The Sailings – Mercator Sailing (Rhumb Line)

Exact rhumb-line course and distance using Mercator sailing. This uses Mercator latitudes (ψ) and the q-factor.

Useful for chart work on Mercator charts; more accurate than middle-latitude sailing, especially on longer east–west tracks.

Free Android App

Prefer to calculate on your phone? The calculations are also available in the free "The Sailings" navigation app for Android.

Includes:

  • Mercator Sailing (Rhumb Line)
  • Middle Latitude Sailing
  • Professional navigation formulas used in maritime training
View on Google Play

Input

Departure

Destination

Method: Mercator sailing (rhumb line). Earth treated as sphere, one nautical mile = 1′ of latitude.