Though contemporary sailors generally use electronic systems to orient themselves, the sextant is far from redundant. This purest of all nautical instruments, which allows seafarers to accurately determine their global position alone and without the aid of modern technology, is still required equipment on all commercial trading vessels; should electronic systems fail, a sextant can make the difference between disaster and survival. In this invaluable tutorial for beginning navigators, Pike clearly and efficiently explains the use and care of the sextant.

This comprehensive and authoritative guide to practical navigation draws on the author's extensive experience of leisure cruising and ocean racing. It combines detailed directions on how to navigate along coasts, in harbours, at night and in bad weather with easy-to-understand technical information about the electronic tools involved in safe navigation, including radar, GPS, AIS and chart plotters. Key basics such as charts, buoys, lights and tides are carefully explained and illustrated with diagrams and colour photographs throughout. Practical descriptions of navigation scenarios, such as fixing a position or plotting a course, are brought to life with anecdotes and precise detail. An indispensable reference guide for anyone wishing to sail or motor a boat safely in any situation.

Hidden Harbours of Southwest Scotland is a lively tour of small and infrequently visited harbours on the stunning Scottish coast and its nearby islands, starting from Port Logan in the south and meandering northwards to Lerags on Loch Feochan in the Firth of Lorn. The southwest coast of Scotland is one of the most beautiful cruising areas in the world, combining dramatic scenery with interesting history and landmarks. Many of its shores are lined with old castles and the magnificent historical houses of rich industrialists, reflecting its significance as an area of busy trade. The more recent military developments, which include a wartime torpedo base at Loch Long and the naval headquarters at Faslane on Gare Loch, also have a significant presence. Small harbours further south were shaped by the trade in natural resources and the flow of passengers via Clyde Puffer boats to and from nearby cities such as Glasgow and beyond. Each hidden harbour, many of which are simple but attractive piers or shipways built to support trade, has a story to tell. The book includes a historical overview plus notes on what is to be found at each, alongside full colour photographs and annotated aerial shots. This edition complements the other Hidden Harbours titles in the series by Dag Pike.

Boats are expensive and they are complicated - unless you are going to pay a professional to carry out a survey (at yet more expense) it is invaluable to be able to: - quickly assess a potential purchase for signs of trouble without paying for lengthy reports - carry out a detailed check on your own boat the end of the season - identify problems and get them dealt with before they get serious - get to know your boat in a lot more detail, so if a problem develops at sea you will be more able to cope Organised into chapters covering: Tools of the trade (basic tools, moisture meters, fingers and feel, smell, mirrors, sources of information); Checking the hull (including wood construction and rot, GRP laminates, osmosis, metal construction, keels, anodes); RIBs and inflatables; Engine and systems; Stern gear; Plumbing; Mast and rigging; Electrical systems; Interiors; Safety equipment. At the end of the book there's a handy guide to carrying out a five minute survey - invaluable when making a quick assessment of a potential purchase. Highly illustrated, with anecdotes and hands-on advice throughout, this practical book gives readers the tools to do much of the work on their own, and know when to call in the experts.

Set to become the bible for powerboat owners and operators for years to come, this long overdue analysis and review of modern powerboat design and operation explores how powerboats have developed, why, and how design impacts on control and performance. Every aspect of the powerboat's design is considered individually and as part of the whole. Different hull designs, including multihull and foiling craft, are assessed for their benefits and drawbacks. Engine types (whether petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid) and their influence on performance are examined and the nature and impact of different propulsion systems and driving controls is also discussed. All factors that influence operation are featured, from how to optimise performance in varied sea conditions, matching speed to sea state, as well as tackling various common and uncommon scenarios (from driving into an inlet to coping with tidal races and harbour manoeuvring) as well as issues relating to crew safety. For this book, Dag Pike - the world-renowned guru on powerboats - attracted contributions from many of the top international powerboat designers, providing a wealth of expert knowledge and specialist insights about modern powerboats. The sum of their knowhow makes this book a gem of acquired knowledge, and as such will be essential for all powerboat owners, operators and designers, whether in the leisure, commercial or military sector, and it will help ensure all prospective owners get the right boat for their requirements.

Today travellers by land, sea and air take accurate navigation for granted but it was not always thus. The author, a highly experienced sailor, sets out to record the development of navigational techniques from the earliest time, five millenniums ago. As explorers started to venture offshore into the unknown they had to rely on the sun and stars for direction. From this pioneers turned to mathematics, astrolobes, sextants and increasing accurate clocks to measure latitude and later longitude. More recently major breakthroughs with electronic navigation, GPS and other satellite systems have revolutionised travel. Focusing primarily but not exclusively on marine navigation, the author weaves a fascinating course through the successes and failures of mankind's quest to explore his world. The result is a thoroughly entertaining and informative work which has no rival.