Skipanalínukerfið

Skipanalínukerfið, or the skipper's line system, is a traditional navigation method used by sailors to determine their position at sea. It involves the use of a line, called the skipper's line, which is attached to a fixed point on the ship, typically the bow or the stern. The line is then extended to a specific length, usually determined by the ship's compass or a sextant, and the angle between the line and the horizon is measured. This angle, known as the skipper's angle, is then used to calculate the ship's latitude.

The skipper's line system was widely used in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in the Age of Sail, when accurate navigation was crucial for long-distance voyages. It was a simple and reliable method that did not require the use of complex instruments or charts. However, with the advent of modern navigation technologies, such as GPS and electronic charts, the skipper's line system has largely fallen out of use.

Despite its decline, the skipper's line system remains an important part of maritime history and culture. It is often taught to sailors as a traditional navigation technique and is still used in some modern sailing competitions. The system is also a reminder of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of sailors in the past, who were able to navigate the open seas using only simple tools and their knowledge of celestial navigation.