Introduction to Celestial Navigation
April 2026 – 6 x three-hour sessions
To register your interest, please complete the booking form using the link below:
Complete the booking form here
Embark on a journey into the age-old art of celestial navigation with this structured and supportive online course.
Celestial navigation remains a core element of Yachtmaster Ocean preparation. More importantly, it develops disciplined thinking, accuracy and confidence in offshore decision-making.
Who this course is for
This is an ideal introduction for:
- Sailors planning to undertake the RYA Ocean Yachtmaster celestial navigation course
- Navigators seeking a structured refresher
- Anyone wishing to develop a solid foundation in celestial navigation using the Sun
Participants should have a good understanding of traditional navigation:
- Dead Reckoning (DR)
- Estimated Position (EP)
- Course to Steer (CTS)
- Running Fix
Over 6 x three-hour sessions
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Session 1 – Introduction – Friday 3 April
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Session 2 – Sextant – Saturday 4 April
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Session 3 – Meridian Passage – Sunday 5 April
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Session 4 – Sun Sight Reductions – Saturday 10 April
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Session 5 – Plotting – Saturday 11 April
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Session 6 – Sun-run-Sun – Sunday 12 April
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Course Content
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Key Concepts of Celestial Navigation – Understand the principles behind using the Sun to determine your position at sea.
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Introduction to the Sextant – How the sextant works, what it measures and how it is used in practice.
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Meridian Passage – Learn how to determine local noon and use meridian altitude sights to calculate latitude.
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Plotting – Learn how to set up a plotting sheet and revision of the Meridian Passage calculations.
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Sun Sight Reductions – Step-by-step practice converting celestial observations into meaningful navigation data.
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Sun-run-Sun – Learn how to plot a Sun Sight Position Line and transfer it to the Noon Latitude, plus Revise Sun Sight Reductions.
Course Materials
An introductory workbook (PDF) is included with the course.
The workbook supports your learning by:
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Guiding you through each stage of the process
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Reinforcing key concepts
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Providing worked examples and practice exercises
Homework between sessions is encouraged to consolidate learning and build confidence.
A Learning-Focused Course
This course is not assessment or exam-driven. The emphasis is on understanding the process, developing good working habits and building confidence through guided practice and discussion.
It is designed to prepare students for further study, including the RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Theory course.
Small Group Teaching
Class sizes are deliberately kept small (maximum of six participants) to allow time for questions, discussion and individual support throughout each session.
This ensures that no one gets left behind, and that complex steps can be worked through at a comfortable pace.
What You Will Need
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Pencil and eraser
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Dividers and a plotter
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Access to a printer
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Good internet access is essential
Times
0900 UT to 1200 UT
or
1700 UT to 2000 UT
Cost of the Course
£300
Register Your Interest
To register your interest, please complete the booking form using the link below:
Complete the booking form here
Places are limited and allocated on a first-come basis.
Once your form has been received, I will confirm availability and send further details by email.
If you have any questions before booking, please feel free to get in touch.
I look forward to welcoming you to the course and sharing my passion for sailing and navigation.
Preparing for Yachtmaster Ocean?
If you would like structured, calm and methodical support with celestial navigation as part of Yachtmaster Ocean preparation, get in touch to discuss your experience and objectives.