Solent Hazards

Publisher: Boldre Marine, 5th edition, 2nd revision; £16.95
Publication Date: 2008

The latest update to this established reference work is recommended reading by the race organisers for the many yacht skippers intending to take part in the annual “Round the Island Race”, together with its sister books “Wight Hazards” and “Solent Tides” by the same author. The book covers the West Solent from the Needles to Gurnard Ledge, and the East Solent from Gurnard Ledge to Nomansland Fort, incorporating latest changes to the coast and buoyage, plus relevant websites. The ability to take proper advantage of an inshore track – however hazardous – and couple it with accurate assessment of local tidal current quirks, can mean the difference between a prize or a damaged keel! Peter Bruce’s own Gold Roman Bowl victory and a lifetime spent among the Isle of Wight waters have made him eminently qualified as the author. However, the volume is also a superb vade-mecum for the Solent cruising yachtsman. The 128 low-water-springs colour photos, used in conjunction with Admiralty charts 2035, 2036,2037, will give an enhanced certainty to navigation into the many harbours, creeks, and anchorages of this area. In addition, the interesting anecdotes about people, events, buildings, flora and fauna make the book a fascinating arm-chair or bed-time read. At £16.95 RRP for 112 pages, it is clearly a must for the ‘letter up the chimney to Santa’ by Skipper or Navigator this Christmas.WM