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A curated collection of the most beautiful and remote spots in bays, rivers and harbours around the UK and Ireland.The UK and the Irish coastlines boast some of the most stunning and varied places in the world for dropping anchor. But it’s not always easy to find anchorages that are sheltered and secure with beautiful scenery. Authored by a panel of highly experienced cruisers, this guide offers detailed knowledge of every part of the coast of the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands. Their recommendations can be trusted to take sailors away from the crowds to some of the very best anchorages these islands have to offer, from peaceful Babbacombe Bay in Devon with stunning views to Toberdenny in Ireland, an unspoiled natural harbour that's achingly beautiful at sunset. Each anchorage is accompanied with a chart, brilliant photography and a description of the place, covering why you should go, any hazards to look out for, and information on your approach, navigation, shelter, facilities available and wildlife to spot.Anchorages of the British Isles is the perfect planning guide for day trips, weekend getaways or summer breaks to explore cherry-picked, lesser-known locations and make the most of the beautiful coastline. Get ready to discover the finest spots to drop anchor along the coasts of the British Isles.

Boats are expensive and they are complicated - unless you are going to pay a professional to carry out a survey (at yet more expense) it is invaluable to be able to:- quickly assess a potential purchase for signs of trouble without paying for lengthy reports- carry out a detailed check on your own boat the end of the season- identify problems and get them dealt with before they get serious- get to know your boat in a lot more detail, so if a problem develops at sea you will be more able to copeOrganised into chapters covering: Tools of the trade (basic tools, moisture meters, fingers and feel, smell, mirrors, sources of information); Checking the hull (including wood construction and rot, GRP laminates, osmosis, metal construction, keels, anodes); RIBs and inflatables; Engine and systems; Stern gear; Plumbing; Mast and rigging; Electrical systems; Interiors; Safety equipment. At the end of the book there's a handy guide to carrying out a five minute survey - invaluable when making a quick assessment of a potential purchase.Highly illustrated, with anecdotes and hands-on advice throughout, this practical book gives readers the tools to do much of the work on their own, and know when to call in the experts.

Today travellers by land, sea and air take accurate navigation for granted but it was not always thus.The author, a highly experienced sailor, sets out to record the development of navigational techniques from the earliest time, five millenniums ago. As explorers started to venture offshore into the unknown they had to rely on the sun and stars for direction. From this pioneers turned to mathematics, astrolobes, sextants and increasing accurate clocks to measure latitude and later longitude. More recently major breakthroughs with electronic navigation, GPS and other satellite systems have revolutionised travel.Focusing primarily but not exclusively on marine navigation, the author weaves a fascinating course through the successes and failures of mankind's quest to explore his world. The result is a thoroughly entertaining and informative work which has no rival.