Celestial Navigation in the Age of Sail

This is a two-day class that meets 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, and Sunday, May 26.

In this class learn real celestial navigation from the historical perspective of the Age of Sail, directly based on the logbooks of the whaleship Charles W. Morgan on exhibit here at the Museum. Learn to use, calibrate, and adjust sextants. "Shoot the Sun" to determine latitude and longitude. Correct sights for "dip," refraction, and other factors. Apply historical pencil and paper calculations exactly as done in the 19th century.  Created and taught by Frank Reed, one of the world's leading experts in celestial navigation. Prerequisite knowledge for this class includes basic addition and subtraction skills and a good understanding of latitude and longitude on the globe. This class is recommended for ages 18 and up; however, students as young as age 13 are welcome.

Members $140 per participant | Non-members $175 per participant