Ahoy, mates!
Ever wonder what they were talking about, when some ol' salt in a book or movie shouted about going "sou-sou'west"? The plain fact is, there are thirty-two points to the compass, including good old North, South, East and West. I have drawn up a diagram of the compass for your use and amusement, but do keep in mind this is not nautically precise, only a general idea of how it looks. Not that I really think anyone is going to try to sail to Paupau New Guinea with a paper compass. :-)
To read the compass headings, simply translate the letters into their respective words precisely as given. For example, "SSW" is read "South-Southwest" and "NW by N" is read "Northwest by North". There, we'll have you talkin' nautical in no time!
| PoTC
FAN FICTION ~ My recommendations for good Pirates fan fiction on the net. (Updated February 16, 2008) |
Ship's
Articles ~ Three examples of pirate ship's articles. |
| Nautical
Notes ~ A pirate's glossary of nautical terms, slang and a few bad words. :-) |
Sailing
Ships ~ Confused about the difference between a brig and a bark? Here are common sailing vessels of the 1700's. |
| The
Points of the Compass ~ The Thirty-Two Points of the Compass, illustrated. |
Navigation
~ Understanding Navigation, for writers and readers. The Points of Sail and Ship's Headings. |
| Port
Royal and Tortuga ~ Come read a brief history of these famous pirate havens. |
Maps
of the Caribbean ~ A glimpse of where the Black Pearl sailed. |
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