In 1980, I navigated a small sailing boat for 1500 kms using charts and stars. Despite a number of mishaps, we reached our destination, Townsville. This requires knowledge of wind, tide, current, and waves. No GPS, no radar, no radio.
Navigation under the stars
We would study the charts. There was a lot of sailing at night under the stars. The main constellations for navigation were Orion, Southern Cross, and the Seven Sisters (Pleides) in the nor-east heaven . It’s not easy, especially in fog. Car and house lights on shore were very confusing. At one point , we ran aground and damaged our rudder. We had to take refuge at Airlie Beach until we could get a new gudgeon part.
More people should try sailing by the stars. It places you in better proximity to the world.
Only, don’t do it in summer. The oceans get angry in summer.
Ian Curr
22 March 2025
Too true