How Fast Is 20 Knots In Nautical Miles?

Understanding the Conversion Between Knots and Nautical Miles: An Expert’s Guide for Sailors

Sailing is one of the oldest forms of transportation and it continues to fascinate sailors around the world today. When out on the open water, navigators need to understand the various measurements used – one of which is the conversion between knots and nautical miles (NM). This article will discuss what knots are, what nautical miles are, how they are related, how they can be converted, and why they are important measurements in sailing.

The Definition of Knots

Knots (kn) is a unit of speed that measures how quickly a ship is travelling through the water in a given amount of time – usually expressed as nautical miles per hour (nm/h). It is also known as ‘nautical speed’ or ‘velocity’ and is equivalent to 1 nautical mile per hour (1 nm/h).

What is Nautical Miles?

Nautical miles (NM), also known as ‘sea miles’ or ‘statute miles’, measure the distance between two points on a map that are both located on a given line of longitude or latitude. One nautical mile is equal to 1/60th of a degree and it is slightly longer than a statute mile which measures 5,280 feet (1,609 meters).

The Relationship Between Knots and Nautical Miles

Knots measure speed while nautical miles measure distance over time – so there is an obvious relationship between them when sailing. If you know how fast your boat travels in knots then you can easily calculate how many nautical miles it will travel in an hour by multiplying the number of knots by 1 NM/h (or using any other conversion factor). Conversely, if you know how many NM your boat travels in an hour then you can calculate its speed in knots by dividing its speed by 1 NM/h or using any other conversion factor.

How to Convert from Knots to Nautical Miles

The most accurate way to convert from knots to nautical miles per hour (nm/h) would be to use a conversion chart or calculator online – however, if you want a rough estimate then you can use this formula: Speed (in knots) x 1 NM/h = Distance (in NM) per hour. For example, if your cruise ship is travelling at 20 knots then it will travel 23 NM per hour (20 x 1 = 23).

Examples of Conversions from Knots to Nautical Miles

Below are some examples of conversions from knots to nautical miles per hour:

• 10 kn = 11 nm/h

• 15 kn = 17 nm/h

• 20 kn = 23 nm/h

• 25 kn = 28 nm/h

• 30 kn = 34 nm/h

• 35 kn = 40 nm/h

• 40 kn = 46 nm/h

• 45 kn = 52 nm/h

• 50 kn = 58 nm/h

• 55 kn = 64 nm/h

• 60 kn = 70 nm/ h

The Advantages of Using Knots When Sailing

Using knot measurements has several advantages while sailing since they accurately measure speed without taking into account wind direction or weather conditions which can affect the actual distance covered over time when using statute or sea miles as measurement units instead. They also make navigation easier for navigators as they help them determine their approximate location on any given line of longitude or latitude at any given time – allowing them to adjust their course accordingly if necessary.

Lastly, knot measurements provide an easy way for sailors to compare their current speed with that of other vessels which may be travelling in the same general direction – allowing them to determine who may reach their destination first if needed!

How To Calculate Time When Sailing In Knots

When sailing in knots, sailors can use simple mathematical equations to calculate how much time it will take for them reach their destination at any given speed – provided they know what their average speed will be throughout their journey as well as the total distance they need travel before reaching their destination: Time = Distance / Speed, where Time is measured in hours and Speed is measured in knots per hour (kn/hr).

For example: If your vessel needs travel 50 NM at an average speed of 10kn then it would take 5 hours for it reach its destination ((50NM / 10kn) x 60 minutes per hour= 5 hrs).

Other Related Measurements Used In Sailing

In addition to using knot measurements while sailing, navigators often use other related measurements such as statute or sea miles as well as metres and kilometres depending on what type of chart they are using for navigation purposes – each unit having its own advantages depending on the situation at hand.

Lastly, navigators also often use latitude and longitude coordinates when plotting their course across open waters which helps them accurately identify their position along any given line at any given time!

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the relationship between knots and nautical miles as well as being able to accurately convert between them will help navigators get an accurate reading when they’re out on open waters while sailing so that they can accurately plot their course ahead and arrive safely at their destination with ease!