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This is from a discussion we have been having on a British forum where I believe they are far more traditional. It would be good to get the views of others sailing.
I said that the ships compass for us is basically a weapon of last resort and has been downgraded to a back up if all else fails rather than a primary means of navigation.
With the type of sailing we do then the chart plotter, GPS, radar and auto pilot are far more use to us than a ships compass.
I cannot remember the last time I actually hand steered a course by compass alone.
Please don't get me wrong. I think having a ships compass and being able to navigate by traditional methods is essential.
It is that with the type of sailing we do the electronics are far more useful and make sailing far easier.
The question is ... Is the ships compass still the primary means of navigation to you or is it a back up should all else fail.?
I said that the ships compass for us is basically a weapon of last resort and has been downgraded to a back up if all else fails rather than a primary means of navigation.
With the type of sailing we do then the chart plotter, GPS, radar and auto pilot are far more use to us than a ships compass.
I cannot remember the last time I actually hand steered a course by compass alone.
Please don't get me wrong. I think having a ships compass and being able to navigate by traditional methods is essential.
It is that with the type of sailing we do the electronics are far more useful and make sailing far easier.
The question is ... Is the ships compass still the primary means of navigation to you or is it a back up should all else fail.?