In 1992, I was the Navigation Officer aboard the USCGC Woodrush, a seagoing buoytender stationed in Sitka, Alaska. I talked the Captain into letting me conduct a Polynesian Navigation Experiment by navigating the ship from Hawaii to Alaska, over 2300 nautical miles using just the techniques practiced by the ancient Polynesian navigators. We sailed across the Pacific Ocean without the use of a compass, sextant, electronics or any other modern means of navigation. It was both an intellectual and spiritual challenge. This is the story of how it was accomplished.

I am publishing the Navigation Officer’s personal log of that trip here on MonsterMaritime. It is the first time the story has appeared on the web. This log was originally published in Ocean Navigator magazine in June/July of 1992. I have been told that for years after this log first appeared in print, the story of this journey and the techniques used were discussed in the celestial navigation classes at the Coast Guard Academy in New London and the Naval Academy in Annapolis. I am not sure if this is still the case.

Click on the title below to read my log in PDF format.

The Great Polynesian Navigation Experiment

Enjoy,
Dan

The Knowledgebase seems to be the focus of my attention this week. Today’s update contains sites on Canoeing, Dragon Boat racing, Kayaking (sea and whitewater), Kite Surfing, Rowing, Waterskiing, and Windsurfing. These subcategories are scattered between “Adventurer Seekers” and “Pleasure Seekers.”

Today’s site count is 9516.

Today’s update brings in a couple thousand sites pertaining to everything that you ever wanted to know about the United States Navy and Coast Guard. These sites can be found under the “Professional Mariners” category. In the near future I plan to cross reference the history sections of these categories and list them also in the main Maritime History category.

The Maps and Charts subcategory has been updated. Look for it in Maritime History.

I have also added sites specifically related to professional maritime interests in Great Britain (Ferry systems, nautical schools, port authorities, shipyards etc.). To open this subcategory directly from this post, click here. “British Maritime Sites.”

This brings the total site count number up to 9017. Become a member now, suggest new categories and websites!

Watch us grow.

Dan