Navigating Mid-Coast Maine

Cruising the coastal waters of Maine can be fun, especially when you know how to read a nautical chart so you miss all those rocks and arrive safely at your destination.

This course is taught by members of the US Coast Guard Auxilary, and serves as an introduction to navigation using The Three Rivers Chart (#13293). This way you'll become familiar with the coastal waters of our local region between Small Point and Pemaquid before ever setting sail.

This course give you the essential tools to make boating more enjoyable. First, you'll learn the basics about the information found on nautical charts. Second, you'll learn about navigation aids (they're on the charts and on the water) so you can use them to cruise safely.Third, you'll learn how to plan cruises and understand the information found on charts (e.g., buoys, lights, water depth) and to use them while cruising the area.

Students will learn terms such as true and magnetic headings, variation, lines of position, chart symbols, piloting, latitude and longitude, dead reckoning, and aids to navigation and be able to use these skills to safely plan and plot a trip. The Three Rivers chart (#13293) and a copy of a chapter on navigation principles are included. A parallel ruler and dividers are needed and can be purchased separately at our Museum Store.

This class runs on Monday evenings starting on June 4, 2012 through June 25, 2012 from 6:30-8:30pm.