NavList:

Robert wrote:

> I regret to inform the group that an icon of celestial navigation has crossed
> the bar.
>
> Bruce Bauer, author of the "Sextant Handbook", passed away on 16 July. Some of
> you may have known him only by reputation and from having read his book, while
> others may have known him personally.
>
> Bauer, a retired US Naval Officer, Master Mariner, author, sextant authority,
> loving father and husband, and avid sailor, was a genuine old world gentleman
> with keen intellect, rapier wit and a deadpan sense of humour.

It is indeed a loss to him, his family and the traditional navigation
community. The "Sextant Handbook" has a knack for finding its way to the top
of a stack of navigation books that has taking up permanent residence on my
coffee table. 

In fact, I was rereading some passages last evening and this morning,
thinking that upper-limb sun sights might null out my tendency to
undershoot.  I always smile at his whimsical account of why he prefers the
upper limb, not just for practical reasons, but for personal fancy as well.
Bruce states, "As I bring the sun up to the horizon, the gap of darker water
narrows until the upper limb just kisses the sky. Ah, the poetry of the
thing!"

He seemed to have two great gifts. The ability to make others smile, and the
ability to laugh at himself.  I reference Fig 6-9, "Author models homemade
navigator's monocle..."

Bill


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