Anyone who wants to navigate astronomically will still have to use a sextant today. But that can also be seen as a sport. However, everything else – mountains of astronomical dokuments, guessed positions, forms, blank maps, calculators, drawing utensils and the ability to use all these things – is no longer required.

There are modern apps that allow anyone with a mobile phone or tablet to find their position using a sextant. No knowledge of mathematics or astronomy is required. After entering just two observations of the sun, the position is displayed on a zoomable electronic map, more accurately than with any other traditional method.

This makes the decision to carry an astronavigation backup on board as part of good seamanship much easier.