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The Yachtsman's Pilot: The Western Isles; Martin
Lawrence; Imray Laurie, Norie &
Wilson, 2nd ed., 2003; £25; CA
16345
Two skippers of an 80 footer, sailing these waters over 6 months of the year, generally approved this Pilot. One still prefers the Clyde Cruising Club's Sailing Directions, but the CCC volume for this particular area is due for an update, expected in 2005. The formats are increasingly similar, as CCC also uses photographs and coloured plans now, and both make annual corrections available. This is a wonderful cruising area. If your time is limited, consider chartering in the same latitude - with the economy of a full chart folio provided.
Do read Martin's Introduction which is full of good advice, specific to sailing the Outer Hebrides and using his Pilot. In such remote waters, "conspic." may rely on a passerby landing to repaint a now "inconspic." cairn; it may be ages until an unlit passage buoy is reported. Imray welcomes (and publishes) corrections via their web site, www. IMRAY.COM - and tell the Coastguard. Martin's aerial photographs are only snapshots. The Shillay, Monachs photograph must have been taken when the fisherman was not using the best spot in the anchorage.
Off the West Coast of Scotland, use whatever publications you can lay your hands on, including this Pilot - but be prepared to revise your plan according to reality. A more extensive bibliography could have been included. Many islands have their book, which, with the 1:50 000 O.S. maps, can enhance your run ashore. - JT
Page created 24 May 2004
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