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I would call this a traverse board.  We have seen a few examples of this
type of instrument on this list before.  On a ship it would be used for dead
reckoning, which has also been discussed on this board in the past.  I am
sure that there may be other names that this instrument would go by, so if I
am wrong let me know.

Andrew

-----Original Message-----
From: Navigation Mailing List [mailto:NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM]
On Behalf Of Oliv
Sent: Monday, May 15, 2006 10:59 AM
To: NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM
Subject: Translation question

I am facing a translation question about an ancient navigation
instrument, it looks like on this picture:
http://www.compensation-compas.com/renard.jpg

In French, it's called "renard", that means "fox" in English.
As you can see on the picture, it represents the compass' rose, and in
each direction, the branches of the rose are drilled by small holes,
where wooden pins can fit.
There is also (not really visible on the picture) another area where
pins can fit, to represent the speed of the boat.

It was used as follow. The driver had an hourglass beside him, and
everytime it was empty, it was to be turned upside down, a pin was added
in the direction that had been followed during the previous watch, and
another one to describe the speed the boat had during that watch.
Than, after some time, the navigator came by the "renard", and could
have a good idea of the dead reckoning, reading it like that:

 From 00:00 to 04:00, traveled at 6 knots in the NNW.
 From 04:00 to 08:00, traveled a 6.5 knots in the NW,
etc


Would anyone know how this instrumnet is called in English?
Thanks in advance,

- Olivier

   

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