"Celestial Navigation in the Age of Sail" was exactly what I was looking for to familiarize myself with historical marine navigation. Frank is an engaging instructor who weaved the story of a 19th century whaling voyage into hands-on practical calculations. He started by unveiling an incomprehensible historical document filled with numbers and promised that by the end of the course we could decode the figures. He's developed a step-by-step teaching method that is a marvel to watch and experience.
I must admit I dreaded two, back-to-back, 5-hour days, but the time sailed by. (Sorry can't resist.) Thank you.
He also included some 17th century data that I needed. I'm neither a mathematician nor a sailer, but a journalist and author.
Navigation Education Partnership Opportunities
Most on-site classes have recently been hosted in partnership with the Treworgy Planetarium at Mystic Seaport Museum. Classes at Mystic Seaport are "on hiatus" for 2026. Classes are also held privately and have been offered both in Chicago (where I lived for 25 years) and in southern New England. We are actively seeking other partner institutions: museums, universities, schools, maritime academies, marinas, yacht clubs and other institutions. There's good money in this for both sides. Contact us for details.
The requirements for hosting our classes are simple:
-
A contacts list
We publicize all classes, but this will work best if you, as a partner institution, can reach out to your members or other list of contacts. Publicize the class and bring in students. -
A classroom or meeting space
Any classroom or common meeting space with seating for up to 25 people. Seating at tables is normally required since celestial navigation involves a fair amount of "paper work" and occasionally plotting. -
Digital projection equipment
Since our classes involve many visuals, we require an ordinary digital projector or a large format flat-screen television or monitor for the full duration of any class. If your institution can't provide a projector or monitor, please let us know and we can make other arrangements.
As a partnership, we bring expertise and all the tools needed to teach celestial navigation. Students will have the opportunity to practice sights using sextants and other instruments owned by ReedNavigation and we provide all visuals and printed tables and manuals (in some cases, a "lab fee" may apply).
Comments:
Lucinda Fleeson wrote: 26👍
Dr. Stanley J. Zawada & Ilona M. Kovacs wrote: 7👍
If we could leave 5 stars, we'd leave 10 ! We have attended several courses and enjoyed each one! Mr. Frank Reed is as entertaining as is his complete mastery of the subjects he teaches. The level of preparedness shines like the stars he so loves. We thank you for the most excellent courses we have had the ultimate pleasure to experience.
Greg Rudzinski wrote: 6👍
The online class "Lunars: Finding Longitude by Lunar Distance" was a very interesting introduction to the esoteric history of lunars as practiced at sea in the pre chronometer 18th century tall ship era. Practical instruction was also done demonstrating the physical process of observing a lunar with a sextant followed by a how to lunar sight reduction example using a pocket calculator, formulae, and tables. A very rewarding experience.
Greg Rudzinski
Retired Merchant Mariner
SUNY Maritime class of 80
Greg Rudzinski
Retired Merchant Mariner
SUNY Maritime class of 80
