Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I read some years ago that between Brighton and Bournemouth (about ninety-fives miles apart) on the south coast of England there are the largest number of registered leisure craft in the world. I doubt that has changed and in the center of this area is the Solent. If you fancy sailing around the ports and harbors you'll really find this book very useful.
The Solent is about twenty-eight miles east to west with twelve harbors and estuaries, protected from weather extremes by the Isle of Wight. The only real hazards are the commercial vessels, from huge tankers, world class cruise liners (that have Southampton as their home port) to ferries and hydrofoils. But away from this commercial activity you can sail up estuaries towards that pub drink and a meal. The nice thing about the book, I thought, is the information about each place, not just of a marine nature but bits of historical detail and where to go and what to see once you step ashore.
The five chapters cover it all: Western, Central and Eastern, Solent history and the all important Racing the Solent. Color photos throughout for each location and beautifully designed colored charts (the book stresses that these are not to be used for navigation) and a really clever idea was to include several aerial shots which give a sort of three-dimensional look to the charts. There is the odd omission of some places: neither Ashlett Creek or Hill Head Harbor are included. Admittedly these are really small anchorages with no facilities but they are included on Admiralty chart 2022. The back of the book has several pages of technical information: tidal streams, waypoints, racing charts, weather, communication frequencies and an index.
I think the book looks so nice that even if you can't use it for sailing the Solent it will make an ideal title for the armchair traveler.
***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.
Click Here to see more reviews about: The Solent Cruising Companion: A Yachtsman's Pilot and Cruising Guide to Ports and Harbours from Keyhaven to Chichester (Wiley Nautical)
The Solent is one of Britain's most popular sailing spots, which offers a varied and interesting cruising ground.In this latest edition, Derek Aslett provides an authoritative companion that helps you make the most of your visit. Covering the area from Keyhaven and Yarmouth in the west to Chichester and Bembridge in the east, the Solent Cruising Companion 2ndEdition provides comprehensive pilotage and nautical information, as well as suggestions of where to eat and what to do ashore.Also this Cruising Companion incorporates a valuable insight into the history of the Solent, the book is enhanced with colour charts and detailed photography, including many spectacular aerial shots.The Solent Cruising Companion certainly helps make a more interesting and exciting stay in this most famous of cruising areas and will prove to be an essential addition to your ship's library.PORT GUIDESUseful information about berthing facilities, marina charges, fuel, showers, launderettes, chandlers, maintenance and repairs in addition to a complete guide to restaurants, shops and local attractions.PILOTAGEClear pilotage directions and invaluable local knowledge of Solent harbours. Buoyage, tides, waypoints, VHF channels, harbour regulations and hazards.CHARTLETSEasy to read, full colour charts along with informative town plans.WEATHERSources for detailed local weather forecasts.
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