Need to borrow a sextant

[doris]

I am doing the AZAB and am already hugely over budget. One of the requirements is to carry a sextant, something that I will hardly ever use again. Should anyone out there have one that they could lend me for June/July it would be terrific help and v. much appreciated. To anticipate the usual barrage, I do know how to use the damn thing!

 

[bedouin]

I notice that Compass24 will sell you a new one for £12.95.

Okay - so it's made of cardboard and about as much use as a chocolate teapot. But it is a sextant and so probably nominally fits within the rules.

 

[Opinionated]

Just don't get it wet!!

Use a nail in a board and a ruler, apply to Nige for instruction leaflet.

(I don't have to agree with YOUR opinions, but I'll defend your right to express them).

 

[chriscallender]

Davis Mk3 plastic one is about £45 new from eg Seamark Nunn and would be adequate for emergency navigation as well as waterproof!

Chris

 

[doris]

Many thanks

I did not realise that the Mk 3 was around still and £126 for the Mk 15 seemed money straight out the window. Who are Seamark Nunn by the way? I presume the Mk 3 will be available if I ring round the chandlers etc?

 

[Stingo]

Re: Many thanks

Mailspeed had them at the London Boat show. So did Kelvin Hughes.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.stingo.co.uk>http://www.stingo.co.uk</A> - now showing at a computer near you

 

[bedouin]

Re: Many thanks

Seamark Nunn are a chandler who sell on-line, I've used them in the past and they provide a good service. I've you're considering buying plastic then the Ebbco is worth a look - it has a good reputation (for plastic).

 

[aod]

No you don\'t!

Where in the rules does it say that?
It's a recommendation that you carry a sextant it's not compulsory.

What boat are you on so that we can follow your progress?

 

[doris]

The Chairman

I was chatting to Colin Drummond, the chairman of the Race Committee and he mentioned that although they do not scrutineer they did the odd boat a couple of races ago and found someone without a sextant. Rather than disqualify him they gave him a time penalty. It is in the rules somewhere. Suppose I had better go thru them a bit more

 

[bedouin]

Re: The Chairman

I wonder if the rules have changed. In the latest version of ORC special regs a sextant is only recommended rather than mandatory. However I think it is only recently that GPS became compulsory, so perhaps they changed the requirement for a sextant at the same time

 

[aod]

Re: The Chairman

Beduin is probably right. Two AZABs ago was 95 and a lot has changed since then but I have looked through the rules and I can't find a requirement that a sextant is a must have.
Save you some money and some angst by not having one. It's a fantastic race so good luck I sincerely hope that you do well and have a great time of it.

 

[Stingo]

Re: The Chairman

heard a strong rumour that you too are doing AZAB?. Oh yeh, wasn't a rumour because the words came right out of your mouth after pouring half a keg into your face... So have things changed?

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.stingo.co.uk>http://www.stingo.co.uk</A> - now showing at a computer near you

 

[Guest]

Oi ...... less of that !

Sahara desert
Calculator
Watch to GMT
Metre ruler
June 21 in the morning ......

Tell me your lat and long approx.

Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I only came - cos they said there was FREE Guinness !

 

[bedouin]

AZAB

Just over a year ago I had dreams of doing AZAB this year myself, but it wasn't to be - something to do with not being made redundant when I hoped. Anyway Doris seems so keen to enter that she'll be racing on two boats at the same time - now that will be a record!

 

[aod]

Re: The Chairman

Now now Stingo!

Don't be naughty! /forums/images/icons/frown.gif

 

[davidhand]

Re: Many thanks

West Marine catalog shows Mk lll as $37.99 and Mk 15 as $134.99. www.westmarine.com By the way what are they for.

 

[doris]

Input much appreciated.

You chaps are quite right, as usual, the thing is only reccomended but having now found out cheap a Mk3 can be maybe we will have one on board anyway. David Hand's suggestion of West Marine was a bit of an eye opener as it showed just how cheap everything is in the US compared with this county.
By the way Bedouin, good spot !

 

[Gordonmc]

Build your own.

Look in http://www.tecepe.com.br/nav/XTantProject.htm for info. Even tells you how to make one out of an old CD and bits og Lego. Honest!

 

[bedouin]

Re: Input much appreciated.

Be warned - westmarine prices are not quite as cheap as they seem. If shipping it over to the UK you have to add VAT, duty and a handling charge - approximate $1=£1, but you might still get a shock on small orders.

 

[doris]

US prices

I quite agree about the hidden extras if one buys on line and has it sent over but if one is over there with a suitcase...............Also I am simply jealous of the ability of those living out there to buy things so much cheaper.