NAVIGATION HISTORY, APPLICATION and FUN WITH THE SUN

About the Book

This book was created as a result of much frustration, while attempting to read and understand navigation HOW-TO books. While attempting to decipher the material, I would become lost, unable to comprehend what the author was describing and how I got there. Eventually I was able to create drawings which brought all the confusing details into focus. The result, everything finally made sense. You could think of this as a primer, once you have grasped my simplifications, you are equipped to comprehend the more detailed writings of the experts While working through the details it became clear that NAVIGATION HISTORY would not only be interesting and helpful, but would also tie everything together. I have been obsessed with the early Portuguese navigators and how their pilots managed obtain positions, ever since I sat alone in the cockpit, out on the high seas. Inside this manuscript are revealed the secret methods, “STATE SECRETS”, that they used to locate themselves, far beyond any reference from land. As an additional topic of interest, I have provided the reader with detailed instructions, that describe how to create a sundial, which mounts on a birdbath. This amazing device is not only able to keep accurate time, but also allows the builder to track and record the annual figure 8 ANALEEMA.

About the Author

Read is a curious retired engineer, always seeking to understand this world. He has been obsessed with the early navigators, the instruments they used, and how they mysteriously managed to find their way on the high seas, far from any land. In addition, he has developed innovative ways to help others understand the art and science of offshore navigation. Beyond this, he has created a birdbath mounted sundial that not only keeps accurate time, but allows the owner to record the figure 8 analemma and other celestial events.