U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 66, Mathews, recently conducted a one-day navigation seminar for members of the Mathews Yacht Club.

In the seminar, “Navigating the Chesapeake,” yacht club members learned traditional charting methods of navigation, a press release stated. Participants used a paper chart and plotting tools to determine their location on the water at any given time.

Charting is the most important part of navigating and trip planning, said the release, while the GPS serves as an on-board assistant. Too many people think the GPS is all they need. Not so, said the release.

Students also learned how to find the depth of the water, latitude and longitude position, and buoy locations on a chart. Other topics covered were fuel consumption calculation; electronic methods of navigation using a GPS, a chart plotter, and sonar; and use of a marine radio.

Another class will be held for the public from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, at the Mathews Volun...