Sailing Directions

[Russ]

Need advice US sailing Pilot vs British Admiralty Pilots for Caribbean. Brit version is 2 volumes at $100 each US is $30 dolars in one volume. Question is "Are the British verisons worth the cost???" Russ

[btrayfors]

Russ,

U.S. Sailing Directions Enroute (Pub. #147) are available in two volumes for the Caribbean, Edition 2007, FOR FREE....as are numerous other U.S. Govt. pubs.

You can view/download them here: Maritime Safety Information

Bill

[Lodesman]

Bill beat me to the plug for the free pubs, but the question was "are the Admiralty Pilots worth it?" Yes and no - the Pilots are a great read; interesting with lots of historical tidbits. As for the meat of their sailing directions, they are just as prone to be out-of-date (particularly off the beaten path) and give no more nor better info than the US pubs. imho

Kevin

[Hud3]

Hi, Russ.

Exactly what will you be using the pubs for? The NGA's Sailing Directions are somewhat interesting to read, but there are much better and more up to date sources of information if you want help navigating between the islands and into the anchorages here in the eastern Caribbean.

[Whoosh]

As one illustration of Hud3's point, I've found when arriving in a new port & country that the CIA Fact Book helps me better understand the economy that's keeping things afloat, how the govt. works (and doesn't), what the health risks are, and lots more. Usually, these kinds of info are far more relevant to the health & fulfillment of the crew than sailing directions, given we all spend much more time anchored/berthed than we do at sea (not that I haven't used the digital sailing directions, as well).

Jack