Generations of children and their parents have delighted in Arthur Ransome's `Swallows and Amazons' books, but one of them stands out from the rest as being of a different order altogether. "We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea" is both larger of theme and tighter of plot; it is a rite-of-passage tale quite unlike the others, and in describing the experiences of its protagonist John it illuminates much of Ransome's own psychology. "Good Little Ship" is a blend of literary criticism, maritime history and sheer celebration. Peter Willis combines an analysis of a classic of maritime literature ("a book of which Conrad would have been proud" - Hugh Brogan) with the story of the "Nancy Blackett", Ransome's own boat which appears as the "Goblin" in his story. He describes her life, near-death and restoration, and her renaissance as an ambassador for Ransome and his tales.

Imray-Iolaire charts for Caribbean are widely acknowledged as the best available for the cruising sailor. They combine the latest official survey data with first-hand information gathered over 60 years of research by Don Street Jr and his wide network of contributors. Like all Imray charts, they are printed on water resistant Pretex paper for durability, and they include many anchorages, facilities and inlets not included on official charts. Plans included: Tyrrel Bay (Carriacou) (1:17 500) Grenada Bay (1:30 000) Grenville Harbour (1:15 000) Grenada - Southeast Coast (1:45 000) Grenada - South Coast (1:40 000) Saint George's Harbour (1:12 500) On this edition, a new large scale plan of the South East coast of Grenada is included covering Great Bacolet Point to Marquis Point. New ranges and recommended courses are included and existing ones have been updated. The chart specification has been improved to show coloured light flashes. There has been general updating throughout.

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.

"I would like now to write a practical book that will cover three topics: boats, the sea, and the beachcombing life." These were the thought of Bernard Moitessier after he finished writing his last book, Tamata and the Alliance, while in Polynesia. The great master died in 1994 and never completed the book, but here it is, meticulously collected from hus many writings, published and unpublished, by his companion Veronique Lerebours Pigeonniere. Moitessier's notebooks include all the know-how and the 1001 tips of this legendary sailor, the knowledge he acquired on the water, in meeting with sailors, during long passages, and during his many years living on various islands. The first part of the book details how to prepare for an extensive cruise, what kind of boat to choose, the rigging, the sails, the anchors, on deck and below deck. The second part describes the passage: the weather, navigation, watch-keeping, and heavy weather. In the third part, Moitessier takes us to the South Sea islands and shows how to adapt to living on an atoll, gardening, fishing and attaining self-sufficiency.

This edition includes the latest official UKHO data, combined with additional information sourced from Imray's network to make it ideal for small craft. The chart has been fully revised throughout including the latest bathymetric survey data and updated wind farm detail.

A brand new chart for 2016 covering the south coast of Sicily and Malta Passage Plans included: Licata (1:20 000) Porto Palo and Capo Passero (1:100 000) Siracusa (1:35 000) Grand Harbour & Marsamxett (Malta) (1:15 000)

"The ultimate guide to exploring B.C.'s untamed coast."

From author and kayaker John Kimantas comes the second volume of the highly successful "Wild Coast" series. This time, Kimantas takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the Inside and Outside Passages of BC from north Vancouver Island to the Alaska border. Each chapter in this comprehensive guidebook explores a part of B.C.'s remote and rarely visited stretch of coastline and discusses the region's Native and European history, geography, weather, ecology, attractions and services. Detailed maps show the major points of interest-from the best campgrounds to the ideal spots to view wildlife. Included are lists with the key features of each area: Amenities Hazards Launch sites Parks and ecological reserves Hiking trails

Each book in the "Wild Coast" series is written from first-hand research and exploration: Kimantas has gathered the information and photographs while kayaking B.C.'s breathtaking coastline. Although The Wild Coast II provides specific information for kayakers, anyone interested in exploring the coast will find this guide thorough and useful.

Plans included: Castle Bay (Barra) (1:25,000) Mallaig (1:10,000) Tobermory (Mull) (1:22,500) Caledonian Canal Entrance (1:40,000) Lynn of Lorn (1:40,000) Dunstaffnage Bay (1:20,000) Oban (1:15,000) Loch Feochan Entrance (1:25,000) Sound of Luing (1:30,000)

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

Plans included: Loch Gairloch (1:40 000) Kyleakin (1:40 000) Portree (1:25 000) Uig (1:35 000) Dunvegan (1:40 000) Loch Boisdale (South Uist) (1:25 000) Loch Carnan (1:20 000) Loch Maddy (1:40 000) East Loch Tarbert (1:60 000) St Kilda (1:150 000) On this 2016 edition the latest depth surveys have been applied throughout. The amendments to the firing practice areas are included and there has been general updating throughout.

Diesel engines are installed in just about every yacht and in most large motorboats and, while professional help is often at hand, sometimes it is not. Indeed, engine failure is one of the most frequent causes of RNLI launches. This book explains how to prevent problems, troubleshoot and make repairs using safe techniques. It could also help you save money on expensive bills for yard work you could do yourself. Diesels Afloat covers everything from how the diesel engine works to engine electrics, from fault finding to out of season layup. With this guide and your engine's manual you can get the best performance from your boat's engine and be confident in dealing with any problem. The book covers the syllabus of the RYA Diesel Engine and MCA Approved Engine (AEC-1) courses. This edition has been thoroughly modernised and updated by former course lecturer and currently chief engineer on merchant ships, Callum Smedley.

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

With only a sextant, his instincts as a seasoned sailor, and a boat filled with memories of his floundering marriage, Peter Nichols sets out on a solo voyage from England to Maine, where he plans to sell his beloved, twenty-seven-foot, engineless boat, Toad.Halfway across the ocean, his boat springs a leak and his voyage becomes a desperate struggle to survive. Filled with intelligence, bravery and humor, Sea Change is a thrilling adventure story. It is a classic tale of a man struggling to come to terms with his reckless spirit, his highest hopes, and his broken dreams.

Stand Up Paddleboarding is the fastest growing water-based activity worldwide. Thousands have tried it, with many more taking it up each year. It is easy to make the first steps to stand on a board and paddle. But many want to take this further - be it paddling greater distances, starting to race, SUPing in the surf, using it to improve their fitness or enhancing their well-being through yoga. To develop your SUPing requires a combination of improved technique, skills, fitness and mental attitude. This book will help anyone interested in SUPing get better at it. It shows how to improve your efficiency, technique, skills and physical capability before exploring the different ways of participating and the equipment you need. It suggests that seeking continuous improvement and rising to personal SUP challenges can help you enter the flow state, which enhances happiness. Packed with photos and photo sequences, this book provides both the inspiration and a blueprint for understanding how to improve your SUP capabilities in the area you choose.

This popular book covering the Caribbean from Grenada and Barbados to the Virgin Islands is a translation from Jacques Patuelli's original French version. Each island is dealt with in detail and pilotage notes are followed by tourist information and the usual data on formalities and facilities. Fully illustrated with plans and photos, many of which are new for this second edition, the guide is packed with interesting and useful background information on the Caribbean; its history, tourism, geography and details on sailing in the islands. The last section of the book, the blue pages, consists of listings of facilities, restaurants, bars, hotels and other information of interest to tourists.

Plans included: Approaches to Brindisi (1:35 000) Approaches to Siracusa (1:50 000) For this 2015 edition, the amended TSS at Brindisi is now shown along with revised depths.

This breezy escapist tale chronicles the misadventures of a motley crew of college professors who abandon their landlocked lives (and wives) for one week every year and go sailing. Author Tom Watkins vividly recounts a decade's worth of these annual escapes, as the adventurous academics fish, dive, drink, and dream together, all the while coming to a better understanding of themselves and each other. Their travels take them to such exotic locales as the Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, and the Grenadines, and along the way they encounter a colorful array of salty characters, including famed sailor and author John Caldwell and Undine, the jolly German manager of a tropical restaurant hidden by lush vegetation. Overflowing with rum, cigars, and poker chips, this is a hilarious and insightful glimpse into the secret lives of men.

This new paperback edition of Bill Sayer's comprehensive guide to the sports of rowing and sculling has been further revised and updated since the third edition. British rowing has undergone many changes in recent years and has enjoyed some spectacular international successes, particularly in the London 2012 Olympics. Levels of skill and professionalism are increasing all the time and new developments in training and equipment all go towards further increases in performance. This new edition takes into account these changes and incorporates recent research findings and experience that underpin improved training methods and nutritional advice. Bill Sayer offers invaluable instruction to maximize the athlete's efficiency, strength and endurance on the water. He surveys the basic equipment, the rigging and design of boats and their oars and sculls, the principles and practice of training - including the special requirements of women and juniors and the signficance of environmental factors, nutrition and psychology. The body of the book deals with different techniques required for rowing and sculling, illustrated by new sequences of photographs, and offers advice on steering and coxing and the special challenges of both head-of-the-river and regatta racing. With the aid of over 120 of his own colour photographs, diagrams and tables, Bill Sayer aims to provide every enthusiast, whether beginner or experienced competitor, with the information they need for greater success in the sport.

Plans included: Salcombe (1:15 000) Plymouth Sound (1:50 000) Looe (1:5000) Polperro Harbour (1:3500) Fowey Harbour and Approaches (1:10 000) Charlestown Harbour (1:5000) Mevagissey Harbour (1:3500) Falmouth Harbour (1:20 000)

The bestselling guides to Britain's canals and rivers for over 50 years. This established, popular and practical guide covers the canals and waterways in Wales and to the south of Liverpool. Contains essential information for walking, cycling, canoeing and paddleboarding. Covered in this guide are: Caldon Canal, Llangollen Canal, Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, Neath & Tennant and Swansea Canals, Montgomery Canal, Shropshire Union Canal, Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, Trent & Mersey Canal, River Weaver. The detailed Ordnance Survey (R) maps clearly show the location of essential features such as locks, towpaths and boating facilities, as well as pubs, shops and restaurants in the area. There are comprehensive navigational notes and descriptive text on the history of each canal, and on local services and places of interest, for which postcodes are included - ideal for use with sat-navs. Useful information for canoeing and paddleboarding. In print for 50 years, the Collins/Nicholson guides to the waterways have always been a vital part of journeys along Britain's canals and rivers. These bestselling guides are designed for anyone and everyone with an interest in Britain's inland waterways - from experienced boaters to those planning their first boat trip, as well as walkers, cyclists and visitors.

Plans included: River Orwell continuation to Ipswich (1:35 000) Fox's Marina (1:12 500) River Deben continuation above Ramsholt (1:35 000) Tide Mill Yacht Harbour (1:10 000) Woolverstone Marina (1:10 000) Suffolk Yacht Harbour (1:15 000) Shotley Marina (1:10 000) Titchmarsh Marina (1:12 500). On this 2022 edition the latest available depth surveys have been applied. The chart specification has been improved to show coloured light flashes. There has been general updating throughout.

This is an A-Z of seamanship skills for multihull sailors. There are many textbooks on the market which detail general seamanship principles. This is not one of them. Multihull Seamanship is about sea-going catamarans and trimarans and the skills needed to understand and enjoy them to their utmost. Both racing and cruising yachts are catered for, as are trailer-able multihulls. Seamanship is not a black and white skill. It is an evolution of knowledge; a building of information through experiment, thought and experience. There is no definitive word on an evolving skill. Multihull Seamanship started as Dr Gavin Le Sueur's personal index of `how-to's. It has grown through experience and others sharing their knowledge. It should be on the book shelf of every catamaran and trimaran. This book is for people who are already multihull sailors, or for those who are contemplating multihull sailing. It has served this community for over 20 years and this second edition is fully updated. It is illustrated with delightful line drawings by Nigel Allison.