A major feature of the CA Library & Information Centre is the extensive range of recent pilot books, cruising guides, sailing directions and tidal atlases covering the whole world. These are available both for reference and on two-week loan to members.

The cruise planning area (labelled Q in the Hanson Room Classification scheme) is one of the most used sections of the Hanson Room The policy is that the cruise planning reference section must contain the most recent edition of every pilot or guide that the library possesses: these are only for reference purposes and are not permitted to be removed from the Hanson Room. 
In addition to the reference-only pilots, there is the 14 day loan cruise planning section. This is now adjacent to the planning reference collection rather than being across the other side of the room as previously. The 14 day section contains a similar set of pilots to the reference section but usually they will be the previous edition. We have instituted a new policy of generally keeping two copies of each pilot in the 14 day loan section – especially in the case of the most popular areas.
The CA does not of course encourage members to base any critical navigation or cruise planning decisions on outdated or uncorrected information but in most cases if used judiciously the 14 day loan pilots – many of which are only a year or so old - will provide a very useful resource for members who wish to do their cruise planning at home.

Alongside these are the CA's unique Regional Files - a vast array of information from and for our members. These files consist of reports on harbours and passages, together with opinions, experiences and advice sent in by members over the years. Based on their local knowledge or personal observation, these reports give the yachtsman's view of wherever you may wish to visit. Increasingly this invaluable resource is also available online to members. CA members can view our online regional files.

Also in the library you will find our collection of members’ cruising logs which range from highly illustrated photographic and web-based logs to historic tales from some of our pioneer members. Many of these are submitted for our annual log competition which has categories for a range of types of cruise and log.