The Importance of Nautical Almanacs and Cruising Guide for Mariners
Since man first invented the floating craft, celestial bodies have been used as reliable navigation guides for mariners and sea-going adventurers. Primitive societies did not have sophisticated equipment and gadgets to guide their way during a long sea voyage. They used celestial bodies as points of reference when they traveled by sea. Fortunately today, there are lots of gadgets and equipment that can be used for sea travel. You can also get a copy of the Nautical Almanac which is a major reference for mariners in identifying celestial bodies. Even if you are just cruising along Belize and the coast of Mexico, you still need charts and the Almanac so you will not get lost at sea.
The Nautical Almanac is officially published by the United States Naval Observatory. Only one publisher, the Paradise Cay Publications, is legally mandated to publish the Nautical Almanac. Fortunately, you can get a copy of the 2009 edition of the almanac from Seabreeze Nautical Books and Charts in San Diego. The 2009 Nautical Almanac that you can buy from Seabreeze bookstore contains the exact data and information that you can find from the almanac published by the United States government. So you are assured that you can get accurate, factual, and precise descriptions and locations of different celestial bodies for navigation at sea. If you have this book, you will never lose your way when you travel by sea.
The Almanac is the major cornerstone of all celestial navigation. It has a complete listing of all stars and constellations that are used to guide your way while at sea. Aside from the locations of different celestial bodies, the Almanac also provides valuable information, guides, and tools for all offshore navigators and mariners. So you should ensure that you have a copy of the Almanac before you leave any port. You have to know how to read the celestial bodies because your equipment and gadgets such as GPS can fail at anytime. Without your electronic maritime gadgets, you will sail blindly and this can be very dangerous. But if you know how to read the celestial bodies, then you can safely find land and not lose your way at sea.
Aside from the 2009 Nautical Almanac, you should also have a copy of the Belize and Mexico cruising guide. This maritime guide comes in book format. You can also purchase this navigation manual for Belize and Mexico cruising from Seabreeze Nautical Books and Charts. Specifically, the Cruising Guide to Belize and Mexico’s Caribbean has 133 pages of map sketches, aerial photograph of the entire area, and map guide. The Belize Mexico cruising manual also provides valuable information about great offshore and inland tourist sites, dive spots, and historical places. So you will have a complete cruise manual if you get a copy of this book.
Being a mariner is not a simple job. You need to grasp the essentials of navigation and become familiar with the celestial bodies for guiding your trip. You need not start from scratch because you can easily get a Nautical Almanac and cruising guides and charts from Seabreeze bookstore.
