What I'm using now to determine velocity is a table I created which
correlates the time it takes for a floating object (wood, seaweed,
bubble) to pass from the bow to the stern. One counts the seconds it
takes, and looks up on the table to see speed in knots. Obviously there
are a couple of places for error to intrude, but no instrument is
error-free, and it needs no other equipment (maybe a watch, but counting
can also suffice).
I once started a thread on the Latitudes and Attitudes BBS about the US
Naval Academy no longer requiring celestial navigation. I love the
magazine (L and A), but it seems that most of its readers (or at least
those who participate in its BBS discussions) have a love affair with
electronic navigation. I guess I'm just looking to see if there are
other people out there who believe that one aspect of good seamanship is
manifested through one's ability to determine location and course
without the aid of electronics. Any takers...?