BOOK REVIEW: The Baltic Sea and Approaches – Fourth Edition

By the RCC Pilotage Foundation 

Regular readers of this publication would be well aware of the high regard in which your reviewer holds the various “pilots” published by Imray. Having personally referred to many of them covering many and varied parts of the world, he can assure readers of the accuracy, timeliness and comprehensiveness. This example is no exception.

While intended primarily for yachtsmen, they are of much wider appeal than that. The huge volume of information that each contains is equally valuable to both commercial and naval mariners. They are even of value to the “armchair sailor” as a means of escape.

Obviously, a fourth edition implies serious and comprehensive updating and improvement. Comparing it with a couple of previous editions in your reviewer’s possession, that is very much so.

The Baltic, while cold, except for a few weeks each year, and rocky island strewn, is not difficult to navigate. It is very well marked, has plenty of sheltered anchorages and harbours and waves are rarely large. There is no tide and the scenery is generally brilliant. The varying cultures and histories of the nine countries lining the sea make it all the more interesting.

A fascinating area of the strongest maritime traditions very well described.

Available from Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson, St Ives, UK.

Web: www.imray.com