Cruising the Florida Keys

Publisher: Pelican Publishing Inc., 2nd ed
Publication Date: 2006

The coverage of the long string of low-lying islands stretching southwest from the mainland of Florida is similar to the Claiborne Young guides to west and east Florida in format, size and layout. They give required information to the visiting sailor and give extensive detail on all you would wish to know for extending your interpretation of the available charts and guidance to which places you may wish to explore more fully. It is, of course, in the hurricane belt. This edition was being prepared as the catastrophic year 2005, which included the dreadful impact of Katrina, came to a close. The authors researched to affirm the damage caused and included notes, making a separate chapter to cover this ground. They make the key point that it is essential to keep up to date with available information. Other reviewers have commented upon the accuracy and breadth of Claiborne Young’s work. There is a companion book: Coastal Charts for Cruising the Florida Keys with facilities for correction that will be well-worth considering alongside this mine of information. Morgan Stinemetz is a well established yachting journalist for such magazines as Sailing World and who lives and sails in this area. – Michael Davey