The Atlantic Crossing Guide

Publisher: RCC Pilotage Foundation & Adlard Coles Nautical, 1998 £ 32.00

My last review ended with an entreaty to "plan your Caribbean cruise for the Millenium and be in Trinidad in time for Carnival..." This one continues the theme. Borrow it and be persuaded that an Atlantic crossing is for you.

It is well written in excellent, plain English. The guide is sensibly divided into 3 parts: 1- Preparations, a comprehensive coverage of 9 vital subjects one should consider before embarking on a trans-oceanic passage: from "Philosophy of Ocean Cruising" to "Safety", including "The Crew". 2- Passages and Landfalls, covers a further 13 chapters on what to expect, (Weather, Currents, Routes, Formalities etc.) in different regions and 3-Port Information, limited to 33 well-chosen Atlantic ports best suited for departures and landfalls.

Crossing the Atlantic has become a "milk run" and it is thanks to books like this that many others, like you (?), should be persuaded to become pelagic wanderers. I could not put it down and found myself nearly in the doghouse when finally I retired to bed at just after 2 am. You too should find the contents compulsive reading. -IG

Page prepared 5 May 1999