Sea Guide to Pembrokeshire

Publisher: Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson 2nd ed, £17.50
Publication Date: 2006

In retirement Tom Bennett has sailed the world; previously he was Pembrokeshire’s Beaches and Waters Safety Officer. Therefore, his knowledge of this coast is second to none. The guide, which is well illustrated with coloured photographs, is in three sections; the largest for yachtsmen, the second for surfers and the third for kayakers but all is of use to yachtsmen. Good surf areas usually make poor anchorages. Finally there are tidal atlases, chartlets, local information and notes on the sea life. The whole coast from north to south, including Milford Haven and the Rivers Cleddau, is covered in great detail. He sometimes uses local names for small places that you will not find on any chart, including his, but their location is obvious. The buoys around Caldey Island are now lit. I had the good fortune to be born in Tenby and have been sailing these waters for sixty-five years but I have learned a lot from this book and keep a copy aboard. Everyone who takes to the waters of Britain’s only coastal national park should have one. - JLC.