Table of Contents
Introduction vii
Chapter 1 Position Fixing Systems 1
Some Thoughts 1
The Global Positioning System 2
Using the GPS 6
Chapter 2 Instrument Systems 15
Stand-Alone Equipment versus Integrated Systems 15
The Wind Triangle and some Nomenclature 16
Chapter 3 Setting Up an Instrument System 23
Some Comments on the Calibration Process 23
Calibration of the Compass 25
Calibration of the Boat Speed 26
Calibration of the Apparent Wind Speed and Angle 27
Calibration of the Depth 34
Calibration of the Heel Angle Gauge 35
Calibration of Leeway 35
Calibration of the True or Sailing Wind 37
Don't Panic!! 45
Damping - High or Low? 46
Chapter 4 Some Instrument Techniques 49
Start Lines and Wind Shifts 49
Heel Angle or Wind Speed? 54
Anticipation 55
Chapter 5 Polar Tables and Where They Come From 57
What are Polar Tables? 57
Polar Table Accuracy 59
Velocity Prediction Programmes 60
Velocity Made Good and Target Boat Speeds 61
Data Collection and Performance Analysis 64
Chapter 6 Instrument Techniques using the Polar Table 71
Next Leg Calculations 71
Velocity Made Good to the Course: VMC 73
Weather and Current Routing 80
Appendix A A Quick Guide to Calibration 83
Appendix B General Maintenance 89
Appendix C Calibration Records 91