As mentioned in previous blogs, Will is working towards his RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certificate and is using the time on Boni Venti to perfect his celestial navigation and sextant sightings to determine our position through the time honoured method! This involves taking sightings at sunrise, midday and in the afternoon (close to sunset) and then using tables to determine our position. Will in action on the coach roof – see below!
In a similar vein both Will and I have just finished reading the book Longitude by Dava Sobel which traces the history of the discovery of the method of calculating longitude through the development of a horological timepiece by John Harrison in the 18th century, which could be taken on ships to determine the time away from home port, which is a fundamental component in the calculation of longitude. A great book which focuses on the human side of the competitors to solve the longitude problem rather than the technical issues. Big thanks to Tom Bliss for giving me the book for ARC reading!
Squalls last night really affected the wind, and although we managed to avoid sailing through the middle of the squall, the change in the wind direction brought about by the rain within the squall was significant. Further squalls today with some light rain, which helps to defuse the humidity. The wind hasn’t been as strong as forecast today which has been disappointing – speed over ground between 3.5-6 kts, with better wind when the squalls are close by.
Looking forward to the wind filling in tomorrow.
Au revoir
Jonathan.
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