West Country Cruising Companion

“It is obvious why so many cruising yachtsmen would want this in the wheelhouse for any West Country cruise. It’s a considerable work, the level of detail is forensic, and there is a clear chartlet of every port.” (Classic Boat) “It is written in an engaging and readable style and manages to combine comprehensive pilotage information with extensive details of local facilities and points of interest, as well as some fascinating history. It has greatly enhanced my knowledge of my home waters!” (Royal Cruising Club) “This is a must have addition to the library for any sailor who intends cruising the West Country… The amount of information and specific details contained within this Companion is exceptional.” (Compass Magazine) “It has retained its popularity due to its excellent mix of in-depth local knowledge and genuine love and affection for this beautiful cruising ground.” (Sailing Today) “A new edition of Mark Fishwick’s indispensable Cruising Companion is a welcome event.” (Yachting Monthly)

Mark Fishwick was born in Exeter and brought up on the River Exe. He began sailing at an early age and explored the rivers, creeks, and harbours of the West Country in his parents’ 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 was the editor of Reeds Nautical Almanac for many years.

Kate Brodie grew up in Dorset and returned to the West Country over 30 years ago as the GP in Topsham up to her retirement in 2020. Kate is an accomplished sailor, both as a European Champion dinghy sailor and as a cruising yachtswoman (completing a UK circumnavigation, largely single-handed, in 2020, raising over £10,000 in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support). She currently owns a Westerly Storm, Hullabaloo, for cruising and shares a Jeanneau Sun 2000, Ra, for racing.