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On 7/18/2013 2:30 PM, Peter Monta wrote:
> I've read that sextant users at sea anticipate the swells. Would
> platform orientation include a large Fourier component representing the
> swell, plus a smaller noiselike component?
>
> Of course hopping on a boat would be an option, but the hassle factor is
> much higher (for me anyway), and the conditions are less controllable.
>
Peter

On a small craft, the observer strives to be on the top of a swell or
wave to better view the horizon rather than the top of the nearby wave.

While we traditionally think of yaw, pitch and roll for a floating
vessel (or an aircraft) there are really six degrees of freedom, so a
DYI platform (like a flight simulator) might be a time-consuming
project. Perhaps you could obtain an old mechanical bull and refit it :-)

As Greg pointed out, to get the full experience you will want to be on a
small craft. He has considerably more time afloat on "cruisers" than I
do, but standing in heavy seas is not my cup of tea. Some recommend
sitting near the mast or over the keel to minimize the affects of roll,
yaw and pitch. Also keep in mind the difference between "seas" (wind
driven waves) and "swells" (the residual affect of the wind energy). Two
different animals.

Bill B

   

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