughly revised by Andy Du Port, the highly respected ex-editor of Reeds Almanacs.'The "bible" of navigation for generations of yachtsmen... worth its weight in gold' Sailing

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Maritime

109 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1950

Reviews

[Efsun Ecem]

Celestial navigation has long been intriguing to me. I was simply curious about it and learning it had been crossing my good mind now and then. Indeed, when I first came across this concise guide in the depths of an almost dispersed flea market, the title immediately inclined my stolid nature (i am embarrassed to say) to romance. After all, the reference was to the sun, t’was to the moon and the stars, wasn't it? This thought quickly proved to be insufficient and foolish enough as my engrossed mind was carried away from the technical details of it. how could I possibly neglect its mathematical aspect? what did I expect? to have some answers to the confusion I had, I decided to consult the situation to a friend who is capable of performing at least the basics of this art. he said “is it because men are great and women are shit?” I wasn’t expecting this. could it be so, I thought, as I slowly paved the way to the kitchen. this was four days ago. I haven’t left the kitchen ever since.

[Numidica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent practical guide and description of celestial navigation. Probably the best out there, though William F. Buckley's chapter on the subject in his book Airborne is a very good supplement.

[Jude Pickford · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant book, clear and helpful- though I would recommend making notes as you go and following the example exercises

[Tegan]

A great guide for the theory and practice of using a sextant for celestial navigation. 🤯 I am going to have to come back to this book as I practice.