Ionian Pilot Books -Any recommendations?

[LandM]

Ok, well hello, we're new on here and already we've got a question for all you experts out there!
We're chartering our first yacht to travel around the southern Ionian in September.
We're looking for a decent pilot book and I've narrowed the search down to two:
Rod Heikell's Ionian
Vanessa Bird's Ionian Cruising Companion.
Does anyone have an opinion on which one would be best to get? Especially for us novices, we want one that's easy to follow although they both seem fairly ok to me.
thanks - Lorraine and Marco

 

[Master_and_Commander]

Hi,

Definately the Rod Heikell. I still refer to it after 14years sailing the area.
It includes very useful diagrams to refer to when entering a harbour/anchorage, as well as every bit of information you can think of relating to the facilities you can expect to find there.
In my view, you would be hard pressed to find a better pilot.
Happy sailing in September, I'm off over there again in June and am counting down the days!

Enjoy /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[stephenh]

Try :

http://www.eagleray.gr/seaguide_en.htm

- expensive but most of the charts you will need are included, so cheaper in the long run.
More local anchorages are detailed than in the two you mentioned.

 

[chrisgee]

Rod`s the best in my opinion -- used most of his pilots ,Greece through to Turkey , brilliant. Depending on who you are chartering with you should get a book on board but perhaps you want to get your own to bone up before you go.
Moved on to Turkey now but spent a fantastic few years in the Ionian and will definitely be going back next year. You`ll love it.

 

[seasaildave]

Ionian Sailing Pilot by D. Nairn

I have managed to get a sneak preview of the latest Ionian Sailing Pilot. Its not some kind of glossy full colour coffee table book but a handy and concise pilot book drawn up in the old pen and ink 'here be dragons' style. The author knows what he is talking about and is a commercial skipper in the area running a RYA recognised sea school in Lefkas. The book is littered with pen and ink illustrations that bring life to the numerous stories that you dont find in any of the other efforts which, apart from the updated harbour plans, dont really seem to have any new information in them. Although it was only a draft proof copy, its was a fantastic read and given me oodles of local knowledge to explore places where other pilot books dont go! Whats more, a facebook page has been set up that gives readers the opportunity to contribute directly to future reprints and have discussions about places and people in the Ionian. I think all these things will make this a really exciting book and refreshing read.

 

[seasaildave]

www.ioniansailingpilot.com or via facebook 'ionain sailing pilot'