The gigs will navigate a course while rowing. Instructions will test knowledge of compass course, speed, time and distance calculations, plotting, latitude and longitude, dead reckoning and sounding.
The gigs will follow the course described in a written set of instructions. A team of three crew members selected by lot will guide another country’s gig. One navigator shall act as helmsman. The boat will be crewed by ten rowers and a coxswain who may help with crew commands. The gig shall fly the national flag of the navigators.
Teams will receive instructions in the national language of the navigators, two charts (one for on board and one for later presentation), and a log book. Entries on the working charts and in the log book will be made while navigating. Once the course is complete, navigators will go ashore and replot their course on a fresh chart. Both charts and the logbook will be judged for accuracy of plotting and calculations, use of proper symbols, and use of appropritate features for bearings. They will row the course and follow the tasks as outlined in the diagram to the right.
· Navigators must bring a compass, watch or stop watch, parallel rules, dividers, eraser, and a pencil.
· Non-programmable calculators are permitted.
· No books or notes are allowed.
· Navigators should show all calculations and mark dead reckoning and bearings on the chart.
· Binoculars with built in compass are not allowed.
· Digital compasses are not allowed.
Prior
to the event, crews should use the line of the east wall of the fishing harbour
as a compass reference. Navigators will be given their instructions onboard the
gig, 10 minutes before their start. The gigs will start from the south-east
corner of Ile Tristan at 10 minute intervals. This is not a timed event, but
there is a time limit which will be set by the race committee.
Navigation Scoring
Navigators will be scored to a maximum of 10 points for each of the 6 tasks. The markings on charts and procedures expected are as described in the Atlantic Challenge Resource Manual – navigation chapter.
Tasks 1 – row a course.
1 point deduction for each degree off course.
Task 2 – Determine lat/long of mark on chart.
7 points if correct lat/long, 1 point deduction for each hundredth of a minute error in lat or long.
1 point for good chart work
1 point for correct symbols.
1 point for good log entries.
Task 3 and 4 – average speed and dead reckoning.
4 points for correct theory.
3 points for correct calculations.
1 point for good chart work.
1 point for correct symbols.
1 point for good log entries.
Task 5 – water depth.
7 points for correct answer, 1 point deduction for each metre of error.
1 point for good chart work.
1 point for correct symbols.
1 point for good log entries.
Task 6 – lat/long from three bearings.
2 points for using appropriate bearings
3 points for correct lat/long- 1 point deduction for each hundredth of a minute error.
2 points for good chart work.
1 point for correct symbols.
2 points for good log entries.
Max Score 60 points
Teams will be ranked and points awarded by position.