February is a month in flux. One moment, there’s a crisp edge to the air, the promise of spring just around the corner. The next, an Atlantic storm rolls in, reminding you that winter still has a trick or two up its sleeve. The days are stretching, the crocuses are making a valiant effort (despite the local squirrel population’s best attempts at sabotage), and while most boats remain tucked up, minds are already drifting towards the season ahead.
This is prime time for plotting, dreaming, and sharpening your skills. Whether you’re brushing up on your seamanship, sketching out summer passages, or losing yourself in maritime history, the right book can put you on the water before you’ve even set foot on deck.
And February’s offerings are rather good, if we do say so ourselves. New releases, fresh editions of trusted favourites, and paperbacks of some top titles—all waiting to be devoured. From perfecting your ropework to discovering secret anchorages or sailing through history’s great voyages, there’s plenty here to tide you over as the season slowly shifts.
Everything’s ready to order now, so no need to set a reminder. If you’re pre-ordering, we’ll handle the details and get your books out the moment they land. You just worry about making that first cup of tea last through the next chapter.
Author: G. Macintosh | Published: Mid February 2025 | Format: Hardback | Price: £34.50
New Title: Starting at Lyme Regis, West Country Pilot charts a comprehensive course westwards to the Isles of Scilly, providing clear sailing directions and in-depth local knowledge. From the rugged cliffs of Start Point to the natural harbours of Plymouth and Falmouth, this guide equips sailors with the critical details needed to navigate these historic waters. Complete with updated charts and expertly curated insights, this is an essential companion for anyone cruising the West Country.
Author: Vanessa Bird | Published: 13th February 2025 | Format: Flexiback | Price: £25.00
New Edition: If you could set sail anywhere, where would you go? From weekend coastal hops to transatlantic crossings, Dream Cruising Destinations is an inspiring guide to 25 of the world’s most rewarding sailing areas. Vanessa Bird blends breathtaking photography with practical insights on when to go, what to expect, and what makes each destination unique. A perfect book for both seasoned sailors and those still planning their dream voyage.
Author: Jan-Willem Polman | Published: 13th February 2025 | Format: Hardback | Price: £22.00
New Edition: Knots weaken a rope by half—but a proper splice retains up to 95% of its strength. Splicing Modern Ropes is the essential guide for making strong, secure splices in today’s synthetic lines. Jan-Willem Polman takes readers through each step with clear instructions and photographs, covering techniques for single and double braid, tapering sheets, adding chafe protection, and optimising deck layouts. An invaluable resource for every sailor looking to refine their rigging.
Author: Sam Steele | Published: 13th February 2025 | Format: Paperback | Price: £25.00
New Edition: A circumnavigation of Britain and Ireland is one of the most rewarding coastal adventures a sailor can undertake. This practical planning guide covers everything from route options and weather patterns to marina facilities and safety considerations. Sam Steele shares insights from over 40 years of offshore sailing, highlighting ten of the best anchorages, scenic harbours, and wildlife encounters along the way. Whether you’re preparing for the full circuit or just a segment, this book will guide you through it.
Published: 27th February 2025 | Format: Spiral Bound | Price: £16.99
New Edition: Covering the canals and rivers of northern England, this updated guide includes navigation notes, detailed maps, and essential local knowledge. From the River Trent to Yorkshire’s historic waterways, it provides everything boaters, paddlers, and walkers need to explore these scenic routes with confidence.
Published: 27th February 2025 | Format: Spiral Bound | Price: £16.99
New Edition: This trusted guide to the Thames and southern waterways is an essential companion for boaters and inland explorers. Featuring up-to-date navigation details, mooring locations, and points of interest, it provides everything needed for a smooth and enjoyable journey through England’s historic inland waterways.
Author: James Bradley | Published: 13th February 2025 | Format: Paperback | Price: £12.99
Paperback Release: A reckoning with humankind’s complex relationship with the oceans. James Bradley blends history, science, and environmental writing to explore the ocean’s role in sustaining life on Earth. From the atomic creation of the seas to the wonders of marine migration, Deep Water unveils the mysteries of the deep while examining the environmental catastrophe already reshaping our world. A compelling read for those who want to understand how the ocean may yet save us all.
Author: Dan E. Parkes | Published: 15th February 2025 | Format: Hardback | Price: £25.00
New Title: Drawing on private letters, photographs, and intelligence files, Titanic Legacy unravels the extraordinary story of Captain E.J. Smith’s daughter and her life among spies, suffragettes, and high society. A fascinating blend of maritime history and espionage intrigue.
Author: David Gibbins | Published: 6th February 2025 | Format: Paperback | Price: £10.99
Paperback Release: From Viking raiders to lost warships, A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks uncovers the stories of some of the most remarkable maritime discoveries. Archaeologist David Gibbins explores the human tales behind these wrecks, bringing history to life through the relics resting on the seabed.
Author: Rod Barkman | Published: 1st February 2025 | Format: Paperback | Price: £5.99
New Title: Dive into a world of bizarre and unexpected discoveries, from lost treasure hoards to the strange creatures lurking in the deep. Underwater Facts is an entertaining and educational read for young explorers with a curiosity for the ocean.
Author: Peter Drummond | Published: 6th February 2025 | Format: Hardback | Price: £25.00
New Title: A beautifully curated collection of images capturing the hard-working vessels and harbours of Scotland’s fishing communities. From seine netters to ring-netters, this book is a visual love letter to a vanishing way of life along the Scottish coast.
What do you think?
This is our first new release blog post - have you found it useful? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments and like, comment or share on our Facebook and Instagram profiles! Please consider following us for more on nautical charts, books and instruments.
About SailorShop.co.uk
We're a family-run small business specialising in nautical charts, books and instruments. We've been around for over a decade, and we will bend over backwards (after some stretches) to help, advise, and to find what you need - just try us!
You can read more about us here.
