The Coastal Cruising Handbook
NZ$45.95
The Coastal Cruising Handbook
Published for the Royal Akarana Yacht Club 6th Edition
Historical Significance
The Royal Akarana Yacht Club’s Coastal Cruising Handbook represents a landmark moment in the formalization of New Zealand’s recreational hydrography. Proposed in 1971 by Mary Hamilton and D’Arcy Whiting, the volume was born from a desire to emulate the rigorous standards of the Clyde Cruising Club’s Scottish sailing directions. Historically, this work signifies the transition of New Zealand coastal knowledge from informal "local lore" to a peer-reviewed, academic resource. By circulating drafts among the club’s most seasoned mariners, the editorial subcommittee—including Club Captain Philip Waterhouse—ensured that the handbook contained a level of verified, empirical detail that was previously unavailable in commercial charts.
The publication is a vital addition to any on board library as it complements nicely the appropriate marine charts. It stands as a testament to the "citizen-science" of the Royal Akarana members, capturing the nuances of safe passage-making before the era of digital navigation. For the collector of Aotearoa maritime history, this handbook is a primary source that reflects the deep-rooted influence of British seafaring traditions on the development of New Zealand’s own unique maritime identity.
Key Maritime Themes
Hydrographic Evolution: The adaptation of Scottish "West Coast" pilotage standards to the specific environmental demands of the South Pacific.
Coastal Pilotage: Technical guidance for the East Coast grounds, spanning the diverse geographies between Cape Reinga and Cape Kidnappers.
Collaborative Cartography: The methodology of peer-review and collective research in the creation of regional sailing directions.
Navigational Hazards: Meticulous documentation of offshore rocks, tidal surges, and shelter options within the "rockbound" New Zealand coastline.
Institutional Maritime History: The role of the Royal Akarana Yacht Club in codifying local seafaring safety and knowledge.
Geographic Relevance
This handbook is of paramount geographic importance to the New Zealand mariner, offering exhaustive coverage of the North Island’s premier cruising grounds. From the remote reaches of the Far North to the Hawke’s Bay, the text provides a historical benchmark for the anchorages and landmarks that define the East Coast. For the local bibliophile, it serves as a crucial record of our maritime backyard, authored by those who navigated it with the greatest frequency and expertise.
Condition
Used hardback with some minor tears to the dust jacket edges. Overall in very good condition. Published in 1991. 255 Pages.