Category Archives: Travel Guides

Occupation Circumnavigator – Sailing around the World

A hippy Sell Up and Sail, this entertaining and inspiring book is more than just a cruising narrative – it is an instructive account showing how anyone can circumnavigate (or even sail for an extended period) without huge funds. Lars Hassler originally set off intending to sail for three years, but by judiciously using his

UK and Ireland Circumnavigator`s Guide

“The new circumnavigation bible” – Geoff Holt (the first disabled sailor to sail around Britain singlehandedly) A circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland is the perfect `doorstep` challenge for sailors and motorboaters looking for an extended cruise which doesn`t take them too far from family and responsibilities and allows them to keep in touch. It

Doctor on Board: Your Practical Guide to Medical Emergencies at Sea

This is a serious book covering (gruesome) self-treatment when necessity dictates for offshore sailors (out of sight of land and far from outside help). Whilst one hopes never to have to perform any of the tasks illustrated in the book, there is no doubt that if one has to, the detailed colour photos and illustrations

Manoeuvring: At Close Quarters Under Power

This is a unique, practical, hands-on guide to boat manoeuvring – ideal for cockpit use or as an aide-memoire. Manoeuvring a yacht under engine at close quarters in a marina close to other (expensive!) boats can be a daunting prospect for the inexperienced skipper – but it has to be done in order to take

Aero-hydrodynamics and the Performance of Sailing Yachts: The Science Behind Sailing Yachts and Their Design

This is a groundbreaking, technical analysis of yacht design, linked to the theory and testing of how a sailing yacht behaves underway. It is cutting edge – the author (a world expert in the field) has drawn his conclusions from years of research, analytical testing in wind tunnels and tanks, and his results represent the

Dolphins under my Bed

Proving that sailing is not just the husband`s pursuit, this charming narrative of one couple`s first long distance voyage is told from the wife`s perspective. Writing in a lively, humorous way, Sandra Clayton gives an entertaining account of her and husband David`s maiden cruise from the UK, down the Atlantic coast and into the warm

The Smartest Animals on the Planet

We have all heard talk of the intelligence of dolphins, elephants or great apes, or even, in different ways, ants and bees. But what is this intelligence all about? How do we know which animals are smart, and how do they use this superior intelligence? Written by one of the world`s authorities in this field,

Dinghy Cruising

Dinghy cruising is a magical way of exploring new coastlines and experiencing nature at close quarters. For families or solo sailors alike it offers a memorable adventure at an affordable cost, and with the freedom to pull up at any time, on any beach or riverbank that looks appealing. In this book Margaret Dye shares

The Gaff Rig Handbook: History, Design, Techniques, Developments

This is the internationally regarded definitive handbook for anyone designing, building, rigging or sailing gaff rigged craft. It provides a fascinating insight into the design, history, techniques and developments of a rig which has evolved through the centuries. John Leather outlines the practical aspects of the masts, spars, sails, running and standing rigging, and contrasts

Fibreglass Boats: Construction, Gel Coat, Stressing, Blistering, Repair, Maintenance

This masterly work will continue to be an invaluable source of reference for anyone wanting practical advice on working with GRP, in order to make repairs and improvements correctly and thus extend the life of their boat. Since it was first published 45 years ago, Hugo du Plessis` Fibreglass Boats has become a classic, relied

The International Certificate Of Competence

This book aims to help yachtsmen and motorboaters pass the ICC test – essential for anyone wanting to take their yacht or motorboat to the inland waterways of Europe and to many European coastal waters too. Now completely revised and updated for the third edition, Bill Anderson explains the syllabus in detail, provides revision notes

Birds of Ghana

Ghana is one of the safest and most accessible countries in Western Africa and is rapidly becoming a top tourist destination. This dedicated country field guide uses illustrations from the acclaimed Birds of Western Africa, which have been recomposed into a new set of plates, with new text and maps specific to Ghana. The result

The Birds of the Iberian Peninsula

The Iberian Peninsula is one of Europe`s most ornithologically varied regions offering a host of regional specialities. It includes famous birding hotspots such as the Coto Donana wetlands, mountainous areas such as the Picos de Europa and the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean cork and holm oak forests of the southwest, the migration crossroads of the Strait

Going Foreign

Many reasonably experienced coastal sailors (and motorboaters) find the prospect of sailing their boat to the continent appealing yet daunting. There are so many additional aspects that all need to be taken into account and complied with that it can seem a forbidding prospect. This highly illustrated, accessible and user friendly book takes the boater

The Mountain Bike Skills Manual

More riders than ever are heading to the country on their mountain bikes. It`s a sport that has exploded over the last twenty years, as people of all ages and walks of life are drawn to the thrill of the ride. Written by rider, racer and trainer Clive Forth, The Mountain Bike Skills Manual is

Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

This new field guide is based on the authors` groundbreaking Birds of the Indian Subcontinent (1998) and covers all the bird species found in India, Pakistian, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and the Maldives. The plates face the descriptions and maps for quick at-a-glance reference. Many of the plates have been repainted for this edition

Rebel Cats! Brave Tales of Feisty Felines

Fur-raising tales of real-life Rebel Cats! Discover secrets, stories and facts about history`s most fascinating felines! An engaging collection about over 30 cats who are the heroes of their own stories, Rebel Cats introduces us to fur-raising facts and adventures from around the world and across the centuries.

Learning the Rule of The Road – A Guide for the Skippers and Crew of Small Craft

A good working knowledge of the Rule of the Road is essential for both skippers and crew of yachts and motorboats – as well as everyone else who goes to sea. It is also an important part of RYA Day Skipper and Yachtmaster courses. Learning the Rule of the Road includes the full text of

City of Ghosts

Ever since Cass almost drowned (okay, she did drown, but she doesn`t like to think about it), she can pull back the Veil that separates the living from the dead . . . and enter the world of spirits. Her best friend is even a ghost. So things are already pretty strange. But they`re about

Where to Watch Birds – Britain

This guide covers the very best birding sites in Britain. In a format familiar to readers of this popular series, each site is considered in terms of `Habitat`, Access` and `Birds`, allowing birders of all levels to plan successful birding trips anywhere in Britain, and to maximise the chances of getting the best out of