T&T: Polynesian navigation

[Albin43SDtr]

'Lo All,

 From the reading I have done, much of the Polynesian's navigation 
was by wave trains. The various currents were bent around islands and 
also were reflected back from them, creating waves trains in 
repetitive patterns. The navigator would have to observe the primary 
wave train and the reflected wave train, then figure out which 
direction was land. I guess they must have really been expert in 
reading the nuances of the wave trains!

To visualize this, watch the reflection of a wave train as it hits a 
boat or some other object (most visible on a sharp corner, such as a 
boat's stern) on an otherwise still water surface. The primary waves 
and secondary (reflected) waves create repetitive crossing angles. To 
miss an island would give real meaning to "Dead Reconning"!

I REALLY LIKE my electronic navigational equipment, even though I 
have 2 sextants and all the references. Oh, yes, I also have charts..... :)


Take care and be safe.

Wayne
M/V Celestial
Albin43 Sundeck