2008-2009 Cruising Guide to the Leeward Islands

Publisher: Cruising Guide Publications, 10th ed, $29.95
Publication Date: 2007

"Anybody who has cruised the Caribbean or is contemplating it knows about Doyle’s Guides. They are the benchmark for all other Caribbean guides. Pitched somewhere between a pilot and a tourist guide they provide all a visiting yachtsman needs to navigate both on sea and on shore.” So started my CA review of the Doyle’s Guide to the Windward Island a few years ago. I can little but repeat the previous review, adding that the guide, like some of us, has got a lot fatter and more informative with the passing years. For the few people that haven’t come across these guides here is the format. The book begins with a general introductory text and then goes on to describe each of the islands in the chain from North to South. Each island is treated the same, a brief overview of the place then straight into the northernmost port. For each port there is a chartlet and written navigational guidance, this is followed any local regulations, available yachting services and a section called ashore. The ashore section describes the shops and services available in the town. Written in Chris Doyle’s sometimes idiosyncratic but always informative and entertaining style this section tells you what to do once the boat has been parked. All of the sections are interspersed with advertisements from businesses in the area. The quality of the pictures, chartlets and general advice is excellent. An addition to this edition is the marking of the prime diving and snorkelling sites. We used this guide for our tour of the Caribbean I have no hesitation in recommending that you do the same. - Chris Enstone