Imray is launching the latest edition of the Shell Channel Pilot next week with a new author, as journalist and Yachtmaster Examiner Rachael Sprot takes the helm.
Imray says she has completely rewritten the Pilot based on first hand research over several seasons, and this new work combines rigorous, authoritative passage notes and expert advice about navigation, regulations and paperwork with her gentle humour.
A series of watercolours by award-winning artist Mark Entwisle illustrate the new Pilot.
Rachel takes over an illustrious line of authors of the Pilot which began as Sailing the South Coast in 1947 by Kaines Adlard Coles, published by Faber & Faber – a collection of his post war sailing adventures. In 1968 it then became The Shell pilot to the South Coast harbours, and had various updates through the 1970s with Capt John Coote taking over in 1982. He then gave the helm to Tom Cunliffe who has authored the Pilot for more than three decades, since 1992, published by Imray. The eighth edition was published in 2021.
Incidentally Imray published its own – earlier and arguably the original – version of the famous pilot – The Pilot’s Guide to the English Channel by W. Eric Wilson, which saw several editions being first published in London by J.D. Potter from 1932 before being taken on by Imray, Laurie, Norie & Wilson for editions in 1954 and 1968, which was the last.
The Shell Channel Pilot: Cruising the south coast of England, north coast of France & Channel Islands, 9th edition, hardback, 192 pp, 21 x 1.5 x 29.7 cm
The new 9th edition Pilot is in hardback is already on sale priced around £45 or £44.48 at Amazon: HERE
