Caribbean Pilot books & cruising guides

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Hi all
Starting to long term plan for next year when we intend to cross to the Caribbean and would be interested to know which pilot books / cruising guides are found to be most useful and accurate! Initially we will be exploring the Windward and Leeward Isles and would appreciate any recommendations.
Many thanks
 
We have always used these guides and found them to be good generally.
There really isn't much else available.
One thing I personally find very useful when trying to get a feel for a place we will be visiting is to read other peoples sailing blogs. Some are very entertaining reading and an excellent source of honest information and opinion. And they don't cost a penny either!
 
Agree with Stingo et al, Doyles are probably as good as it gets. If you have spare cash then Streets guide(s) http://www.amazon.co.uk/Martinique-...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1291840635&sr=1-1 seem to be well out of date now but have more detailed info about winds and currents, he did it engineless.
Or if cashless and of low corporate morality wait til you get there and pick up a free decades out of date badly scanned copy of streets from someones laptop in the anchorage.
 
Mel and Nick, there are various other Cruising Guides for the Caribbean, including Don Street's (which are probably a bit out of date now) and this one which I found by googling - http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Guide-Caribbean-William-Stone/dp/0924486570

But the Doyle Guides do seem to be the most popular - they are updated every year, and they have evolved to provide what the majority of the punters really want - ie up to date info with the location of basic services and the 'best' bars and restaurants....... :)
Re pilotage, they do have pretty good sketch charts, and if you combine this with a decent chart then you will be fine - its not difficult.

You can also usually pick up shed loads of free tourist information (including basic maps) in each island if you just look around a bit.
 
Doyle for the every day and up to date info.

Street for some less used anchorages but they have not been updated for a long time.

If you fancy some adventures get a copy of A Cruising Guide to Martinique Côtes et Mouillages and explore the many anchorages n the EAST coast of Martinique. Settled weather only and not for the faint of heart and anyone who can not read the water amongst reefs.
 
stingo said:
Oh, go on, please tell us that story about the extra islands on one of his charts?
Click to expand...

Have to now, you rotter!!!

It must have been half an hour I was staring at the chartlet in Doyles for north coast of Granada towards carriacou.

Now those off to the right must be these little islands on the chart, but where are the 2 big ones on the chart top left, can't see them anywhere!!

Finally booted up google earth and maxsea - what?? they don't exist - waaaaaait a minute,
bugg*r, top left of the chartlet is a zoomed in view of 2 smaller islands.

Really not that obvious......
 
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