Books and Charts

Our Books & Charts department covers the full spectrum of navigation, seamanship, and onboard reference materials for every type of sailor.

You’ll find paper and electronic charts from leading publishers including Imray, C‑Map, Garmin and Navionics.

We stock a massive selection of pilot books, excellent for both inspiration and information, helping you navigate the waters of UK & Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Atlantic & Caribbean, and further afield.

We also stock the latest Almanacs, absolute must-have guide books for every boat heading out on the water. On top of those navigational essentials, we have the latest RYA publications, excellent reference books for any sailor covering a range of topics and courses.

You can explore practical titles on knots and rigging, maintenance, electrics, engines, and inland waterways.

Whether you're learning the basics, refreshing your skills, or planning a major passage, this department is full of trusted resources to help you find your way.

Whether you're coastal sailing, racing, cruising inland waterways, or planning offshore passages, having a basic set of charts and the right books on board can provide essential information.

Even in the age of modern electronics and digital navigation, paper charts remain a fundamental tool. Imray nautical charts offer detailed coverage of many areas, giving you clear depth information, hazards, navigation marks, and harbour plans. Many skippers carry paper charts as a primary reference or as a vital backup to electronic systems.

Pilot Books and Almanacs provide invaluable local knowledge that charts alone cannot offer. These include harbour entry guidance, marina details, tidal considerations, anchorage advice, and passage planning tips—often paired with aerial photos of the coastline and harbour approaches to give you the clearest picture.

Tidal Stream Atlases and Tide Tables help you plan around tidal flow, improving passage efficiency and safety. These work alongside charts to give a complete navigational picture.

These are the building blocks that every boat should consider keeping on board, complementing your electronic navigation with a reliable backup.

Pilot books are essential cruising companions that go far beyond what a chart alone can show. They offer detailed local knowledge gathered from experienced sailors. Inside, you’ll find clear harbour entry guidance, notes on marina facilities, anchorage recommendations, tidal considerations, and warnings about local hazards. Each book also includes practical, real‑world tips that help you make confident decisions on the water.

But they’re not just technical references. A good pilot book also brings an area to life. They offer you a glimpse into the area beyond the marina or harbour you're heading to. They often serve as much for inspiration for sailors as they are useful navigational tools to get somewhere safely.

If you’re visiting unfamiliar waters, entering new harbours, or planning a coastal or offshore passage, a pilot book is one of the most valuable resources you can carry.

Take a look at our Pilot Books range here

Yes—our RYA Publications cover everything from Day Skipper and Competent Crew handbooks to Yachtmaster theory and practical notes. They are ideal for self-study or refreshing your knowledge before your next course.

We suggest starting with the RYA Navigation Handbook as a complete guide to navigation; it is an excellent starting point for any sailor.

The Fernhurst Companion range is also highly recommended. These are splash-proof and offer quick-reference tips on a variety of topics. The New Crew’s Companion is perfect for anyone totally new to boats, while the Cockpit Companion and Powerboating Companion are essential additions to any onboard library.

A Logbook is a legal requirement for many vessels and a great way to record your progress. For local trips, a Tide Table for your specific area is your most important tool for planning safe departures and arrivals.

Choosing electronic charts starts with compatibility. Chartplotters are designed to work with specific chart brands and formats, and not all charts will work on all displays.

Most Garmin chartplotters use Garmin Navionics+ or Garmin Navionics Vision+ charts; older models might use Garmin Bluechart charts. Many Lowrance and Simrad units support C-MAP and Navionics charts. Raymarine chartplotters are optimised for LightHouse Charts, though some models also support Navionics. Always check your plotter model before purchasing, as compatibility can vary between generations.

Card format matters too. The majority of modern charts are supplied on microSD, but some older units require full-size SD cards or even proprietary formats. A chart that’s correct in brand and coverage won’t work if the physical card doesn’t match your slot.

Coverage is the final piece. Choose a chart that includes your cruising grounds with the level of detail you need—harbour plans, tidal data, depth shading, and relief imagery vary between providers. Some charts offer upgrade tiers (e.g., Navionics Platinum+ or C-Map Reveal) with extra layers for anglers, divers, or detailed coastal exploration.

If you’re unsure, the simplest approach is to confirm your plotter make and model and contact us. We'll help point you in the right direction.