Distance formula?
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Banter
Forum Discription: For all those non-sailing related discussions
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4348
Printed Date: 17 Aug 25 at 11:39am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Distance formula?
Posted By: SAILINGSRB
Subject: Distance formula?
Date Posted: 02 Jul 08 at 9:38pm
|
Hi everyone, I'm trying to find a formula I once had to help with calculating my distance from shore. It went something like: If you can see land you are 5 miles off, If you can see the shore you are 1 mile off, If you can see people you are 800yards off, if you can see the arms and legs you are 500yards off, If you can see their faces you are 200 yards off, if you can see their features you are 80 yards off, and so on. My figures are probably incorrect but it is a great quick reference guide, particularly if you are giving your position to anyone, and you don't have the benefit of GPS, three way fixes or chart plotter to hand. Has anyone heard of this formula or know of any links to sites that have similar? Thanks Simon |
Replies:
Posted By: tgruitt
Date Posted: 02 Jul 08 at 9:46pm
|
....and if you can see nothing it's foggy, and if you can see flames it's on fire!
------------- Needs to sail more... |
Posted By: chrisclark123
Date Posted: 02 Jul 08 at 9:53pm
| Well the formula would totally depend on the persons vision. |
Posted By: Villan
Date Posted: 02 Jul 08 at 9:58pm
|
If you see a blur, Get your glasses!
------------- Vareo - 149 "Secrets" http://www.TandyUKServers.co.uk" rel="nofollow - TandyUK Servers |
Posted By: Chris Bridges
Date Posted: 02 Jul 08 at 10:25pm
|
This is totally dependant on the person's vision. Although it is a valid method and one that we are taught to use with the Royal Marines (CCF!). However when we learn to use it, each person has to create there own "formula" (distances are measured and each person remembers how each looks to them). ------------- 49er GBR735 (for sale) - Rutland SC |
Posted By: mike ellis
Date Posted: 03 Jul 08 at 7:17pm
|
james the square of the percentage of the startline that a fisherman blocks with his line is proportional to how angry he will get if you run it over (or slash it with your knife) however there are 2 other factors in this equation 1) how close you are to the fisherman when you cut his line and 2) how fat he is. however because the mass of the fisherman is inversely proportional to his athletic capabilities it is acceptable to slash the fat fishermans lines within 2 boat lengths of the wall as he is incapable of hurling anything sufficiently heavy at you with enough force to do any serious damage from this distance. ------------- 600 732, will call it Sticks and Stones when i get round to it. Also International 14, 1318 |
Posted By: Scooby_simon
Date Posted: 03 Jul 08 at 7:38pm
|
If you cannot see the leeward bow; you way be in trouble If you cannot see the windward bow, you might be in trouble If you cannot see the front beam, you are probably in trouble If you cannot see the Spi pole, you are almost certainly in trouble If you see the back beam it may be to late.
they saved this one:
If you can see the front of the boat and you are wet; it’s too late…. http://www.catsailor.com/bb_files/50948-Spitfire%2520Solent%2520075m.jpg - ------------- Wanna learn to Ski - PM me.. |
Posted By: tack'ho
Date Posted: 04 Jul 08 at 8:02pm
|
Whats a yard? 21/2 pints springs to mind
------------- I might be sailing it, but it's still sh**e! |
Posted By: tack'ho
Date Posted: 04 Jul 08 at 8:05pm
|
Don't listen to them, if you can see the baddies you're way too close...run away call the paras or get an airstrike. ------------- I might be sailing it, but it's still sh**e! |