Classes

4 Days • South Milwaukee, WI • Grant Park—steps from Lake Michigan Host: Sea Safaris Sailing School Certification: American Sailing 107 Celestial Navigation (exam on Day 4)

Why this workshop

Ocean navigation, done well, is incredibly rewarding. Anybody can stare at a GPS—true seamanship is knowing where you are by the sun, moon, planets, and stars. This intimate, four‑day, hands‑on workshop gives you the knowledge and inspiration to navigate like generations of mariners before us. You’ll handle and use multiple sextant models, learn the mechanics of our celestial clockwork, and practice the full workflow from observation to plotted position. We’ll also touch on the rich history of celestial navigation and how it still sharpens modern sailors. Instructor: Capt. Don Doggett — USCG 100‑ton Master & ASA Master Instructor with tens of thousands of blue‑water miles.

What you’ll learn (and do)

• Principles of celestial navigation and why it still matters
• Celestial sphere, time (UTC, zone, GHA/LHA), and navigational almanacs
• Sextants: anatomy, care, index error, dip, and precision technique
• Sun sights (AM/PM) and the classic noon sight for latitude & LAN
• Sight reduction using HO‑229 / Pub. 229 or Pub. 249
• Plotting Lines of Position (LOPs) & running fixes on plotting sheets
• Star & planet sights; body selection & planning
• Moon sights & parallax considerations
• Position Fixes: single‑body intercepts to multi‑sight fixes
• Integrating cel‑nav with modern tools and passage planning
• Exam for ASA 107

Course outline (4 days)

Day 1 — Foundations & Instruments Celestial sphere • Time systems • Almanacs • Sextant mechanics • Index error & dip • Dry‑run sights. Day 2 — Sun Sights & Noon AM/PM sun sights • Intercept method • LAN/noon sight for latitude • Plotting practice. Day 3 — Stars, Planets & Moon Body selection (+ planning) • Three‑body fixes • Moon corrections • Pub. 249 worksheets. Day 4 — Running Fix & Exam Running fixes • Passage scenarios • Comprehensive review • ASA 107 Exam.

Weather note: We’ll take sights outdoors near the Lake when conditions allow; otherwise we’ll simulate with accurate data indoors so you never lose learning time.

Who it’s for

Sailors pursuing ASA 107, offshore cruisers, racers, instructors, and curious navigators. Comfort with plotting and basic trig helps, but the course is designed so motivated beginners can succeed. Recommended background: ASA 101–104 (or equivalent) and comfort with coastal navigation.

What’s included

• Classroom instruction & hands‑on sextant practice (multiple models)
• Use of sextants during class (you’re welcome to bring your own)
• Nautical Almanac excerpts & sight reduction tables (loaners for class)
• Plotting sheets, worksheets, and problem sets
• All exam materials for ASA 107 (exam administered on Day 4)

Bring: Pencil, eraser, notebook, and weather‑appropriate clothing for outdoor sights. Optional: your own sextant

Location

Grant Park, South Milwaukee, WI — classroom space near the lakefront with easy access to open sky for sights. Parking: Free on‑site/nearby (details in confirmation email). Schedule: See dates & times below (with breaks & lunch). Dates & Times (flexible):

• Wednesday, April 15: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Thursday, April 16: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Friday, April 17: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Saturday, April 18: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Learning Investment & class size

Learning Investment: $1,247.00 pp Seats: Limited to keep the workshop personal and hands‑on. Early registration recommended.

Certification (ASA 107)

Students sit for the American Sailing 107: Celestial Navigation exam at the end of Day 4. Passing earns your ASA 107 certification. We’ll prepare you thoroughly with drills, review sessions, and practice problems.

About Sea Safaris Sailing School

Sea Safaris Sailing School teaches all levels of American Sailing certifications and USCG Merchant Mariner courses through True North Maritime Academy. We help sailors grow from first tacks to confident offshore passages.