West Country Cruising Companion

By Mark Fishwick

Please note that this book is out of stock while we wait for a delivery of the new (9th) edition, which is due in November 2020.

Mark Fishwick's definitive sailing guide for the ever-attractive coastline of Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly combines a skilful blend of pilotage and cruising information, with historical insight and suggestions of where to eat and what to do ashore.  

For those who plan to head west, this book is more than essential reading – it will enhance your enjoyment and prove to be a worthy and much used addition to the ship's library. Those already in the west will find themselves regularly thumbing its pages. 

Share Mark Fishwick’s passion for this region which combines with his in-depth knowledge from a lifetime cruising these waters to create a text which will inspire and inform you. It is enhanced with colour charts and detailed photography, including spectacular aerial shots of ports, harbours and anchorages, many taken in 2020.  

• Passages - tides, weather, hazards, shipping, coastal detail, planning, tactics and waypoints
• Pilotage - in depth appraisal of approaches, harbours and anchorages from Bridport to Padstow including the Isles of Scilly.
• Buoyage, lights, hazards, tides, local regulations, VHF channels, waypoints and invaluable local knowledge.
• Colour, easy to read charts
• Port Guides - mooring and berthing facilities, marinas, charges, fuel, provisions, showers, launderettes, chandlers, repairs, eating and drinking ashore and a host of other things from museums and onshore attractions to invigorating walks, local events, shops open on Sundays and even cash points too!

The new edition includes fully updated information on all changes to navigation, contact details and the new layouts of Falmouth and Newlyn.

Reviews

"Written in a relaxed, easy style, it combines a wealth of pilotage information with historical detail and expert local knowledge.  The colour photography, including many invaluable coastal, aerial and approach shots, brings it all vividly to life.  Mark looks at planning, tactics and waypoints, and includes his own in-depth appraisals of approaches, harbours and anchorages from Bridport to Padstow, including the Isles of Scilly... It will also add hugely to your enjoyment of this fascinating cruising ground." Yachting Monthly

"The coverage of the Isles of Scilly is excellent and easy to follow." Royal Cruising Club

“For those familiar with this classic pilot book its qualities have grown with each successive edition and this 8th edition is no exception. Comprehensive, simple to navigate, beautifully illustrated and bursting with useful information. Port plans are detailed and crisp, their utility enhanced by approach and aerial photographs. Everything is here to plan a cruise and stay safe in this sometimes unforgiving area on the edge of the Atlantic. I can find no fault with this volume and would find it inexplicable if anyone other than a local skipper undertook any significant West Country cruise without one on board.” Cruising Association

“The latest edition of West Country Cruising Companion continues the valuable role of being both an excellent pilot guide to some of the very finest cruising grounds around our coast and also providing that local knowledge of the many attractions ashore, the pubs and restaurants that make this such a wonderful place to sail. Mark Fishwick's encyclopaedic knowledge of the area will find favour to those new to the West Country and also those already familiar with its charms. It should find a place on any boat bound for the south west.” Little Ship Club