On Thursday, April 2nd, Steve Thomas host of public television's This Old House, gave an account of his apprenticeship to Micronesian master navigator Mau Piailug, who taught Steve the secret island skills of navigating without instruments, using only stars, waves, and birds.

Steve first became interested in Micronesian navigation as a result of a childhoon dream of faraway exotic islands. During the 70s he spent several years aboard his 43' sloop sailing around the Caribbean, and on to the Galapagos, Hawaii, and the Marquesas.

He had heard about the ancient Micronesian navigation system, and decided to learn this system before it was too late. Flying to the remote island of Satawal, armed with bolts of sailcloth, fish hooks and monofilament line, Steve sought out Mau Piailug, the island's master navigator. For the next several months, Steve studied with Piailug and his brother learning a complex system of navigation based on the rising and setting points of 17 stars in four constellations. The Satawaleze navigators memorized this intricate star pattern in relation to the surrounding islands. Because of this they were able to sail from island to island with pinpoint accuracy, without any additional navigational aids.

Steve's entertaining talk and slide show provided a glimpse into the unique lifestyle and culture of Micronesia. His best selling book, The Last Navigator gives a detailed account of his experiences. First published in 1987, the book has recently been republished by International Marine Publishing.