
Integrated navigation
with Rick RobeyMaster the art of balancing human intuition with electronic precision. Learn to anchor your navigation in human judgment while leveraging the power of modern tools.
Safe passage requires more than just following a GPS track on your tablet; it demands active situational awareness and a solid mental model. This online class explores how early sailors relied on environmental cues and how you can blend those timeless manual skills with today’s electronic systems to build true navigational resilience to leverage your full potential navigating and piloting.



ONLINE CLASS OVERVIEW
This online class provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of navigation, from the celestial observations of Polynesian wayfinders to the precision of modern satellite systems. Participants will explore "Dead Reckoning"; and visual piloting while learning how to use electronics as a support tool rather than a total replacement for judgment. We will focus on best practices for cross-checking data, maintaining updated systems, and building the mental models necessary to catch inconsistencies before they become hazards to your boat or crew.
WhO IS THIS CLASS FOR?
This online class is designed for any sailor who wants to move beyond over-reliance on a single screen. It is ideal for sailors looking to deepen their technical skills and ensure they have the manual backups needed when technology fails.
What will i learn?
You will gain skills to verify electronic data using traditional methods like visual piloting and environmental observation. By the end of this online class, you will be able to build a robust mental model of your position, ensuring your decision-making ability remains the core of every safe passage.
List of Topics:
- Short History of Navigation: Moving from landmarks and stars to modern satellites.
- Traditional Methods: Mastering Dead Reckoning, celestial navigation, and Polynesian wayfinding.
- The Rise of Electronics: Understanding the evolution of Radio Direction Finding, Radar, LORAN, and GPS.
- The Risk of Over-reliance: Why technology should enhance, not replace, human judgment.
- Cross-Checking Techniques: Using manual skills to verify electronic data and build resilience.
- Mental Modeling: Developing active awareness to predict and visualize your surroundings.
- Operational Readiness: Maintaining updated charts and training in manual Backups.
learn essential tools for modern sailor navigaton
WHERE TRADITIONAL SKILLS MEET MODERN TECHNOLOGY
Safe navigation is not defined by electronics alone — it is built on human awareness, observation, and judgment. This online class explores how time-tested methods such as dead reckoning and visual piloting remain essential tools for modern sailors navigating an increasingly digital world.
BUILDING RESILIENCE THROUGH CROSS-CHECKING
Electronic systems provide remarkable precision, but true seamanship comes from knowing how to verify data and recognize inconsistencies before they become hazards. You will learn how to combine chartplotters, radar, and satellite navigation with traditional techniques to maintain situational awareness and decision-making confidence.
MENTAL MODELS THAT SUPPORT SAFE PASSAGES
Navigators who understand their surroundings are better prepared for uncertainty. This online class helps you develop the mindset and practical skills needed to anticipate challenges, maintain updated systems, and remain capable even when technology fails.
YOUR HOST
RICK ROBEY
Captain Rick Robey is a seasoned ocean navigator dedicated to the integration of
traditional skills and modern technology. With a deep background in maritime history
and practical seamanship, he emphasizes that human awareness remains the most
essential tool on any vessel. His approach focuses on building resilience through
manual skills and cross-checking, ensuring sailors are prepared for any situation. He
brings years of experience in teaching mariners how to use technology to confirm,
rather than dictate, their understanding of the sea.

ONLINE CLASS REGISTRATION
@ 4:30 PM PT / 7:30 PM ET (90 min)
$39
$29
ON-DEMAND ACCESS
ASA MEMBER DISCOUNT
American Sailing Members can claim their discount in the Member Portal. If you're not a current member then for only $59/year you can join or renew today!