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I want to share a simple plotting technique, recently described in Sail Magazine, using a GPS. It is a very straightforward process that I believe is more accurate than plotting latitude and longitude!
The first step is to have the compass rose from the chart that you will be using punched in as a landmark. This is best done before the trip, on terra firma, thus assuring an accurate position. Now you are ready. While you are underway, and you want to plot your location, you merely hit the "goto" function directed to the compass rose landmark. Read the bearing and distance. Now pull out your chart and using a straightedge plot from the center of the compass rose the reciprocal bearing using the appropriate compass rose ring (True or Magnetic, I personally use magnetic) and measure out your distance and there you are! No "walking your parallel," transfer angles, finding latitude and longitude, just a single line using only a straightedge.
With the new GPS accuracy you should be right on the mark! I have used this technique successfully with my sailing students on the open ocean and they love it!
Happy sailing!
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