Mediterranean Almanac 2007- 8

Publisher: Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson, 5^th ed.,

Publication Date: 2006

You have to go a long way to find someone who sails in the Mediterranean who does not know about Rod Heikell and his range of eminently practical guides to these extensive and varied cruising areas.  They are all the product of a man who has cruised the areas, dropped anchor in most of the bays and talked for hours to local people at local bars and restaurants throughout the region.  The biennial production of the Almanac for the Med. is welcome.  Not hugely bigger – some 6% more pages – but they are chiefly focused on harbour information. The content has been deliberately slimmed down over the years to avoid excessive bulk and much of the stuff that is un-changing is now in the companion work Mediterranean Cruising Handbook.  It still has stimulating material relating to the geography, climate, wild life, a nine language glossary and much that is specific to Med. sailing.  Newer material covering the developing trends of SOLAS and GMDSS is now included and there are separate sections on weather, emergency and radio services.  Regulations in each country are dealt with as each area is summarized before the relevant ports and major harbours are described.  It is suggested that these are adequate for passage planning but confirm the requirement for the local area pilots and/or charts for more detailed work. 

The Imray Almanac is published with data up to date as at October 2006 and a supplement for the second year will appear on the publishers’ website: www.imray.com towards the end of 2007. We are assured that any important changes will be posted as necessary. - MD