How-to
Lesson: 7
Visual Navigation
Captain Forrest Hardy
First Reef Sailing
Visual navigation requires teamwork and communication.
Visual Navigation
Visual navigation, or using just the chart and our eyes to navigate, is critical when tacking upwind through a narrow passage.
During our ASA 103 course, we did tons of tacking and gybing with students taking turns navigating around some tricky waters. Navigator Chris and helmsman Bidur did a great job with a ton of communication between them.
Critical Points of Visual Navigation
Always scan the horizon for landmarks and obstacles.
There should be constant communication between the helmsman who is sailing and the navigator, especially when the wind shifts and the heading of the boat has to change.
The navigator needs to avoid getting tunnel vision and only looking at the chart. It’s important to keep your head out of the boat and stay one tack ahead of your current position.
Try using two objects that you can see on the chart and also in real life to get a sense of scale for the chart.
ASA 103 prepares sailors for more advanced and independent cruising aboard larger boats, learning to navigate in coastal waters, and manage a variety of onboard systems. From anchoring and docking to planning multi-day trips, ASA 103 empowers students to explore further and enjoy the freedom that comes with coastal cruising.
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