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
ATLANTIC or PACIFIC session?
Workshops are scheduled as ATLANTIC or PACIFIC for the convenience of navigators nearer the Atlantic Ocean or nearer the Pacific Ocean.
This year ATL or ATLANTIC online sessions run from 10:00am to 4:00pm US Eastern time on Saturday and Sunday. This corresponds to 1500 - 2100 UT and may be convenient for those joining from longitudes ranging from about 30°E to 135°W. The choice is yours. If you follow a schedule with exotic hours, don't feel bound by the geographic name of the session!
This year PAC or PACIFIC online sessions run from 8:00pm to 11:45pm US Eastern time which is 5:00pm to 8:45pm US Pacific time (PDT). This corresponds to 0100-0445 UT (next calendar day) and may be convenient for those joining anywhere from longitude 60°W across all of North America, past the dateline (180° W) and as far into Asian longitudes as 120°E. NOTE: PAC sessions are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday evenings in US time zones which cross into the next calendar day by UT, as well as in longitudes further east in the Pacific and east Asia.
Find your longitude on the map. Are you in New Zealand or Australia or Japan? Then a PAC of PACIFIC session is right for you. Are you in Europe or eastern Brazil or the Canadian maritimes? Then an ATL or ATLANTIC session would be more convenient for you. Are you in New England or most of Canada or California? Then you might find either an ATLANTIC or a PACIFIC session convenient and feasible. And don't feel bound by geography. If you have an unusual schedule, choose the option that suits your hours.
If you're registered for an online workshop, you will be invited to attend hour-long sextant practical sessions in Rhode Island and Connecticut scheduled as weather and other conditions permit. These live, in-person sessions are included in your registration for online classes.
All workshops created and taught by Frank Reed.
Comments:
Greg Rudzinski wrote: 6👍
Doug MacPherson wrote: 23👍
I recently took online versions of Frank Reed's "Celestial Navigation in the Age of Sail", and "Lunars - Finding Longitude by Lunar Distances". I couldn't have been more happy with them. Having originally learned post WWII celestial methods as an officer in the United States Navy, and taken it up as a hobby, I was quite familiar with that era's procedures. However, I was intrigued by how they managed prior to then. Frank's two classes filled that void. His vast knowledge of the subject, both the technical aspects of the work as well as the historical significance were perfectly balanced. These are classes that can be thoroughly enjoyed by both the novice as well as the well versed practitioner. Recipe's for doing the work, the science behind those recipes, and actual voyages by the sailors that practiced the art were all presented with wonderful clarity. If "time sights", "cleared lunar distances" or "apparent time" have ever roused an interest, you owe it to yourself to take one of Frank's classes.
Doug MacPherson
Lieutenant, USN sep.
Doug MacPherson
Lieutenant, USN sep.
Dr. Stanley J. Zawada & Ilona M. Kovacs wrote: 6👍
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.
