Description

Irish Sea Pilot by David Rainsbury 

Plan your passages with confidence across one of the UK’s most complex and characterful cruising grounds.

The Irish Sea Pilot by David Rainsbury is the definitive sailing companion for boaters navigating the waters between the west coast of England, Wales, Scotland, and the eastern shores of Ireland. Whether you’re plotting a summer cruise from Conwy to Kilmore Quay or threading the Menai Strait, this expertly crafted guide delivers a trusted blend of practical pilotage, local insight, and tidal nuance that only a seasoned yachtsman can provide.

Rainsbury, a well-known coastal skipper and contributor to Yachting Monthly, brings his extensive cruising experience to bear in this thoughtful pilot book. The guide covers all the major and minor ports, anchorages, and passages across the Irish Sea region, including the Isle of Man, Aran Islands, Strangford Lough, Dublin Bay, and the Clyde approaches. His approach is practical yet encouraging, giving confidence to first-time explorers and depth to returning cruisers.

Each section is supported by Imray chart references, clear harbour plans, aerial photography, and annotated diagrams to help you safely negotiate even the trickiest approaches. Special attention is paid to tidal gates, pilotage under sail, and essential local knowledge—like how to time your transit through the Swellies or where to wait out weather in comfort.

This 2023 edition is fully updated with the latest navigational changes, including marina developments, buoyage revisions, and port infrastructure updates. It’s an indispensable resource for skippers preparing for:

• A summer cruise to the Irish coast or Isle of Man

• Delivery trips or flotilla passages through Liverpool Bay or Cardigan Bay

• First crossings from Anglesey to Dublin or the Mourne coast

• Adventure routes around the Rhinns of Galloway or into Belfast Lough

Why choose Irish Sea Pilot?

• Ideal for both passage-making and local harbour hopping

• Written by an experienced solo sailor with a clear, peer-to-peer tone

• Equally valuable for sail and power vessels

• Optimised for planning on and off the water with cross-referenced charting

Whether you’re setting off from Holyhead or Howth, Irish Sea Pilot will help you plan with precision and sail with confidence.