The Institute was planned to bring together not merely the professional navigators, but all who could contribute to the exchange and advance of knowledge bearing on navigation. The founders were wise when they gave effect to the thought that the small-boat sailor and the sailplane aviator could contribute to the progress of our science and art, and could greatly strengthen the hand of the professional provider and the professional user of the processes and material of navigation. The reasons for exchanging and advancing our knowledge are as diverse and yet as closely interacting and mutually reinforcing as are the individual interests of our members.