Shell Channel Pilot?

[EdWingfield]

In spring 2013 I'm hoping to cross Ramsgate to Boulogne, then cruise the French coast to Brittany. My French is very limited.

Q. Would the Shell Channel Pilot be my best bet?

Q. I see they are on edition 6 (Dec 2009) When is No 7 due?

 

[jerrytug]

It's a good read,but worth the cover price and shelf space? I would suggest an almanac backed up by notices to mariners,for pilotage info,then tourist info on the net and guide books from charity shops,for local interest. Every village in the western world has its own website now. I wonder if Tom Cunliffe sails into each little creek from Belgium to Brest and trys the bogs etc these days? Rather doubt it somehow!

 

[Iliade]

A fellow showed me an excellent guide to Brittany and the channel islands a couple of years ago. Detailed enough to make you want to spend years cruising that area. Trouble is I cannot remember the name of it!

 

[prv]

I'd have it. By all means use the sources Jerry mentions as well, but it's worthwhile having all the basic info in one place. I wouldn't want to be frantically googling for a village website (that's aimed at land-based tourists anyway) while approaching the inner harbour wondering where visitors are supposed to berth.

I don't know when a new one's due out, but it does seem like it might be soon. I've emailed Imray in the past to ask a similar question about one of their other books, and they were very helpful. Perhaps you could do the same (and let us know the result).

Pete

 

[gregcope]

I have it. Mr Cunliffe is a good read. He may not visit all the bogs, bogs but seams to have a view on all the pubs!

I usually cruise with an Almanac+pilot guide as it has another, often longer description, pictures and highlights dangers or sensible approaches.

It is a nice book and worth the price.

 

[bedouin]

I like the Cunliffe book, but it is perhaps a bit light in detail. For actual pilotage I prefer the "RCC Pilotage" series.

I wouldn't rely on either to be totally up to date - so you need almanac, up to date charts and so on. That being so a version a few years old shouldn't be a problem. Mine is more than 10 years old and I wouldn't think of replacing it.

 

[jerrytug]

Look on the for sale forum, right now!

 

[capnsensible]

Prior to Mr Cunliffes involvement, ammendments and the French chapters were written by Captain Johnnie Coote.

I had the great priviledge of meeting him a few times. An exceptional man.

 

[Appledore]

I bought a 6th Edition of the Shell Pilot on Ebay earlier this year for - £8.60! Mint condition too, and a great book .

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

I would agree with going for a cheap older version. The information that is vital does not change that much and even then, chances are something will have happened between the update being written and publication anyway.

 

[NPMR]

I would agree with going for a cheap older version. The information that is vital does not change that much and even then, chances are something will have happened between the update being written and publication anyway.

I have just refurbished my 1995 version - makes it 17 years old.

But I do like newer pilots and guides so, being a sucker for books anyway, I'll usually get one for a new area we visit. Otherwise, we make do with the old ones and updates.

For example, the West France book we use does not have the Isles de Glenan in but the later one does. Copied the useful pages from another boat's book.