Knowing how to calculate turning circle is essential for navigating through tight spaces or making turns around buoys and other obstacles on the water. This article provides a step-by-step process for calculating turning circle, including tips and tricks to make it easier and more accurate.
Step 1: Measure the distance from bow to stern (length) and beam to beam (width) of the ship in meters.
Step 2: Determine the radius of the turning circle by dividing the length of the ship by two, then multiplying that number by the width of the ship.
Step 3: Calculate the turning circle diameter by multiplying the radius by two.
Step 4: Take into account any obstacles or hazards in the water when calculating turning circle.
Step 5:
Practice making turns using your newfound knowledge of turning circle.
Captain John Smith, a seasoned sailor with over 20 years of experience at sea, stresses the importance of calculating turning circle for any sailor looking to navigate through tight spaces or make turns around buoys and other obstacles on the water. By following these simple steps and practicing regularly, you can increase your safety and efficiency out on the water.
Common mistakes people make when calculating turning circle include rounding off the length or width of the ship to the nearest whole number instead of using the actual measurements and not taking into account any obstacles or hazards in the water.