The practical guide to celestial navigation - know what to do step by step, understand why you're doing it, and be confident that you can put it into practice when on board. Did you know that a person standing on the equator is effectively travelling at 900mph? And did you know that you can use this information to work out where you are in the world, to an accuracy of about 3 or 4 miles? No GPS, no computers. Just a sextant, some tables from an Almanac and the knowledge in this book. It’s the only back up if the GPS goes down, so it’s a matter of safety. If you want to qualify as a commercial skipper/superyacht captain you need to know how to carry out celestial navigation. And if you want to pass the RYA Ocean Yachtmaster™ exam, you need to know it too. It’s a major stumbling block for many sailors wanting or needing to take their next qualifications, and the other books on the market are complex and often assume some prior understanding. This book fulfils the need for a clear explanation of celestial navigation, illustrated with colour diagrams and including unique checklist sheets to enable you to repeat all those calculations you learned back at home, when you’re on deck. Without overwhelming the reader with a load of theory from the off, the author breaks down what you need to do, step by step, explaining why at every point – giving the information context, and making it more interesting and memorable. He has trained students in this subject for years, and here he’s able to use his experiences of what works, and what are the common pitfalls – he even includes a troubleshooting chapter near the end, going through errors commonly made, and how to spot them. The objective is that readers will finish the book not only knowing what to do, but really understanding why, and being able to make sense of it all again later (rather than just getting through and exam and finding themselves at a loss when on deck). The author also includes time-tested ‘proformas’ – quick reference sheets that sailors can refer to when they come to putting the theory into practice on board, avoiding the terrifying ‘cold start’ that most sailors experience when they suddenly need to put their theoretical knowledge to the test in the real world.

Tom Cunliffe is one of the world's greatest champions of traditional sailing boats, and is considered the guru of gaff rig sailors. Having worked these beautiful boats all his life, his knowledge is second to none. In Hand, Reef & Steer - winner of the Best Book of the Sea Award - Tom explains the different sailing characteristics of classic craft and shares his knowledge of the special skills required to handle them. He describes how to manage heavy loads using tackles rather than winches and reveals the mysteries of making the boat work for you rather than fighting with her gear. He shares step by step advice on setting up the rig; sail handling skills (hoisting, setting and reefing) heavy and light air sailing; manouevring a long-keel boat; losing way, scandalizing and steering with sails, topsails, watersails, single-luff spinnakers and fisherman staysails; and much, much more. And for this new edition Tom had added new material on modern gaffers, replicas and a whole new section on sailing aspirational large gaffers. Hand, Reef & Steer, with its wonderful watercolour drawings and atmospheric photos, will delight all who love the unique character and grace of classic craft. 'Superb' Cruising 'A delightful book' WoodenBoat

With its sparkling sea, 2,700km of coast and more than 800 islands and islets, Brittany is a paradise for sea kayakers. Brimming with local knowledge and practical advice, this guide contains full details of 60 paddles covering the entire Atlantic and Channel coasts of Brittany from Le Croisic to Cancale. Although these trips could all be undertaken as single voyages, advice is also given on linking several into longer expeditions or on simply selecting a spot for a couple of hours on the water. Each itinerary is accompanied by a detailed sketch map and contains all the information necessary for a safe and enjoyable day out; good launching and landing spots, timing and tidal information, distances and any local conditions to watch out for. Superb colour photographs, notes and anecdotes will stimulate further interest in this fascinating region. Equally relevant for the experienced sea kayaker, or a relative beginner, this guide will help you make the most of a week's holiday or lay the foundations for a lifetime of exploring this exciting coast. Good paddling!

Modern braided ropes have transformed sailing with incredible strength from ever smaller thickness. They are a godsend to the racing sailor who is always looking for strength without additional weight. The nature of these ropes requires different techniques to join them together or make eyes to attach to fittings and this is where this book comes in. It is a guide to the different types of braided ropes - where to use and how to splice them for typical uses on a racing sailboat. It provides clear easy-to-follow photographs and is splash-proof and spiral bound, which means that it is perfect to take into the dinghy park or onboard and use where you need to do your splicing. It lays out flat, so you don't have to hold it open as you follow the sequences with both your hands full of rope and fids!

The fear of storms has kept many otherwise competent sailors from venturing into the open ocean. This book explores the myths that have sprung up about ways to bring small boats through storms and shows tried and true methods that work for all types of sailing vessels. Special sections explain storm sail design, sea-anchor technology and tips for preventing gear failure at sea. Included are a series of check lists designed to help potential voyagers chose, then outfit their boat for safe voyaging plus others to prepare them as a storm actually approaches and reassure them once they are in the midsts of heavy winds and seas. Marrio Vittone, a U.S. Coastguard Rescue Swimmer for 14 years, in an unsolicited testimoney, wrote: 'I have been on several rescues (and heard of many more) that would have been completely unnecessary if the sailboat captains aboard would have practiced the skills taught by Lin and Larry Pardey. Not knowing how to heave-to in bad weather is as inexcusable as not knowing 'red, right, return'.'

Olympic gold medallist and multiple world champion, Paul Goodison, explains why this book is important if you want to win races. He says: "To win sailboat races you need to sail the boat fast. This comes down to hours on the water training and tuning - there are few shortcuts to hours of practising on the water. To consistently win races you need to sail fast and smart - making the right decisions to sail the best course. If you are not the fastest boat, you are still able to win races and regattas by managing risk and sailing smart. This is where good tactics come in. But, unlike boatspeed, tactics may be learnt by thinking about each leg of the course and different situations from the comfort of your own home. Jon Emmett's new book, Tactics Made Simple, is a great tool to help fast track this learning." This book explains simply, through hundreds of diagrams, what tactics can be applied around the race track. Individual boats in each scenario are given names so that you can easily understand what they are doing. Individual chapters take you around the race course, from before you get on the water, through the pre-start, start, different legs and manoeuvres. Each section contains detailed advice for the beginner, intermediate and advanced sailor so you can just look at the level of tactics relevant to you. Ideal for dinghy sailors, there is also a wealth of advice that will benefit yachtsmen. This is a practical way to improve your racing results, whether starting out, moving up the club circuit or competing at national level and beyond. Originally published by Wiley Nautical as Be Your Own Tactics Coach.

The ninth edition of Inland Waterways of France is the ideal guide for planning cruises in and through the most fascinating and diverse waterway network in Europe. This edition takes a new paperback format, split into three volumes. Author David Edwards-May presents a detailed overview of the waterways extending from the English Channel through Northern France, Picardy and Paris to Central France and Burgundy. This system totals 2700 kilometres of waterways that are as vibrant as ever, and include the new Seine-Nord Europe Canal, now under construction, to be completed by 2028. Recreational use is growing alongside the commercial traffic on the busier waterways, while Champagne, Burgundy and Central France have become cruising destinations in their own right. This first volume of the new edition sets out the current state of the network in 200 pages in full colour, with detailed maps of junctions and other key sites on the network, overview maps for each waterway, and route descriptions. It is a unique blend of practical information, maps, background historical notes and colour photographs.

Sir Steve Redgrave shares the inspiring sports stories and his own experiences that he believes get to the very heart of what it takes to succeed. From Roger Bannister's record-breaking four-minute mile to Jonny Wilkinson's sensational drop kick, Steve pays tribute to the heroes of sport and assesses what it is that led them to achieve their goals. Packed with entertaining tales of sporting greats such as Muhammad Ali, Brian Clough, Cathy Freeman, Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods and Bobby Charlton, this book celebrates the fascinating figures and moments of brilliance that can inspire us and motivate us all to make our wildest dreams a magnificent reality.

The first edition (0953195619 which went out of print Spring 2007) rapidly became a standard text for sea kayakers. This new edition builds on that success. There are numerous improvements in the explanations and GPS is covered in more detail, reflecting the increased availability and usage of electronic navigational aids. Full use is made of colour photos, diagrams, maps and charts, further enhancing the reader's experience. Exercises to reinforce and self-assess how much the reader has taken on board are provided at the end of each chapter."Sea Kayak Navigation" is recommended as support material for the new British Canoe Union navigation courses that are currently being introduced.

Includes the following panels: Les Saintes (1:20,000) Marie-Galante (1:75,000) Plus plans of these harbours and anchorages: Sainte-Anne & Anse Accul (Guadeloupe) (1:10,000) Sainte-Marie (Guadeloupe) (1:20,000) Petit Havre (Guadeloupe) (1:20,000) Le Moule (Guadeloupe) (1:10,000) Northern Approach to Pointe-a-Pitre (Guadeloupe) (1:75,000) Grande Anse (La Desirade) (1:10,000) Grand-Bourg (Marie-Galante) (1:10,000)

Outward Bound Canoeing Handbook is a handy, illustrated resource on the fundamentals of canoeing, including solid, sound instruction on all aspects of canoeing, from types of canoes to equipment choices, paddle and on-the-water techniques, safety tips, and more. In partnership with outdoor leader Outward Bound, this book combines expert instruction with practical tips to ensure a fun and a satisfying canoe trip for your next outdoor adventure.About Outward Bound: Outward Bound is the premier provider of experience-based outdoor leadership programs for teens, adults and professionals. Outward Bound is a non-profit educational organization and expedition school that serves people of all ages and backgrounds through active learning expeditions that inspire character development, self-discovery and service both in and out of the classroom. Outward Bound excels in curricula developed for struggling teens, groups with specific health, social or educational needs and business and professional organizations.

An engrossing narrative of one man's struggle to achieve his dream against all odds, this is both a fast-paced adventure and a telling commentary on how heroes are often made despite the system they operate in, by dint of sheer perseverance and commitment to a chosen path. Above all, it's a paean to the power of self-belief that serves to inspire, motivate and exhilarate. On 19 May 2010, as he sailed INSV Mhadei into Mumbai harbour, Commander Dilip Donde earned his place in India's maritime history by becoming the first Indian to complete a solo circumnavigation under sail, south of the 3 Great Capes. The feat, successfully completed by just over 200 people in the world, had never been attempted in his country before. In his own words, the book chronicles his progress over four years, from building a suitable boat with an Indian boat-builder; weaving his way through the 'sea-blind' and often quixotic bureaucracy; and training himself with no precedent or knowledge base in the country, to finally sailing solo around the world. During this gruelling task he was mentored by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo non-stop around the world.

With 6,000km of navigable waterways, the Netherlands offers one of the most extensive yet compact cruising grounds in Europe. This book is a user's guide to the whole network, covering all the mast-up routes and excluding only those waterways which offer less than 3.5m bridge height. Navigational details are provided for each waterway, comprising dimensions and obstacles to be expected, including service arrangements for bridges and locks. This is followed by details of over 300 stopping places across all 12 provinces; some which are large or popular harbours, and others which are well off the beaten track. Comments on the significant features are expanded for nearly 100 'principal venues' where more details on things to do and see are provided, as well as information on practical facilities ashore and the authors' selective and subjective restaurant tips! The book is designed to be of interest to all crew members, not just the skipper or navigator, whether its to establish how to approach a place, or to discover what to do or see of interest on arrival. Easy to browse, the book's illustrations have been selected to give a flavour of this water-loving country as well as to prepare the visiting yachtsman, whether under power or sail. This second edition has been updated with amendments to the text and maps. There are also many new photos by the authors. Louise Busby's interest in boating has led to commissions for Motor Boats Monthly as well as the Cruising Association's magazine. She is a former CA regional Almanac editor for the Netherlands and Belgium. David Broad is a detailed journal writer and log keeper, many of David's notes and sketches have been used in the compilation of this book. He is a Council member of the Cruising Association and the Chairman of the Broom Owners Club. A website, which is a useful annexe to the book, is kept up to date with details of changes to the waterways along with useful links to further information. For further information see www.inlandwaterwaysofthenetherlands.com

Wales to the East Coast of Ireland Plans included: Cardigan (1:40 000) New Quay (1:20 000) Aberystwyth (1:20 000) Aberdovey (1:50 000) Barmouth (1:30 000) Porthmadog (1:75 000) Tremadog Bay (1:75 000) Menai Strait (1:80 000) Menai Strait - The Swellies (1:25 000) Conwy (1:30 000) Dun Laoghaire (1:25 000) Dublin Bay (1:90 000) Wicklow (1:10 000) Arklow (1:15 000) Wexford (1:75 000) On this edition the chart specification has been improved to show coloured light flashes. The firing practice areas have been updated and the extents of the Skomer I. Marine Reserve is shown. There has been general updating throughout.

This is a wonderful cherry-picked collection of humiliating misadventures from the enduringly popular Confessional column of Yachting Monthly magazine. For over 25 years, yachtsmen have clamoured to tell the world about their most embarrassing exploits and their most shameful blunders, and the cream of the crop are collected together here in the hope that the rest of us can learn from their mistakes instead of our own - or at least have a good laugh at their expense! Shipwrecks, strandings, mutiny, getting locked in the lavatory...you couldn't make them up. Counted among the contributors are no less than four former editors of Yachting Monthly, which goes to prove that worse things really do happen at sea! Accompanied by cartoons from the inimitable Mike Peyton, this collection deserves a place at every bunkside.

This work is significant. It is the first to include a method of assessing structural strength in the context of the modern marine environment.
--Commander M. C. Cruder, U.S. Coast Guard

Acclaimed author and naval architect Dave Gerr created this unique system of easy-to-use scantling rules and rules-of-thumb for calculating the necessary dimensions, or scantlings, of hulls, decks, and other boat parts, whether built of fiberglass, wood, wood-epoxy composite, steel, or aluminum. In addition to the rules themselves, The Elements of Boat Strength offers their context: an in-depth, plain-English discussion of boatbuilding materials, methods, and practices that will guide you through all aspects of boat construction.

Now you can avoid wading through dense technical engineering manuals or tackling advanced mathematics. The Elements of Boat Strength has all the formulas, tables, illustrations, and charts you need to judge how heavy each piece of your boat should be in order to last and be safe. With this book, an inexpensive scientific calculator, and a pad of paper, youll be able to design and specify all the components necessary to build a sound, long-lasting, rugged vessel.

What reviewers have said about Dave Gerrs books:

Propeller Handbook

By far the best book available on the subject.--Sailing

The best laymans guide weve ever read.--Practical Sailor

Dave Gerr and International Marine made a complicated topic understandable and put it into a handbook that is easy to use.--WoodenBoat

Without doubt the definitive reference for selecting, installing, and understanding boat propellers.--Royal Navy Sailing Association Journal

The Nature of Boats

If you are not nautically obsessed before reading this book, you will most certainly be afterward.--Sailing

Fascinating potpourri of information about todays boats, modern and traditional.--WoodenBoat

The second book in our Classic Boat series aimed at traditional boat lovers, builders and restorers.
Lofting is an essential stage in the transition between designing and building a boat in order to turn the design plans into boat lines plans to measure off and build the full-size boat. Its a tricky art, but this book shows exactly how it is done in clear, step-by-step diagrammatic stages. Aimed specifically at the amateur DIY builder, it will enable anyone to build a boat of any size, whether power or sail.
The author has been teaching lofting to boatbuilding students for over 10 years, and has found that the key to understanding is visualization - hence the plethora of step-by-step diagrams in this book to assist the reader to grasp the concepts.
Lofting will be welcomed by budding boatbuilders everywhere.

Plans include: Approaches to Marsala Approaches to Favignana Approaches to Trapani Approaches to Palermo

2400.1 Land's End to Trevose Head 1: 180 000 WGS 84 Includes plans Newquay Bay (1:10 000) and Saint Ives (1:15 000) 2400.2 Approaches to the Isles of Scilly 1: 120 000 WGS 84 2400.3 Isles of Scilly 1: 40 000 WGS 84 Includes plan St Mary's Road (1:25 000) 2400.4 River Camel 1: 30 000 WGS 84 Includes plan Padstow Harbour (1:10 000) 2400.5 Salcombe Harbour 1: 15 000 WGS 84 Includes plan Salcombe (1:9000) 2400.6 River Yealm 1: 12 500 WGS 84 Includes plan Continuation of River Yealm (1:15 000) 2400.7 River Fowey 1: 9000 WGS 84 Includes plan Continuation to Lostwithiel (1:20 000) 2400.8 Dartmouth to Fowey 1: 150 000 WGS 84 Includes plans Polperro (1:3500) and Looe (1:10 000) 2400.9 Fowey to Lizard Point 1: 110 000 WGS 84 Includes plans Mevagissey Harbour (1:3500) and Gorran Haven (1:30 000) 2400.10 Lizard Point to Land's End 1: 75 000 WGS 84 Includes plans Penzance (1:12 000), Newlyn Harbour (1:10 000) and Mousehole (1:5000) 2400.11 Helford River 1: 17 000 WGS 84 Includes plan Continuation of Helford River to Gweek (1:17 000) 2400.12 Falmouth Harbour 1: 20 000 WGS 84 Includes plans Mylor Yacht Harbour (1:10 000), Falmouth Marina (1:5000) and Falmouth Inner Harbour (1:10 000) 2400.13 Plymouth Harbour 1: 20 000 WGS 84 Includes plans King Point & Millbay Marinas (1:10 000) and Continuation of River Yealm (1:20 000) 2400.14 Plymouth to Saltash and Saint Germans 1: 20 000 WGS 84 Includes plans Mayflower Marina (1:5000), Sutton Harbour and Queen Anne's Battery Marina (1:7500) and Plymouth Yacht Haven (1:5000) 2400.15 Saint Mary's, Tresco and Surrounding Islands 1: 20 000 WGS 84 2400.16 River Dart 1: 15 000 WGS 84 Plans Kingswear, Continuation to Totnes Various individual sheets of this chart pack are available separately. These form part of our 'small format Y chart series' that mirror coverage of charts from the corresponding atlas and printed A2 size. For details of these please see their individual web page (Y43, Y44, Y45, Y46, Y47, Y48, Y49 and Y50).

Sail trim is the art of setting sails in response to the varying conditions imposed by the wind, waves, boat speed and desired course. Regarded as something of a black art, good sail trim can mean the difference between winning and losing a race or reaching harbour before the tide turns. This book demonstrates the skill of good sail trim with the aid of superb colour diagrams and photographs, to enable racers and cruisers alike to sail efficiently and get the most out of their boats. Taking account of all types of wind condition the author explains: - aero and hydrodynamics - rig types - the best way to rig a vessel - sail cloth and cut - the right trim for mainsail and smaller sails - sailing before the wind There is really only one way to set your sails for maximum efficiency; this book explains how.

There has been an explosion of interest in paddling right across the world - in 2020, British Canoeing reported a 40% rise in members, with 19,000 signing up in a 3-month period. Much of this interest has been in inflatable kayaks, with the author's own website (inflatablekayaksandpackrafts.com) averaging 1,000 visits a day. The comparatively low cost, the convenience of inflatable kayaks, and the fact that you can just get in and go, all add up to their appeal. And with thousands of miles of waterways in the UK, most are within reach of a river or canal where you can paddle your kayak and enjoy being in the fresh air, gently travelling through the natural world. You see the country from a different perspective and in an eco-friendly way. But, as with everything, a little bit of knowledge and technique makes the experience so much more enjoyable! That is where this book comes in. It provides a perfect introduction to the sport. It takes you through the different types of inflatable kayaks so you buy the one that is right for you. It shows you the basic on-the-water skills that you will need, including getting in and out, how to paddle straight and turn. It outlines the gear you will need and talks about where to paddle as well as weather, safety, maintenance and repair of your equipment. It covers kayaking in rivers and canals, lakes and lochs, and coastal kayaking. All aspects are heavily illustrated with colour photographs making it easy to understand and clear to follow.

plastic wallet. Also available wiro-bound. Imray Digital Charts: Free mobile download A voucher code to download the relevant Imray digital charts into our Imray Navigator app is included with this atlas. Charts included: 1. Mediterranean Spain North Passage Planning Chart (1:1 200 000) 2. Cabo de la Nao to Cabo Cullera (1:150 000) includes plans Puerto de Oliva (1:7500), Puerto de Gandia (1:15 000) & Cabo Cullera Anchorages (1:50 000) 3. Cabo Cullera to Burriana (1:150 000) 4. Burriana to Cabo de Irta (1:150 000) includes plan Puerto de Burriana (1:10 000) 5. Cabo de Irta to Cabo Tortosa (1:150 000) includes plans Puerto de Peniscola (1:12 500), Puerto de Benicarlo (1:12 500) & Puerto de Vinaros (1:12 500) 6. Cabo Tortosa to Cabo Gros (1:150 000) includes plans Puerto Deportivo de Sant Jordi d'Alfama (1:7500), Puerto de Calafat (1:7500), Puerto de Hospitalet de L'Infant (1:7500) & Puerto de Cambrils (1:7500) 7. Cabo Gros to Barcelona (1:150 000) includes plans Puerto de Vilanova i la Geltru (1:10 000), Puerto de Aiguadolc (1:10 000), Puerto de Garraf (1:10 000) & Puerto de Ginesta (1:10 000) 8. Barcelona to Cabo de Tossa (1:150 000) includes plans Puerto de El Masnou (1:10 000), Puerto de Premia de Mar (1:10 000), Puerto de Mataro (1:10 000), Port Balis (1:10 000) & Puerto de Arenys de Mar (1:10 000) 9. Punta d'En Pau to Cap Cerbere (1:150 000) 10. Approaches to Javea & Denia (1:50 000) includes plans Puerto de Javea (1:12 500) & Puerto de Denia (1:12 500) 11. Approaches to Valencia (1:50 000) includes plans Puerto de Valencia - Yacht Harbour Real Club Nautico (1:15 000), Puerto de Valencia - Marina Real Juan Carlos I (1:15 000) & Puerto Saplaya (Puerto de Alboraya) (1:10 000) 12. Approaches to Sagunto (1:50 000) includes plans Pobla Marina (Puerto de Farnals) (1:10 000) & Puerto de Siles (1:7500) 13. Approaches to El Grao de Castellon (1:50 000) includes plans Puerto de Castellon de la Plana (1:15000) & Puerto Oropesa del Mar (1:10 000) 14. Islotes Columbretes (1:12 500) 15. Bahia des Alfacs (1:50 000) includes plans Puerto de les Cases d'Alcanar (Casas de Alcanar) (1:12 500) & Puerto de Sant Carles de la Rapita (1:12 500) 16. Ebro Delta (1:50 000) and Golfo de L'Ampolla (1:50 000) includes plans Puerto L'Ampolla (1:12 500), Puerto de L'Estany Gras & Puerto de L'Ametlla de Mar (1:15 000) 17. Approaches to Tarragona (1:50 000) includes plans Puerto de Salou (1:10 000), Cabo Salou Anchorages (1:15 000), Tarragona - Port Esportiu Marina (1:10 000) & Puerto de Torredembarra (1:10 000) 18. Approaches to Barcelona (1:50 000) includes plans Marina Port Vell (1:12 500), Puerto Olimpico (1:10 000), Port Forum (1:10 000) & Marina Badalona (1:10 000) 19. Punta de la Tordera to Punta d'En Pau (1:50 000) includes plans Puerto de Blanes & Anchorages to the North East (1:10 000), Puerto de Cala Canyelles & Anchorages to the West (1:10 000) & Sant Feliu de Guixols (1:10 000) 20. Punta d'En Pau to Cap Negre (1:50 000) includes plans Port d'Aro (1:12 500), Puertos de Palamos (1:12 500), Cala Senia to Cabo Roig & Freu de las Hormigas (1:10 000), Calella de Palafrugell & Puerto de Llafranc (1:10 000) & Calas de Aiguablava & Fornells (1:10 000) 21. Cap Negre to Golfo de Roses (1:50 000) includes plans Puerto de L'Estartit & Las Islas Medas (1:15 000) & Puerto de L'Escala (1:12 500) 22. Golfo de Roses to Cadaques (1:50 000) and Bahia de Roses (1:15 000) 23. Cadaques to Cap Cerbere (1:50 000) includes plans Puerto de Cadaques (1:20 000), Puerto de la Selva (1:10 000), Puerto de Llanca (1:10 000), Puerto de Colera (1:10 000) & Puerto de Portbou (1:10 000)

Sailors planning a cruise abroad use a pilot book, which gives you all the navigational advice to get you to your destination. Once you've closed the pilot book, this book will help you enjoy all that your destination has to offer. What can you discover within walking distance of the port? Where can you find fuel, laundry and food supplies? The main reason for going on a cruise in the first place is to explore new and lovely places. Sailors won't decide to stop at a port because of an interesting pilotage challenge, but you will for an amazing moules frites place hidden away. General guidebooks won't tell you everything you need to know, and will include a lot of info on places you can't reach. Adlard Coles Shore Guides provide the essential information and ideas to make the most of your time ashore. Paul Heiney, a hugely experienced sailor, journalist and author, is the perfect companion for exploring the pretty harbours and beautiful beaches of the Channel Coast of France. The book is lavishly illustrated with the author's own photos of this alluring coastline's bustling ports and hidden gems. Chapters arranged by region and port will detail why each place is worth visiting, what to see, where to find essentials such as fuel and repairs, transport connections, places to visit, best cafes and restaurants, walks (sailors need to stretch their legs when they go ashore), bike rides, best beaches and activities for the kids, all organised into categories by distance from the port or harbour - 10 minutes' walk, 30 minutes' walk and further afield.

In her forties Welsh poet Gwyneth Lewis decided to trade in her landlubber life - a nice house in Cardiff and a sensible job at the BBC - for life aboard a small yacht with her husband Leighton, a former bosun with the Merchant Navy and now in his mid-sixties. "We bought our first sailing boat by accident... She was a twenty-three-foot Intro class racer called Nitro, had a yellow hull and was totally unsuitable for beginners, so we bought her and started to learn how to sail in the Bristol Channel. Not long afterwards we were talking about renting out the house and sailing around the world." After buying a yacht - Jameeleh - and teaching themselves to sail it (a process not without its fair share of disasters, from psychotic seas off St. Govan's Head to broken ribs off Ballycotton), Gwyneth and Leighton set out to cross the Atlantic. Unfortunately Gwyneth's incessant seasickness and Leighton's daily deterioration into a moody Captain Bastard were not the only catastrophes with which they had to contend. This strange, stirring and often hilarious account of their voyage is as much a beginner's guide to sailing as it is a portrait of a marriage under the pressure of depression, both medical and meteorological. Gwyneth Lewis's training as a poet and film-maker lends her prose a wonderfully visual quality, and her contagious optimism in the face of inconceivable adversity - not much more could possibly have gone wrong - makes this unique book both touchingly witty and incredibly wise.

At last, a guidebook covering some of Scottish paddling's best kept secrets. Scotland is a world-class sea-kayaking destination, the Scottish Islands being rightly famous for the standard of paddling they offer. The North and East Coasts don't have as many sheltering islands as the West and there is always some sort of swell, but they will richly reward your efforts to explore their hidden nooks and crannies - stunning cliff and coastal scenery, numerous bird colonies, and fascinating fishing villages each with their own history and character. Forty-five journeys from Cape Wrath to Berwick upon Tweed are described in a way that is both inspirational and informative. Details of launching and landing sites, tides and potential hazards are provided and the coast is described in exquisite detail. This means that it can also be used as a kayaker's 'pilot' for any journey they might wish to undertake in this area. It follows the successful format of other Pesda Press sea kayaking guides, presenting the information in a user-friendly fashion and making good use of maps and colour photographs.