Reference
Course
The reference course represents the most efficient route to the
destination, based on average winds and currents,
the performance capabilities of the canoes, and the method of wayfinding used. The canoes cannot sail exactly on
the reference course because wind direction and weather conditions will vary along the way. Cloud cover will
prevent the navigators from using celestial bodies, their most accurate guides to direction. The art of wayfinding
involves adapting to variable and unexpected conditions of wind and weather while maintaining progress towards
the upwind side of the destination for a downwind sail along the latitude of the target.
The reference course for the sail from Nukuhiva to Hawai'i can be plotted on a chart (e.g., Nautical Chart 526)
with four points (see attached map):
1. Hinahaa papa (NW Pt. of Nukuhiva)--8 deg. 50' N, 140 deg. 15' W
2. 3 deg. 00'N, 141 deg. 45'W
3. 9 deg. 00'N, I43 deg. 00'W
4. 20 deg. 30' S, 149 deg. 15'W
The navigators will try to hold the following courses on the voyage to Huahine:
From the northwest end of Nukuhiva to 3 deg. N--North ('Akau / 0 deg.)
From 3 deg. N to 9 deg. N--North by West (Haka Ho'olua / 348 deg. 45')
From 9 deg. N to 20.5 deg. N--North Northwest (Na Leo Ho'olua / 337 deg.
30').
To target screen along 20.5 deg. N--West (Komohana / 270 deg.)
[See attached star compass for a guide to directions. The reference course takes into account an average .5 knot
current flowing west between Nukuhiva to 3 deg. N latitude, and between 9 deg. N to the target screen at 20.5 deg.
N. These currents will carry the canoes west of theft apparent headings.
The current between 9 deg. N and 3 deg. N is unpredictable.]
The navigators' estimated positions will differs from the longitude
and latitude determined by the signals sent from the transponders on board
the canoes to satellites orbitting overhead. Wayfinding does not produce or
record exact physical data; it is a performance art that depends on and
tests human intelligence,intuition, memory, and determination to reach
one's destination; its theater is the open ocean.