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Renee Mattie wrote:

> I have been assuming that, if I calculate all courses and DRs, I can get
> the "right" answers to the Silicon Sea problems.  I assume that Lat/Long
> or Course should be correct to within about a minute, and times to within
> a couple of minutes.  I assume this because I assume the working group
> calculated their answers, rather than doing the problem graphically.
>
> Are these realistic assumptions?

Renee

I feel it is important to read the introduction to the problems and (for the
moment) disregard any slop in the answers.

"...This is a navigation exercise, not a virtual simulated voyage. There may
be an occasional errors (sic) in some of the problems, both intentional and
accidental. They are left there to stimulate discussion by the list...."

This is what caused me to shy away from the project.  On a list with
discussion "intentional and accidental errors" are fair game if forewarned.
As a book used as a learning aid, the answers need to be pretty close to
spot on IMHO.

I have been involved in the past off list with members working on the SS
problems.  I somewhat recall one that had me scratching my head.  Probably
set and drift, broad reach. Initially, did the answer anticipate
wind-induced surface current and leeway?

The bigger problem was jargon.  We worked it out using various sailings, and
I worked it out graphically.  One question asked for, "course to steer," as
I recall.  The answer given was actually COG, so did not relate to, "course
to steer," either magnetic of true as I understand it. Not good for students
that have only the book answers to check their work.

If memory serves, Mike Burkes was my partner in crime (not my fault, he
sucked me in;-). Perhaps Mike can refresh my memory as to the problem
number?

Bill

   

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