Sailing Navigational Tools
These are the tools you will need to navigate the waters while you are sailing. Having all these tools will help you immensely in your travels, especially if you are sailing at night or are sailing in waters you are not familiar with. Remember to always let someone on land know where you are going to go and at what time you should be back for obvious reasons.
The first thing you need is a compass and no how to read one. This is probably the most important navigational tool you can carry with you and you should carry with one you at all times while sailing. It will help you direct your course. I also highly recommend investing in a computerized charting system.
Technology has made it super simple to use charts this way. You can still use old fashioned charts and you should use them as backup in case you lose power, but this is a tool you must have. You should be however able to use both electronic and old fashioned paper charts as well.
A GPS device is also something else you should have. A GPS or Global Positioning System is a collection of satellites that calculate your exact position on earth. It's highly accurate. There are many different types of marine GPS systems you can buy and they won't break the bank either.
The next thing you need is plotting equipment so you can plot your progress on your paper charts. You will need a chart table, dividers to measure the distances on your paper charts, a parallel ruler or two and of course pencils for marking your plots. You should also keep a sailors log.
These are probably all the basic sailing tools your need for navigation. There are other devices out there that will make navigating a breeze so I highly suggest you go down to your local marine store and ask for some advice.
Featured Sailing Articles
Basic Sailing ClassesSailing classes are the ideal way to get started learning how to sail if you do not have any previous experience. Not many of us are fortunate enough to know an expert sailor who would be willing to teach us everything we need to know about the sport.
Sailboat Storage And PreparationIn the winter months most people start beginning to store their pride and joy sailboat. It really does not take a lot of effort, but it's something that must be done to keep it right for the next spring.
Buying A Used SailboatBuying a boat is the dream of many red blooded men. You can either really enjoy the experience or spend time with your new purchase and regret it everyday! In this article I am going to talk about everything you need to know about buying a used boat and not get ripped off.
Yachting BasicsYachts or more correctly yachting is a very popular form of boating. Yachts come in two ways. Sailing yachts or yachts powered by motors. Yachts have gone from basic designs to having some of the most decadent luxury you could imagine.
Sailing AdventuresSailing aficionados feel that taking a trip on a boat is both magical and relaxing. There is no better way of taking a vacation than sailing from one island to another.