A good knowledge of navigation is a must for any cruising sailor. One must know where one is and how to get to one’s destination along with the expected travel time it will take.
Knowing where one is can be determined by plotting a fix based on two or more bearings (three or more are preferable) and by the use of navigational aids. Once you have located your position on the chart you can now draw a straight line between your current position and your final destination. This line can be used as your track, or as your rhumb line if wind conditions do not permit you to sail directly toward your destination.
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