August 15, 2008
The GPS Broke. Now What?
If you lose your electronic advantage, taking a running fix will help you know where you are and where you're headed. "Hands-On Sailor" from our July 2008 issue
TIPS and TRICKS
➤ When your GPS is working, keep an eye on your speed and see how it compares with the speed indicated by your knotmeter. This will help you to better estimate your speed should the GPS go down. To assist you in making your estimate, look over the side and notice how the water appears at the speed you're going.
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➤ When measuring speed and distance, remember that 1 minute of latitude equals 1 nautical mile. Remember, too, that the latitude scale is the one on either side of the chart, not the one that's above or below. That's the
longitude scale.
➤ To determine how far you've sailed or your speed, remember this formula: Distance = Speed x Time, with time measured in hours and tenths of hours.
Andrew Burton, a CW associate editor, learned coastal navigation from his father on cruises in the Pacific Northwest.
