DOVER TO MOUSEHOLE
Sailing on the South Coast. By K. Adlard Coles and T. L. Stecken. (Shell Guides. 5s.)
THE quality of Shell publicity entitles this firm to rank as public benefactors, and in that publicity the Shell Guides have played a distinguished part.' This, the latest addition to the series, is a real inspiration. From Dover to Mousehole it tells the yachtsman all the essential facts that he wants to know about the •harbours and anchorages which he may be seeking ; their approaches and landmarks, the quality of shelter and holding ground, the tricks of the tide, the facilities available for replenishing stores and gear, laying up and major and minor repairs, and—a point omitted by the exhaustive and business-like Pilots Guide to the English Channel, which this little work does not, of course, attempt to supersede—something of the attractions of the neighbour- hood itself to the yachtsman ashore. It is, moreover, generously illustrated with delectable photographs combining to an uncanny degree topographical usefulness and pictorial quality, and—where photographs are lacking—with simple but highly practical charts. Necessarily these do not show every- thing ; permanent water means, here, depth of a fathom or more, so that various pleasant possibilities open to boats of half that draught are left undisclosed ; but the yachtsman bent on exploring wherever, as the Thames barge skipper said, he can find "a heavy fall of dew," will presumably equip him- self either with a centreboard craft or with large scale local charts in addition to this volume.
It should be added that the Guide is thoughtfully provided with an ample supply of blank pages for notes and that its format is such that it can easily be slipped into- the-pocket of an oilskin. To all those lucky individuals who- -are -planning summer week-ends and holidays cruising between Land's End and the South Foreland. no better advice can be given than to arm themselves forthwith with two half-crowns, buy this book, render thanks to Messrs: Coles. and Stocken (not.forgetting Shell) and settle down to the pleasures of anticipation.
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