Yachtmaster theory - refresher?

[bedouin]

The current threads on the YM theory course make me wonder. It is now 10 years since I did it and I wonder if there is benefit in taking it again as a refresher.

I'm particularly thinking about the impact GPS has had on navigation - it was hardly mentioned in my course but now it is my main source of navigation information. I don't think I've done a 3 point fix, or plotted an EP, in "anger" since I installed GPS.

 

[Talbot]

tut - surely not! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif This is a bit reminiscent of the threads about the benefits of astro.

 

[StugeronSteve]

I got the urge to do a few 3pt fixes and EPs on holiday. It's frightening how far the GPS can be out. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[alant]

I don't think I've done a 3 point fix, or plotted an EP, in "anger" since I installed GPS.
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Why not combine both & use your GPS to allow you to plot a '3 point fix' on a paper chart!

Use your 'goto' to selected waypoints & plot bearings (already in degrees true). Much easier than plotting Lat/Long in a bouncing boat.

PS - GPS is now included in CS/YM Theory course

 

[oceanfroggie]

Hi Alan, that's what I do with the Garmin just move the cursor to the land feature and read off the magnetic bearing and distance, much easier than long and lat, I agree, especially when bouncing around.

 

[PeterStone]

I agree - a refresher would be very useful. As I said on the other thread, I've become very casual in my navigation since getting GPS though I suppose a little self imposed discipline would soon sharpen up my skills again.

As it stands at the moment, I know I'd fail a YM practical and that's very galling for someone who once found great pleasure in navigating safely across the Thames estuary with the absolute minimum of nav aids.

Mind you, I've always belonged to the Miles Smeeton school of navigation and plotted battleship courses.