Book Reviews

Publisher: Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson; £19.95
Publication Date: 2009

I have never been to the Shetland Islands but have often been tempted. If I had not before then this beguiling collection of notes, charts, guidance and photographs would arouse enthusiasm. The Islands have undoubtedly changed in character over the last few decades and there might be some concern that the oil industry would have caused significant detriment. We are assured that, not only has the increased wealth sustained the community in difficult times but it has led to improved communications, land and mobile phone coverage, as well as better navigational aids including modern charting and up-dating. Moreover, moving through the 120 islands, one can spend a month of wandering “without seeing oil rig or tanker”. The air is crisp and fresh, the wild-life prolific: whales, dolphins most species of northern sea birds all in their natural habitat.

Notes on the alternative routes from the mainland are thorough and suggest the advantages and disadvantages of approaching from the West or East coast of Scotland. We are urged to give enough time properly to explore and re-assured that excellent transport allows ease of crew changes or short breaks in the itinerary.

Following the more general commentary which emphasises the need for a well-found boat and the confidence to deal with longish passages in weather that may change rapidly, the islands are dealt with in a logical sequence with the top-quality charting and descriptions of key navigational data and items of specific interest we expect from Imrays. Specific care is given to note safe anchorages and to describe any dangers that might be encountered. Swinging room is usually available but skippers are urged to use a fair length of chain to cope with some sharp rocks. Although stores are available at many small towns around the islands, major stocking should be done in Lerwick or Scalloway. With such a strong boating tradition, bits and pieces for the boat and associated skills are readily available.

With Scandinavia closer than the UK, it is not surprising that the culture is affected and interestingly different. Apparently, and perhaps surprisingly, we are told of such diversity between the islands that there is something for everyone. With this fine guide on board to supplement the appropriate charts, I would be confident and delighted to make the voyage, sticking, as advised, to the period May to September. – Michael Davey

Publisher: Adlard Coles Nautical, 2nd ed.; £9.99
Publication Date: 2009

Just having worked my narrow boat down the 22 locks of the Wigan flight, I was in dire need of a good laugh; flicked through "Out of Our Depth" - problem sorted. The cartoons provided immediate giggles, then even better, prompted memories of similar incidents in my own yachting/boating experience. We've all been there - fear, shock, horror, disbelief; then relief at disaster averted and pleasure when we see the funny side. "Recollections in tranquillity!"

The cartoons are conveniently organised so you can quickly focus on your own particular weakness; "Shore Based" and "Working On It" in my case, though there's something for everyone. Go through once to find your favourites then look again at the cleanly presented drawings for the details missed first time around. As the enjoyment builds up you may find yourself able to bridge the gap between the positives and negatives of sailing just that little bit quicker and be ready for the next adventure sooner. – SM

Publisher: Adlard Coles Nautical; £ 25.00
Publication Date: 2009

Stuart Fisher’s Guide to the canals of Britain encapsulates an incredible level of painstakingly researched detail. As well as the main arteries of our canal system, it includes many waterways presently only navigable for part of their original length and regrettably now cut off from the main line system. It encapsulates a fascinating linear history of our canal system, which was mainly developed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

It encompasses some 60 canals, ranging from the Fossdyke Navigation claimed to be the oldest canal in Britain, having been originally dug by the Romans in 120AD to connect the Rivers Trent and Witham, to the Regents canal dug through “open country” to the North of London in 1820 and the Caledonian Canal completed in 1822 containing, when built, the 29 largest locks in the world.

Its 304 pages are packed with a myriad of historical detail on the places through which the canals were dug, including the origins of the name Coventry, Cofa’s Tree, (Cofa being the tribal leader of that area in 650 AD) and Brentford, at the southern end of the Grand Union Canal, being the spot were Julius Caesar forded the Thames in 54BC, and the fact, that troops were moved by barge from Paddington to Liverpool in only 7 days, being much quicker than marching. It will keep the enthusiast enthralled for many happy hours.

However, even with its excellent photography, it is more of a saloon table book than a pilot. The inclusion of the number and gauge of the locks, together with diagrams illustrating the changes in level along individual canals, coupled with rather more detailed canal maps in future editions, would enhance the comprehensiveness claimed by the Guide. Notwithstanding this, it is certainly a must for all who either navigate our inland waterways or are just fascinated by them and the outstanding feats of engineering, which they encompass – RWF

Publisher: Adlard Coles Nautical; £19.99
Publication Date: 2009

Roger Oliver writes regularly for Practical Boat Owner and will thus be well-known to many for his straightforward articles. This is a friendly account of his approach to travelling in day sail modules around the whole of the UK. It is good to know just how feasible this is.

The book is set in three parts: Preparing the Boat, Passage Planning and Pilotage, and Circumnavigating the UK and Ireland. The first part is one that many experienced sailors may skip over as it is specific to the fitting out of Jalina, his Sadler 25. It does have, however, useful insights into the way one experienced sailor thinks and plans to ensure boat, stores and the man himself is in good order for the voyage. We are given useful checklists for safety, skippering, spares, charts/pilots and so on.

The second part is split in two: Planning strategies and pilotage problems. Oliver describes in some detail his own way of handling his planning linked with thorough logs set out meticulously. He demonstrates the sketch maps his has to hand in the cockpit for harbour approaches. Acknowledging his attention to detail, he points out that nothing can be taken for granted. He exemplifies this with descriptions of some of the problems he faced on the journey.

Part three is a more conventional narrative of his clock wise trip showing each leg with notes of the way the job was tackled, chartlets of the significant features and photographs both to enhance the pilotage and to give a good general picture of the parts visited. He notes the distance and passage time for each leg and a summary of much relevant data.

Whether you wish to emulate his trip, compare notes, or just use his material to help with part of the journey, you will find this an interesting read and of considerable help. – Michael Davey

Publisher: Chris Doyle Publishing, 14th ed.; £25.00
Publication Date: 2009

Chris Doyle’s excellent Cruising Guides are highly praised by all sailors I know who are familiar with his work. This 14th edition covers all the Windward Islands in five discrete sections: Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada and Cariacou. These are preceded by a Planning and Cruising section that deals with the broad scale stuff that you need to know: from currency matters to customs clearance and regulations, “Bugs, Beasts, Plants and People”, weather, buoyage, charts – everything you may think of. Some people worry about the legendary boat boys. Here is the advice you need to handle the more pushy and where to find the most helpful like the twins, Ron and Ronnie, at Wallilabou. In many instances the best source of supplies is mentioned by name.

A separate page or two between each section offers advice on the passage making opportunities and any potential difficulties. Altogether a most comprehensive guide both to the sailing matters and the enjoyment of these laid-back islands. It must be a headache to maintain up-to-date amendments for such a wide area but www.cruisingguides.com attempts to do this. Though I do note that reference to the fixed moorings in Salt Whistle Bay suggested in my last review have not yet found their way into the text.

The guide is printed on glossy and partially water resistant paper and is ring bound for easy reference at the helm. The extended back cover is both a useful protection for the pages and as a book mark. If you sail the Windward Islands, you need this guide. – Michael Davey.

Publisher: Wheatmark, Inc; £11.99
Publication Date: 2009

It can never be easy to sell up your home of many years. This couple decided to do just that take early retirement and set sail This is Sandra Clayton’s second book which amusingly describes the selling of their home and returning to Minorca where they had left their Catamaran, Voyager. She describes the joys of cruising in a warm climate but also some of the trials and tribulations that they encounter while cruising in the Western Mediterranean. This includes the difficulties of anchoring in close quarters; especially in unseasonable weather. She describes a little of the history of the islands that they visit namely the Balearics and Sardinia. After several equipment failures they find it necessary to refit in Gibraltar before attempting an Atlantic crossing. After Gibraltar they head for Madeira on the first leg of their passage to the Caribbean so we can, hopefully, look forward to the next instalment of their log. The book includes simple maps of the places they visited and a glossary of terms for those not familiar with the nautical world. It was an amusing and interesting read especially for anyone planning to cruise in the western Mediterranean. – SL

Publisher: Cruising Guide Publications, available from Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson, 14th ed.; £23.00
Publication Date: 2009

And so the editions roll off. They will continue so long as they maintain the consistently good quality of advice and description in their publications. Costs are kept to a sensible level by the extensive use of advertising. Unlike many other publications where the resulting copy often brings nothing to the context, the Cruising Guides advertising usually enhances our knowledge and gives us more options to help us on our way. Restaurants, points of interest and many relevant services are brought to our attention in the specific areas where their influence is most useful.

The Virgin Islands are a beautiful and largely protected cruising area that can attract novice and experienced sailor alike. Although the area is popular for flotilla sailing, they do not intrude in the way they can in parts of the Med. Care is taken to warn that the guide should be read carefully in conjunction with up to date charts and that this should not be used for navigation. The detail of the sketches and the aerial photos in this relatively unchanging area do, however, as another reviewer commented a year or so ago, render most chart reference unnecessary.

Some quarter of the text is devoted to a well thought-through description of the flora, fauna, weather, customs and regulations covering the whole area. The rest concentrates on the anchorages and harbours throughout the cruising area. Pictures and charts abound. A useful planning chart covers both British and American VI at a scale of 1.25nm to 1 inch.

A minor and personal quibble: I think some attention might be given to warnings of mosquito. Protection is advisable. Arriving late into Sopers Hole on my last trip I moored precisely by the fuel pumps. The garbage is just behind and I had grumbling crew all the way home to the UK after a night of torment. Updates are available on www.cruisingguides.com. Most sailors you meet would not be without a copy of this excellent guide. – Michael Davey

Publisher: Adlard Coles Nautical; £3.99; .
Publication Date: 2009

A little book indeed. It genuinely will fit a shirt pocket and, though hard bound and has around 100 pages, is not heavy enough to spoil the lines. It is a pleasing anthology of poetry and mostly prose, which explores this horrid ailment that has affected us all whether directly or indirectly. The subject has clearly fascinated people for many years. We have extracts from Chinese proverbs and the ancient Greeks through to Disraeli and to the late 20 century. Though there appears to be nothing worthy of mention in the last 40 years. Maybe it has all been said. You may care to give this as a little present to crew or family. It will provoke a little thought and the occasional smile as it describes how people are affected, possible cures and ancient jokes. At £3.99 it is an inexpensive and interesting source for browsing – Michael Davey

Publisher: Adlard Coles Nautical; £12.99
Publication Date: 2009

The 41st in our collection of books about knots is a little different. It covers 50 of the “most important knots – ideal for anchoring, mooring, berthing and securing your boat.” It does, of course cover a range of loops, bends and hitches in the broad category of “knots”. Geoffrey Budworth was a founder member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers and would be the right person to explain to us why the sheet bend is described in a rival book by the same publisher (CA 17064) as “very strong” but is here rated only 1 on a scale rising to 5 high. In fact I find it unfortunate that each knot etc is so rated but I could find no explanation of how “strength” was calculated. Nic Compton is a past editor of Classic Boat.

The slim volume describes each subject, its use and how it is tied with some good diagrams. A useful glossary of terms is provided and some sources of further information. What gives this its unique quality is that the slim volume is in a box contained in a slip case which also houses two lengths of small multiplait cord of different colours for practice – “without pestering the bosun” . And the pack also contains ten waterproof cards showing how to form the most useful knots in use in sailing. This is an elegant little pack as a gift for someone new to sailing and several of the descriptions have useful application ashore. – Michael Davey

Publisher: Adlard Coles Nautical; £9.99
Publication Date: 2009

The analogy of the London bus situation whereby it is said that after a long wait, two come along at once appears to apply to books about knots. We had two in 2007 and now a further two in a catalogue that already has some 40 volumes devoted to the sailor’s needs for knots, bends and splices. You may ask whether we need more.

This does have some significant benefits over many if not all previous books in this category. The knots and their explanations are presented on splash proof pages that appear to be robust and the pages are spirally bound so the book lies flat: it can be realistically taken into the cockpit while practical examples are worked up and neither fall apart nor flip its pages when both hands may be occupied. Brief editorial material describes the varied synthetic material of which cordage is now made up with advantages and disadvantages. A paragraph is devoted to the care. The 40 Knots, bends hitches and splices are those you would expect to see. They are explained well and the colour sequential photos are graphic. Undoubtedly some favourites are left out but most will find something new. – Michael Davey