West Country Cruising Companion

The go-to West Country pilot guide since 1988, now updated for its tenth edition. Mark Fishwick's West Country Cruising Companion is the leading pilot guide to this wonderful cruising area of south west England. First published in 1988 as West Country Cruising, it is now in its tenth edition. It remains in hardback (and eBook) and covers the area from Portland Bill to Padstow, as well as the Isles of Scilly, giving passage information into the area from both the east and the north.

This definitive sailing guide for the ever-attractive coastline of Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly combines a skilful blend of pilotage and cruising information, with historical insight and suggestions of where to eat and what to do ashore. For those who plan to head west, this book is more than essential reading – it will enhance your enjoyment and prove to be a worthy and much used addition to the ship's library. Those already in the west will find themselves regularly thumbing its pages.

Share Mark Fishwick's passion for this region which combines with his in-depth knowledge from a lifetime cruising these waters to create a text which will inspire and inform you. It is enhanced with colour charts and detailed photography, including spectacular aerial shots of many ports, harbours and anchorages.

Praise for West Country Cruising Companion

"Fishwick clearly knew the area like the back of his hand and this always shone through in the text which blended important practical information for passage planning etc. with a healthy dose of history of the area, plus tips on what to do when you get ashore."
— Sailing Today

"There are few sailors with the in-depth knowledge that he has, and this is reflected in the detailed pilotage and cruising information. A valuable resource to have onboard, whether you are visiting or based in the south west."
— Practical Boat Owner

About the Author

Born in Exeter and bought up on the River Exe, Mark Fishwick began sailing at an early age and explored the rivers, creeks and harbours of the West Country in his parent's sloop. He moved to Cornwall in 1973 and since then has enjoyed a varied nautical life encompassing commercial fishing, charter skippering in the West Indies, yacht delivery, boatyard work, writing, photography and just occasionally sailing for fun!

He has now returned to his roots and lives within sight of the River Exe. Mark is also Continental Editor for Reeds Nautical Almanac.

About Fernhurst Books

Fernhurst Books was founded in 1979, initially publishing books related to dinghy racing. The list soon expanded to include cruising and other watersports. In 2006 the business was sold to John Wiley, but in 2013 a group of sailing enthusiasts (including the original founder) bought the list and name back, once again creating an independent nautical publisher owned and run by sailors. Fernhurst continues to publish books that instruct, inform and inspire those with a passion on, in or under the water. Their 140+ titles range from how-to guides to narrative to coffee-table books, covering sailing, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, diving and fishing.