Books

Browse our full library of nautical books, chosen for cruising sailors, racers, students and armchair navigators alike. The collection spans annual almanacs, pilot books and cruising guides for UK and European waters, technical manuals covering engines, electrics, maintenance and seamanship, ship's log books, children's nautical titles and general-interest maritime reading.

A well-stocked bookshelf is still one of the best investments a skipper can make: pilot books and almanacs carry the local detail that chartplotters don't, and a good technical manual pays for itself the first time something breaks at sea. If you're studying for qualifications or planning a specific passage, our team can point you to the right title.

Frequently asked questions

What is a nautical almanac used for?

A nautical almanac provides annually updated reference data for navigation - tide times and heights, port information, light characteristics and communication details - making it an essential planning tool for coastal sailors.

What is a pilot book?

A pilot book (or cruising guide) describes a specific cruising area in detail: harbour approaches, anchorages, hazards, facilities and local knowledge that complements your charts.

Do sailors still need paper books on board?

Yes - printed almanacs, pilot books and manuals work with wet hands, flat batteries and no signal, making them a reliable backup to electronic navigation and a requirement of good passage planning.

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