Shell Channel Pilot

Publisher: Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson, 4thed., 2002

Decsribed as not only a working reference but also an inspirational companion for long evenings….  I agree whole-heartedly with the latter.  It's a mammoth voluime and I cannot see anyone using it in the cockpit on the way into a strange harbour.   As the title puts it - it covers both sides and would be much more practical in two volumes.

Having said which, the photographs from the air are good, the chartlets clear and all they should be but the pictures at sea level are always a problem and don't show the detail one is (perhaps frantically) looking for.  Some of them do not really belong here: "Plymouth Hoe on a grey day" for example.  As to the wisdom of embarking on a full description of tidal streams when, to my mind,  this is to be found in one's almanac - again I have my doubts.  It makes the book heavier still.

There is a great deal of helpful stuff about shopping and useful contact phone numbers that go to lessen that feeling of isolation on a first visit.  Peace and quiet are fine but assistance with repairs worth knowing about.

All in all this is a really notable pilot.  Others may feel I am being a bit hard but you need a very big bookshelf for this one. - JFB

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