2009-2010 Sailors Guide to the Windward Islands

Publisher: Chris Doyle Publishing, 14th ed.; £25.00
Publication Date: 2009

Chris Doyle’s excellent Cruising Guides are highly praised by all sailors I know who are familiar with his work. This 14th edition covers all the Windward Islands in five discrete sections: Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada and Cariacou. These are preceded by a Planning and Cruising section that deals with the broad scale stuff that you need to know: from currency matters to customs clearance and regulations, “Bugs, Beasts, Plants and People”, weather, buoyage, charts – everything you may think of. Some people worry about the legendary boat boys. Here is the advice you need to handle the more pushy and where to find the most helpful like the twins, Ron and Ronnie, at Wallilabou. In many instances the best source of supplies is mentioned by name.

A separate page or two between each section offers advice on the passage making opportunities and any potential difficulties. Altogether a most comprehensive guide both to the sailing matters and the enjoyment of these laid-back islands. It must be a headache to maintain up-to-date amendments for such a wide area but www.cruisingguides.com attempts to do this. Though I do note that reference to the fixed moorings in Salt Whistle Bay suggested in my last review have not yet found their way into the text.

The guide is printed on glossy and partially water resistant paper and is ring bound for easy reference at the helm. The extended back cover is both a useful protection for the pages and as a book mark. If you sail the Windward Islands, you need this guide. – Michael Davey.