It was a surprise to be asked to review a map, but this is a first edition revising one that has been around since the 1950s and for the last 20 years as part of a “guide” with commentary by Derek Bowskill.

Companion to ‘Yachtmaster for Sail and Power’, also recently reviewed, this volume is by Alison Noice as well, sometime doyenne of the RYA training department.  Within its 106 full colour pages sets of exercises are provided, covering all aspects of the syllabus not just the navigation sections.  As is

I looked forward to reading this, the latest offering by the renowned sailing author and it did not disappoint. Rod Heikell, known as “Rod the God”, will be familiar to anyone who has sailed in Mediterranean waters for his very comprehensive and well researched Pilot books.

Alison Noice was for a long time at the heart of the RYA training programme, organising the syllabi and compiling exam papers.  This being so it is not surprising that this book, well established and now into this it’s third edition, exactly captures the substance and spirit of the Yachtmaster teaching programm

This is a basic book for beginners to sailing, written by an acknowledged expert. Although the title does not include the word ‘dinghy’, it lives up to its sub-title of    ‘The Simplest Way to Start Sailing’.

Having crossed the English Channel at least 50 times, mainly from Devon and Cornwall, one still has a great respect for it. One can therefore imagine the trepidation in which a sailor would embark on their first crossing, even if it were a daylight passage from the Solent to Cherbourg.

It is always a bit risky to see whether Joe Public finds your cartoons funny, so hats off to Mike Peyton for chancing his reputation – SEVENTY years ago, during the dark days of war, that is! Back then, as a German PoW, Mike knew plenty of people who needed something to cheer them up.

A Comprehensive Repair Guide for Power and Sail

These authors offer a wide spectrum of sailing and boating experience, together with journalistic and photographic talent.

These are pocket-size booklets and in that sense very handy but the attempt to cover huge subjects in such a small space results in a less than satisfactory outcome.  Many boat owners will already have engine manuals and other more comprehensive handbooks on board – together with some knowledge and experience.

These are pocket-size booklets and in that sense very handy but the attempt to cover huge subjects in such a small space results in a less than satisfactory outcome.  Many boat owners will already have engine manuals and other more comprehensive handbooks on board – together with some knowledge and experience.