Clearing Lines - Another way to plot a safe course

The previous post profiled the port of Racine WI. The approach to Racine WI has a very clearly marked hazard - Racine Reef - that has brought many ships to grief. In discussing the approach, reference was made to clearing lines.

 Sometimes when navigating, you don’t need to know exactly where you are you are. It may be enough to know approximately where you are, and to be sure that you are clear of dangers. If you can draw a single position line, you can tell at a glance which side you are on to keep out of danger. This line is known as a clearing line. 

In the section on plotting a course (  http://www.great-lakes-sailing.com/course_plotting.html ) there is a fuller discussion on this and other aspects of plotting. 

And remember - a basic principal of navigation is to NEVER leave a known safe position for an unknown position until you have worked out a plan for your next leg.

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Fair Winds

Michael