Sea Captains

How to Read a Nautical Chart

2nd EditionIncludes all of Chart #1: A Complete Guide to Using and Understanding Electronic and Paper Charts
Nigel Calder.Explains every aspect of electronic and paper nautical charts: how a chart is assembled, how to gauge the accuracy of chart data, how to read charts created by other governments, how to use information such as scale, projection technique and datum that every chart contains; how not to get fooled or run aground by overzooming. Nigel Calder teaches you how to squeeze every ounce of information out of a nautical chart (on your GPS, chartplotter, or nav station) and understand the limits of accuracy for all charts, paper and electronic, raster and vector.This second edition addresses the changes in the world of electronic charting, integrated onboard navigation systems, as well as radar overlays and AIS and their interfacing with charts. Calder also explores how 3D-technology and real-time depth and weather information is creating interactive charting capacities that are fundamentally changing how we navigate.

The Annapolis Book of Seamanship

Fourth Edition
Completely revised and updated to address changes in technology and safety standards, this new edition is the definitive guide to the art and science of sailing.“The art of sailing, maneuvering, and preserving a ship or a boat in all positions and under all reasonable circumstances.” With the addition of the words, “and some unreasonable circumstances, too,” this definition of “seamanship” is as valid today as when the first edition of this book was published in 1983. The aim remains to advise you the sailor on essential gear, skills, and behavior that enhance your pleasure and safety.This edition of The Annapolis Book of Seamanship is an extensive update. Much of the text is new or revised, and there are many new photos. Throughout, the book stresses the skills and attitudes that comprise what the author calls “The Seamanship Ethos.” The first four chapters cover the boat, basic sailing skills, sail trim, and weather, with the first of many “Hands On” sections with their tips.The topics of health (including seasickness) and on board safety follow, with lessons learned from on-water tests and studies of boating accidents. We look closely at the elements of piloting, navigation, and electronics, including Digital Selective Calling, the US Coast Guard’s emergency communication system.Moving on to the arts of traditional seamanship—anchoring, heavy weather, and emergencies—there is much on modern equipment and skills, again based on experience. The book ends with boat maintenance and the traditions that make sailing the beloved pastime it is. Appendixes include best practices for protecting the marine environment and bringing up children under sail.

The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783

Dover Military History: Weapons, Armor
Classic Reprint
A. T. Mahan
In 1890, Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan, a lecturer in naval history and the president of the United States Naval War College, published The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660–1783, a revolutionary analysis of the importance of naval power as a factor in the rise of the British Empire.
An examination of the general history of Europe and America with particular reference to the effect of sea power upon the course of that history.Alfred Thayer Mahan was perhaps the most celebrated naval historian of his era. He was the author of numerous articles and books, including the landmark The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783. He was widely regarded as a brilliant naval theorist. From his writings, readers would never have guessed, however, that the renowned champion of the United States Navy hated the sea, and while an active-duty naval officer, lived in constant fear of ocean storms and colliding ships.Historians — and the general public — generally have been unfamiliar with the conditions and the importance of the sea, having as to it neither special interest nor special knowledge; and the profound determining influence of maritime strength and world migration upon great issues has consequently been overlooked. This is even more true of particular occasions than of the general tendency of sea power. The use and control of the sea is and has been a great factor in the history of the world. In 1775, the Continental Navy numbered around 100 ships. In contrast, the British Navy had 270 ships, and by 1783 had increased the number to 468. Despite this disparity, the Royal Navy suffered severely in the Wars of American Independence, largely through the actions of privateers, losing through sinking or capture nearly 200 ships. After 1778, when the British also had to face the fleets of France and Spain, American privateers multiplied. They inflicted severe damage on British ships and trade, costing Britain about 2,000 ships and 12,000 men captured. For the American Revolution to succeed, sea-borne trade with the rest of the world had to be maintained.

A.T. Mahan’s masterly account of this aspect of the wars brings to the fore the importance of the often ferocious engagements in the struggle for mastery of the sea, on the outcome of which hung the prospects of an Empire and the very course of history.