East Coast Rivers 60th Anniversary

[Gargleblaster]

I know the East Coast Pilot is the preferred Pilot Book of the Forum. However a few of us still rely on 'East Coast Rivers'. The following was in the current edition of the Roach Sailing Association [RSA] newletter.

I am sentimental about the book as the first time I sailed in the UK I had to find my way from Brightlingsea to Paglesham. Finding sufficient depth in the muddy Crouch River was not easy for someone who was used to the sparkling clear waters of Queensland in Australia. Having crossed the Swin Spitway I knew I had to find the Swallowtail Buoy becasue my East Coast Rivers told me so. Fortunately I did or I may have been left to wander in the Thames Estuary for ever.



East Coast Rivers 60th Anniversary
I have always had a copy of East Coast Rivers and my current
and latest publication is very threadbare. It gives invaluable
information of the RSA’s favourite cruising area.
This book was first published by the RSA former president
Jack Coote and when he passed away, by his daughter Jan
Harber who is also an RSA member. Jack sailed from
Paglesham with wife Ellen and daughters Jan and Judy. All
sailed these waters extensively as both Jan and Judy still do,
Many of our members will have at least one of the last 19
publication either on board on in their library at home.
I am delighted there is to be a 20th edition, published by
Fernhurst Books, released on 1st of November at 6:00 PM at
Fox’s Marine and County in Ipswich. RSA members have
been invited and I will certainly be there.
You may also purchase the new copy of East Coast Rivers and
have it signed. I plan to take my car and will have spare seats
so let me know if you would like to join me.
--o0o--

 

[Malish]

I would suggest that it is a little harsh to say that the forum prefers ECP - I have both on board and and find then equally valuable.

 

[Saguday]

Yep, we always have both as well

 

[Sniper]

We are also fortunate to have the authors of both publications as regular contributors to this forum. It gives the books a very personal feel.

 

[Boz]

Yep, we always have both as well

+1

Good to browse as well -

 

[DanTribe]

I have 1st, 3rd, 10th & 11th editions. A couple of other editions were passed on to Dutch boats we met who were thinking of visiting UK.
In the early editions there is a picture of Janet & Judy on the yacht Iwunda looking very junior.
The new edition is a must.

 

[Marmalade]

Yep -use both

 

[philiphurst]

Same here. Best option is to have both on board.

 

[FullCircle]

I have a copy from 1959.......and a more recent one, probably 6 or 7 years old.

As well as the ECP of course, and dozens of local booklets picked up as I go round

 

[Otter]

If I want to know how to get somewhere it's the ECP but if I want to know whether it's worth going there and what it'll be like when I arrive then it's East Coast Rivers.

 

[Kukri]

I have the real First Edition!

1903, by Lt SVC Messum, RN. This is the original of the "slim volume" on which the plot of "The Riddle of the Sands" turns. Jack Coote borrowed the title. It is an excellent pilot book, if read in conjunction with the current edition!

Anyway, back to the current "East Coast Rivers" - my late father who started sailing in the Thames estuary in 1919 always referred to the book as "The invaluable Jack Coote". I'd love to be there but may not make it for 18.00