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02 June 2008
Position 0900 UT LAT 38.13.3 N LONG 47.24.6 Course.090T wind S 3 Speed 6knts I have had queries on the distance table and asking if we can show the true course etc Without trying to baffle the reader with science I must explain something as simply as poss. When you look at a chart of Atlantic you are seeing a flat surface and the distances between two points is a straight line. On a Mercator projection this is fine but to navigate the shortest distance over such a great mileage on a globe the Gnomonic projection is the chart we have to use. What looks like a shorter distance is in fact longer. We have to navigate a great circle or part thereof to get to the point we need to be at in the shortest time/distance. Suggest if you find this concept difficult to grasp that you attend my annual lectures on Navigation. Alternatively "Google" it and see what comes up. This is the reason I have found it difficult to give you the "simple" answer to your questions. I am trying to be as clear as possible to the un-initiated but it is not as straight forward as you would like it to be. Be patient it is coming together. A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes to keep the boat on course! Regards George | ![]() ![]() |
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