Night navigation departure from Gijón. We will follow a different program depending on the type of moon we have.
FULL MOON
Although night navigation is not considered “low visibility” (be careful with this question in the PER exam), it is necessary to take some precautions. We will focus this activity on learning, improving and perfecting coastal navigation at sunset. We will learn to make correct use of the equipment on board.
Sailing at night is very special. Not having sunlight will allow us to experience the world around us in a much more intense way. In order for us to be able to appreciate it in all its splendor, however, we must prepare the boat and follow some rules that we will learn on this journey with an experienced skipper. We will also look up to admire the stars and see what they tell us. Astronomical navigation techniques include the celestial coordinates, the time, the position and the apparent movement of the stars with respect to the Earth.
During the course we will explain the terrestrial and celestial spheres, in addition to the -apparent- movement of the stars. Also how to calibrate and use the sextant to understand how our ancestors used to navigate when they couldn't see the shore. After that we will go sailing and identify the main constellations and the leading lines to the Polar (always locating the north). During navigation we will continue reviewing what to keep in mind when sailing at night.
NEW MOON
At sunset we will make a different departure, since we will start the navigation with the beautiful sunset of Gijón from the sea, contemplating its fascinating colors. We will continue with the navigation moving away from the coast, with the only lighting that the stars give us.
Tonight, as there is no moon, will be a great opportunity to do star reconnaissance and night navigation. We will learn and develop concepts such as civil sunset, nautical sunset, and astronomical sunset. Let's hope the weather is with us. You have to be very warm.
SUPER MOON
It will be a special occasion. We will embark with everything prepared to carry out some night navigation practices. We will be able to review the theory of lights and signaling in night navigation and we will go sailing. Each crew member will bring some dinner and we will share it on board among all before nightfall.
This phenomenon of the Supermoon is generated by the coincidence of a full moon and a relatively close distance between the earth and its satellite. This usually produces larger, brighter and more spectacular moons. Every sailing lover has to experience sailing only by moonlight on some occasion.
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