Rya Navigation Handbook Paperback – August 31, 2003

This book does a good job at explaining most of the basics concepts of navigation. It covers all elements of navigation in simple language which is easy enough for an interested novice to understand. However, it would prove to be insufficient to support anyone who is studying to pass his/her shorebased Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster exam. Whilst the book illustrates most of the concepts which are discussed, there are too few practical examples which allow the reader to test his/her understanding. There are also a lot of references to the use of radar for navigation which is a bit of overkill. The book is clearly written at the level of a novice to navigation and it would have been more helpful to explore the basic concepts with more depth rather than confuse the readers with references to the use of radar, a navigation tool they are unlikely to use any time soon. All in all, a good book to read before following a shore based RYA course, but of little value to anyone who understands the basics of navigation.

I have a couple of navigation books but this one is at the top, some of it is basic if you have been on a navigation course, it is well written, good photographs and pictures to back up the narrative. It is up to date which is difficult especially when electronic equipment is being developed so quickly.Learn how to navigate the 'old way' before relying on electronic equipment, this book will definitely aid any would be navigator.The supplier sent the book at a good price and it arrived in plenty of time.

This is a really excellent book for the novice hobbyist navigator who is serious about learning and prepared to put in the work. The descriptions are all clear, the exercises are very helpful, and the level of detail was just right for me. I had been a bit put off by some of the more basic RYA publications but this completely changed my mind, and I would recommend it to others. Indeed, I think it's spent more time lent out to other sea-users than on my bookshelf!

Having obtained my Offshore Cerificate in the 60's I was interested to see what changes the book could help with my revision and upgrade with GPS etc etc. I was pleased to say I enjoyed the book which added some ideas to the practical experience I had gained over the years. It is another good book to add to the onboard library for friends to enjoy.

I bought this as I started skippering the dive club rhib, great book.