RCC Pilotage Foundation Atlantic Spain and Portugal 6th Edition

Reviewing this work poses the question of what makes a good pilot book? Should it be judged purely on its accuracy or are there other criteria equally as important?

I have never sailed the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Portugal and cannot comment on the accuracy of the content from personal experience but have no reason to doubt it. I do however heed publishers and authors warnings not to rely on the content for navigation and accept their assurances that whilst every effort has been made to verify accuracy it cannot be guaranteed.

This seems merely to reaffirm the individual navigators responsibility to make their own judgements, seek out current information from a range of sources and make their own informed judgement.

I have therefore considered other criteria in my review including the usefulness and comprehensiveness of the content but also its readability and capacity to inspire.

Recently retired and able to contemplate longer distance cruising I wondered if this area would appeal to me. I found myself wanting to sail this coast - something I would not have expected as my leanings are more towards Northern Europe.

The writers approach allowed me to progress through the book almost like a novel and I could easily envisage being on the water making the passages and approaching harbours almost to the point where I wondered if this sort of "fantasy" sailing might be a good alternative to the real thing.

Useful (numbered) waypoints, approach chartlets, aerial and other photographs (of unsually high standard) and harbour plans are all consistently presented and positioned near to relevant text. This facilitates the process of following the sailing directions blow by blow without the immediate need to refer to other charts. Comprehensive information on berthing and shoreside facilities is also included.

This coast is not without its challenges as the authors make clear. The dangers are however, dealt with in a balanced way that encouraged me as a moderately experienced yachtsman that it would be within my capabilities and would be a highly satisfying area to cruise.

I would certainly recommend this to anyone planning or thinking of this area as a cruising destination.

Andrew Bonnett