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Written by Dave
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Sunday, 08 June 2008 18:30 |
The Barefoot Navigator: Navigating with the Skills of the Ancients
by Jack Lagan
As a teen growing up in Hawai'i, tales of ancient Polynesian sailors migrating across the Pacific were part of the culture. The skills and techniques used by these early sailors were less evident. Lagan's book, The Barefoot Navigator begins with a discussion of their techniques before exploring other ancient navigators; Norse, Chinese, and Arab.
Lagan's premise is that modern sailors are too dependent on electronic navigation tools
and that those tools are subject to failure. In contrast the movement of sun and stars, ocean currents, and weather patterns have remained consistent for eons. The prudent sailor will know how to use natural patterns to safely navigate when electronics fail.
By following the historical development of navigational techniques, Lagan introduces complex topics in a simple, easy to understand manner. Along the way he shows how ancients used primitive navigation tools to find their way across oceans and deserts. Lagan instructs the sailor on building and using these tools built of string, sticks, and hands and fingers.
An evening or two spent with The Barefoot Navigator will yield a wealth of knowledge of interest to any sailor, knowledge that might just help you reach your destination.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 10 July 2008 11:27 |
http://www.naturalnavigator.com