Introduction to Coastal Navigation 

Join us for our first educational seminar of 2013, an Introduction to Coastal Navigation.  Navigation is defined simply as the science of establishing your boat's position and managing your progress through the water with a minimum of risk and a maximum of enjoyment.  Despite the widespread availability of GPS devices and smartphone applications, sailors must be able to establish their location and planned course using the traditional navigation tools:  nautical charts (maps), plotting tools, magnetic compasses, and, most importantly, your eyes.

Topics to be covered include reading nautical charts, understanding how to plot your position and course, dead reckoning, aids to navigation, keeping the ship’s log, and electronic navigation.  We’ll look at planning a simple voyage in southern Lake Michigan to help you gain awareness of boating hazards in the local sailing environment.

The seminar is free; you must register in advance to attend.  A social hour will follow the seminar.