Apparently, there’s something new under the sun in the world of celestial navigation. It’s the Cassens & Plath Horizon Ultra Sextant.

Actually, I don’t think this is all that new, but when Wired Magazine decides to write about an instrument most people assume is obsolete, one gets the impression that there’s something new happening here.

Regardless, it’s a beautiful instrument. And it’s important to recognize that there is still a place for it aboard any vessel heading offshore.

I wonder what portion of modern offshore sailors carry a sextant? Twenty years ago, that number would have been about 100%, I imagine. Nowadays, it’s got to be lower…but how much lower?

Thanks to gCaptain for the lead.