Ocean Theory and Long Distance Sailing

Book Overview

The first section is on world climate. It explains:

• the wind systems in the different oceans

• local winds in different parts of the world

• ocean currents

• how and where tropical revolving storms (typhoons / hurricanes / cyclones) are formed, and how to avoid them

This is the knowledge you need for route planning, i.e. where and when to sail.

The next section explains about ocean navigation. The navigation theory you have already learned still applies. However there are other things that you need to know for ocean passages:

• different chart projections that are better for showing great circle routes

• magnetic variation and deviation on long passages

• time zones and longitude

• satellite navigation systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo)

The section on astro navigation (using a sextant)takes a realistic, practical approach for navigators whose primary tool is GPS.

It is wise to have astro as a 'fall-back' option for position fixing if your electronic navigation fails, but realistically, most people will rarely if ever need to use it in earnest.

The book explains:

• the principles of astro navigation

• how to use a sextant to take sights.

• how to perform sight reduction using 'pencil and paper'. (It is assumed that if the GPS has failed, this is the surest option for a fall-back method.)

• method uses the 'concise tables' contained in The Nautical Almanac (the essential reference that you need to carry for any astro navigation). No other tables are needed.

• the book gives clear, step-by-step instructions, to make the process as easy as possible to follow.

• the book uses its own one-page astro navigation form, which can be downloaded here.

The following sections focus purely on the practical. First there is a section on preparing the yacht for long distance and long term cruising. This includes:

• sails and spares, downwind rig with two headsails

• self-steering

• electrical power generation and usage

• water making and storage

• general checks, spares and tools

Communication gets its own section. This will help you to select from the different options, which include:

• VHF radio: line-of-sight only

• mobile phone: coastal access

• HF SSB radio: talking to other vessels, weather fax, ship-to-shore telephone

• satellite telephone: phone and basic internet

• satellite broadband: top end solution

Passage making covers:

• planning for an ocean passage

• preparation (food, water, gas)

• on-passage routine: includes navigation tasks, and crew organisation and wellbeing

Heavy weather and storm tactics are also covered, in their own section.

Preparation for emergencies covers:

• medical/accident: prevention of accidents and medicines to carry

• other emergany scenarios: fire, flooding/sinking, structural failure of yacht, man overboard

• assistance and rescue

• survival

Purpose

Coastal

Ocean

Talking to
other vessels

  •  Line of sight: marine VHF radio
  •  Long range and 'nets': HF radio