Southern Ireland Cruising Companion

Price: £29.99

There is a subtle difference between a cruising companion and a pilot book and this production is definitely in the former category as not only is there very comprehensive pilotage information but also a wealth of detail about shoreside facilities and amenities. It is the best cruising companion/pilot book it has been my luck to read or review. It is written with snippets of humour and many anecdotes. There are local stories, legends and history which make reading it, leave alone using it practically, a real pleasure.

It comprehensively covers the coast from Kilrush on the Shannon to Kilmore Quay in County Wexford in the south-east. I have cruised this area many times in the last 40 years from South Devon and thought I knew every inlet and anchorage but Robert Wilcox has found a few more. Unlike some recent reviews, I could not find any errors. However he does not mention the strong tidal flow through Castlepark marina in Kinsale which I found to my cost.

The introduction is comprehensive. Tidal streams, of which information in this area is rather scarce, are well explained as are the ambiguities in place names. Weather forecasts, safety, charts, communications, bars (both tidal and refreshment), restaurants, provisioning, fuelling, and transport ashore are all covered. He also suggests itineraries and has advice about sea crossings to reach the area.

The production is first class and well laid out. The photos are all very clear and often aerial with excellent chartlets in full colour. The problem with these books is they are soon out of date, for instance the beacon on Black Horse rocks at Crookhaven is now lit and there are new lights and buoys at Courtmacsherry but Wiley Nautical supply a card for you to return and get updates by post or e-mail. So, in summary, this will greatly enhance your cruising in this fantastically beautiful and interesting cruising ground even if you think you knew it all. - Norman Tricks

Extra content for this book can be viewed on the Publisher's Website click here.