America's Boating Club in Georgia's Golden Isles

Celestial Navigation Course

Navigate by the stars — the way mariners have for centuries.

Celestial Navigation Course

What You'll Learn

Seven-night course (every other Monday) — 10 topics

  • Lighthouses in the Sky

    An introduction and basic concepts

  • Sextant Instruction

    Safety issues and proper use of a sextant

  • Altitude Corrections

    Celestial bodies are not where they seem to be

  • Sea Time

    Precision of time and time zones in the world

  • Celestial Coordinates

    Our chart in the sky

  • Sight Reduction

    Using a Nautical Almanac to calculate altitude

  • Plotting Celestial Line of Position (LOP)

    Find your position at sea

  • Latitude Calculations

    Using the sun's peak altitude to find latitude

  • Nautical Almanac Sight Reduction (NASR) Tables

    Working with standard sight reduction tables

  • A Celestial Day's Work

    Summary and example cruise

Dates

Every other Monday, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. — 7 sessions

Contact us for upcoming schedule dates.

Seminar Information

Online Zoom Class

Login details provided after registration

Do I need to install Zoom software on my device?

After registering, you'll receive a Zoom link by email. You can join directly from your web browser on a computer without installing anything. Installing the Zoom app is optional but may improve audio and video quality. Phones and tablets usually require that the Zoom app be installed.

Zoom Download Center

Location

UGA Marine Extension Building

715 Bay Street

Brunswick, GA 31520

Cost

Includes online Zoom seminar Includes all 7 in-person class sessions

  • Boat Club Members $145
  • Non-members $170

Register

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Frequently Asked Questions

Our Instructors


Alan Shedd Alan Shedd

Alan currently serves as a Classroom Instructor for America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles. A longtime boater and former member of the Atlanta Squadron, Alan brings decades of experience along with a strong background in engineering, energy innovation, and leadership. Since relocating to the Golden Isles with his wife, he has become an active part of our club’s boating education mission.


Bruce Miles Bruce Miles

Bruce brings decades of experience in leadership, planning, and instruction to the America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles classroom. He served as an Associate Professor at St. Cloud State University, where he taught graduate and doctoral-level courses.


Charles Wilsdorf Charles Wilsdorf

Charles is a Classroom Instructor and Senior Navigator (SN-ON) with America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles, and a former Squadron Commander. He is also a recipient of the Charles F. Chapman Award for Excellence in Teaching, awarded by America’s Boating Club.


Cynthia Lamb Cynthia Lamb

Cynthia currently serves as Executive Officer, Public Contact, and a Classroom / On-The-Water Instructor for America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles. She is also the Porthole Newsletter Editor, helping keep the community informed with timely safety guidance, local boating updates, and club activities.


Ed Reynolds Ed Reynolds

Ed is currently a Classroom Instructor with America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles, where he is known for his clear, safety-focused approach to boating education. He is also Vessel Safety Check (VSC) Coordinator, overseeing FREE Vessel Safety Checks in support of our club's mission of increased boater safety.


Jerry Lamb Jerry Lamb

Jerry currently serves as the Assistant Education Officer and a Classroom Instructor for America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles, and is a former Squadron Commander. He brings decades of senior-level engineering, leadership, and operational experience to our club.


John Lijoi John Lijoi

John, a Classroom Instructor, brings decades of experience to the America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Marine Sciences from Long Island University, with academic studies in Marine Biology.


Mike Moye Mike Moye

Mike currently serves as the Education Officer and a Classroom Instructor for America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles, and is widely regarded as the backbone of the squadron’s educational program. A member of America’s Boating Club for more than thirty seven years, he is known for his unwavering commitment to boating education, safety, and student success.


Paul Truelove Capt. Paul Truelove, SN

Paul brings a deep blend of seamanship, teaching, and professional marine experience to America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles, where he currently serves as a Classroom Instructor. He holds a USCG 100 Ton Master License and ASA instructor certification through Coastal Navigation, with years of teaching experience at Annapolis Sailing School and the Annapolis School of Seamanship .


Terry Osman Terry Osman

Terry currently is a highly regarded Classroom Instructor for America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles. She has previously served in leadership roles including Lieutenant Commander and Administrative Officer. In recognition of her service and impact, she was honored as the club’s 2020 Member of the Year.


Vicky Jefferis Vicky Jefferis

Vicky has been a member of America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles since 2008 and currently serves as both a Classroom Instructor and a Member at Large, helping represent the interests of the membership. She has also served the club in several leadership roles including Commander and Secretary.

America's Boating Club
Golden Isles

Sharing the joy of boating through education, safety, and fun!

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