This book is thoughtfully written to help yachtsmen do just that. It’s not another RYA Course Handbook; it’s written by a mariner for other mariners. It’s well-informed, easy to read and honest about the author’s triumphs and disasters over a lifetime’s navigating.

Understanding a Nautical Chart offers superb value as, in addition to a wealth of practical advice, there is a key to all the recently updated chart symbols and abbreviations from Symbols and Abbreviations Used on Admiralty Charts (5011). It includes information on electronic charts, explains how to update a chart and how to establish the accuracy of each chart. It is ideal for professional mariners and leisure sailors.