Celebrating 60 years of cruising the East Coast
by Jeremy Atkins, Fernhurst Books 18 Oct 2016 13:00 BST
18 October 2016
Alongside its successful racing books, Fernhurst Books also publishes many titles for the cruising sailor. None come with a greater pedigree than the East Coast Rivers Cruising Companion, written by former Yachts & Yachting staff member Janet Harber.
Dating back to 1956 when legendary East Coast sailor Jack Coote produced the first black and white edition, East Coast Rivers Cruising Companion is now in its twentieth edition. Well established as 'the East Coast yachtsman's bible', it has never been out of print.
Following Jack's death in 1993 his eldest daughter, Janet Harber, took over the helm, and continues to edit and update the book with help from her sister Judy and the rest of her family.
Comprehensive pilotage and nautical information based on years of local knowledge is complemented by port information and recommendations, ensuring time spent ashore is just as well informed and enjoyed as that spent afloat. A wealth of local, maritime and literary history can be found between the pages, and the chapters are peppered with quotes by writers ranging from Defoe to Maurice Griffiths.
The text is illustrated throughout with updated, clear charts, on-the-water photography and a series of stunning aerial shots capturing a number of the rivers and entrances at low water, proving invaluable reference for even the most seasoned of cruisers.
With far more historical information and shoreside description than your average pilot guide, the extensive cruising companion describes the ports of Lowestoft, Southwold and Ramsgate; the tidal rivers and backwaters of Suffolk, Essex and Kent; and routes across the Thames Estuary. A final chapter devoted to the magnificent 60-year history of the book gives a wonderful insight to the humble family behind this much-loved guide.
The 20th edition is published by Fernhurst Books on 1st November 2016. A celebration is being held on the evening of publication at Fox's Marine & Country in Ipswich to launch the new edition and mark the book's 60th anniversary. All cruising folk from the East Coast and beyond are invited to join the author and publisher to look back over the book's history, celebrate this wonderful area and pick up a signed copy of the latest edition. The event will start at 6pm on Tuesday 1st November. For more details contact Fernhurst Books.
Publishing as a hardback and eBook, and the ideal present for your East Coast cruising friends and family, East Coast Rivers Cruising Companion will be available to buy from all good bookshops, websites, chandleries and direct from www.fernhurstbooks.com
Other Cruising Companions from Fernhurst Books cover: The Solent, West Country, Southern Ireland, North Brittany & Channel Islands, West Aegean and Turkey.