Free Celestial Navigation Class

Learn how to use the sextant with a straightforward explanation of the calculations needed for locating one’s position at sea.  

We are resuming our celestial navigation classes this June through August, 2026.

The theoretical basis of celestial navigation will be taught whenever a minimum of four students can arrange to be in attendance at the Arques School from 10:30am until noon. On the same day, we can go to nearby Rodeo Beach where students may learn how to use the sextant during the meridian passage, the latter being the actual position of true noon.  On occasion we also go to Doran Beach at Bodega Bay.

Because we have had so much fog and drizzle this Spring, I have only recently captured a meridian passage at Doran Beach on June 29, 2026.  In the photo you are seeing the final sextant sight taken that day. I had earlier taken a good number of sights every couple of minutes on the horizon as the sun continued to rise south of my position at Doran Beach.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS EXERCISE IS TO MASTER ONE’S ABILITY AT USING THE SEXTANT FOR LOCATING ONE’S LOCATION AT SEA. IN THE VAST OCEAN ONE CAN RELY UPON THE EXPERTISE GAINED DURING THE PRACTICE OF USING THE SEXTANT. FOR OUR NAVIGATION CLASSES THIS TAKES PLACE AT A KNOWN LOCATION MAKING IT EASIER TO LEARN THIS SKILL.

THIS PRELIMINARY EXERCISE WOULD ALSO BE USEFUL IN THE TRAGIC EVENT OF ONE’S VESSEL SINKING AT SEA. BY PREPARING FOR SUCH AN EVENT, EVEN AN INEXPENSIVE PLASTIC SEXTANT COULD LOCATE THE POSITION OF ONE’S DAILY LATITUDE. A WELL EQUIPPED LIFE RAFT COULD THUS DIRECT ONE TO THE NEAREST LANDFALL.

THE ARQUES SCHOOL IS LOCATED AT 600 GATE FIVE RD., SAUSALITO.  

Students will only need a notepad and pencil for this class.  Explanatory notes will be provided.

EXAMPLE BELOW:  Sunsights taken at Doran Beach on June 29, 2026.

If you are interested in signing up for the next class, please send an email to arqueslegacy@gmail.com