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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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