Cruising Guide to Southeast Asia – Vol. 1: South China Sea, Philippines, Gulf of Thailand to Singapore; Stephen Davies & Elaine Morgan; Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson, 1997; ISBN 0-85288-296-3; £30.00; CA 15403

The foreword acknowledges that this huge region needs more than the Admiralty’s five volumes to give comprehensive pilotage data to cover the harbours, havens, and navigable rivers. This is the first of two volumes, which attempt to bring together the guides, and information already published.

Most of these waters have been thoroughly surveyed just once and more than 40 years ago. Without fuss, the region is assessed in its cultural context with brief historical summaries. They cover the worries which cruising crews might have about political factors and piracy. The authors’ view is that if you follow simple guidelines there should be no difficulty. They know of only one piracy case in the last two years where a cruising yacht was involved. Trouble arises where people ignore basic rules.

Some 25% of the book deals with planning issues. It covers routes, weather, tides/currents, navigation, and telecomms., together with general advice on equipment, health, food and environment. Some devices giving data/advice, for example on dealing with Tropical Revolving Storms, are novel to me, and helpful. The bulk of the book is devoted to cruising guidance by area. This gives the usual blend of broad travel information and a range of chart extracts to cover planning and pilotage.

The chartlets are crisply printed and quite easy to read though all in black and white. The authors pull together a very wide range of useful guidance rather than create a glossy travel brochure. With the sister volume, it will be almost indispensable for planning and cruising in the region. – MJD

Page prepared 21 June 1999

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