first published in 1987.
Steve Thomas went to the Caroline Islands to learn the navigation techniques used there. Lots to do with stars, the way waves deflect, "seeing" the current, etc. Fascinating.
Thomas lived among the islanders, so he wove in a great deal about the culture -- and the effect that missionaries and occupying Japanese had had on it over the years.
As in the Marshalls, the navigators had to spend years studying under a "master," and they held special elevated status in the community.
30 years on, I wonder if they still build the canoes and guide them the same way.