On Sep 4, 7:45 pm, "Tim W"  wrote:
> "Paul {Hamilton Rooney}"  wrote in messagenews:c29e10fc-d23f-4cdd-b887-a87eedbfb6cd@n38g2000prl.googlegroups.com...
> On 4 Sep, 18:25, Martin <m...@address.invalid> wrote:
>
> Yes, but he still couldn't do the straight line thing! AFAIK it's not
> possible by traditional navigation methods - except in the special
> circumstances already mentioned. I am willing to be corrected, of
> course.
>
> Navigators absolutely did sail great circle routes by traditional methods> You have to change your heading as you go along  but calculating a compass
> course for a great circle route every day or every watch was one of the
> standard navigation skills.
>
> Tim w

Well, almost. Didn't that involve lots of small deviations from the
great circle? You couldn't change course every second - but following
a computerised course allows you to do that and more.