The Miracle of Navigation

We have cruised 7 days across the open sea without a single landmark (or sign) in sight. The Artania is still underway at daybreak. It is raining slightly. Before us, I see lights on land. 

Mauritius. A relatively small island, as islands go. The northern tip is at latitude 20 degrees South. The southern end is at 20.5 degrees South. An error of a half degree in calculation of latitude and we would have cruised right past without  seeing it.

Sure, navigation has been pretty precise for a long time. But I still feel a sense of relief when our destination appears before my eyes on the horizon, as planned. I wonder if our captain, experienced as he is, also relaxes just a bit when land is sighted after such a long stretch at sea. 

I reflect on the early days of sailing. Mauritius was first discovered by Europeans in 1498. (Arab traders had sailed here already for several centuries.) It became a regular stop for traders crossing the Indian Ocean. I have new respect for the capabilities of these early world navigators with their sextants and compasses. 

One further miracle:  after 7 days of cruising, we are arriving at Mauritious exactly at the planned time. We Germans like that.