1

The captain was given our copy of this invaluable book in 1987, as a gift by Alwyn Davison, who ran Marine Climax in Palma de Mallorca at the time (before his excellent business was snatched away from him by dint of a refusal by the authorities to renew his immigration visa) and took care of Ni-Sa-Bula, the predecessor of Leopard Normand III, when she had to be left.

Having this book aboard made the captain's second and subsequent Atlantic crossings more enjoyable than they might otherwise have been and is still relevant in most respects, although weather patterns have become much less predictable in recent years.

The book, published by Grenada, is very clear about the fact that it is not intended as a technical navigation tool and one should avail oneself of relevant charts, publications and notices. 

The mate, your managing editor, was rather chuffed, when the book was brought out for the 1998 crossing, to see that it is dedicated to a relative of hers, Captain Colin McMullen DSC RN, whose idea it apparently was that such a book ought to exist and whose notes formed the early basis for it. 

Dipping into The Atlantic Crossing Guide helped add another dimension to the voyage. That very summer it was on the saloon/chart table for the duration of the captain's seventh crossing and, again gave us a great deal of  pleasure and information.

This slim hardback volume combines history and geography to bring a wonderful account of the Great Barrier Reef to life, from the earliest known records of its' existence to the mid-70's when this edition was published by The MacMillan Company of Australia Pty Ltd. 

The author was a lecturer in journalism until he discovered his talents as an historian - which talent he turned towards his native Australia, writing several excellent books of which Ships In The Coral is but one fine example.

Published by Oxford University Press, ours is a copy of the 2nd edition, brought out in 1981. It tells and shows the history of the River Thames from source to estuary, introducing us to places and people both living and long gone.  

If one were to take a journey up, or down the Thames, this little book would bring it alive and enhance ones' pleasure in the whole trip. even without going there, one can learn much of the river which runs through London, capital city of England. We feature A Thames Companion in both the Geography and History sections as it spans both areas.

Marvelously illustrated and, unlike some of the modern day cruising guides which appear to be no more than gimmicks to enable their authors to sell advertising space to local businesses which they will recommend if they pay and ignore if they do not, this guide does appear to be genuine. 

Unfortunately, having been given it as a gift and having the full intention of using A Cruising Guide To Cuba, we ran out of time and didn't get to Cuba - we hope to go next time we cross the Atlantic, when we will be heading for the East Coast of the USA, via the more northerly islands.

This large hardback volume, the 9th printing, published in 1973, was left aboard by a previous owner of our boat, to our good fortune! 

Fabulously illustrated, it covers not only the geography but also the history of the area and has a large section on fishing in the region. If one had had no plans to visit, The Sea Of Cortez would surely cause one to start planning! 

We'd love to hear about any geographical books you may be able to give us details of, whether they be cruising guides or books which give insights into locations ashore...
If every reader tells us about just one book (the more the merrier) all our readers will get to hear about books they might not otherwise have known existed and had the chance to enjoy - why not drop us a line, with at least the book's title, name of the author and ISBN details, and preferably with your description of the reason you feel the book is worthy of inclusion in the library... Don't wait to see if anyone else bothers - they may be waiting to see if you do!