The Cruising Association and Imray have released the 2027 edition of The Cruising Almanac, the long-running reference guide for sailors and motor cruisers navigating the British Isles and northwest Europe.
The Almanac covers the coasts and islands of Great Britain and Ireland from the Shetlands south, plus the continental coastline from Bergen through the approaches to the Baltic and down to Gibraltar, some of Europe's most varied cruising grounds.
First published in 1909 as Sailing Directions within the Cruising Association Handbook, it took on its current identity as The Cruising Almanac in 2002. It now draws on the first-hand cruising experience of CA members and an expert editorial team, combined with Imray's cartographic and publishing expertise.
The 2027 edition carries several notable updates. Western Scotland has been reorganised, with mainland locations now separated from the Hebrides. The Rivers Swale and Medway, along with the Menai Strait, have been comprehensively reviewed to incorporate buoyage changes and updated navigational guidance.
Harbour plans throughout have been revised using the latest available hydrographic data, along with updates from harbour authorities, marinas, Notices to Mariners and experienced local cruisers. Gothenburg gets a revised plan with enhanced berthing information. There's also a new detailed approach plan for Wisbech and a brand-new entry for Rhu, on Scotland's west coast.
Tide tables for 2027 now clearly identify spring and neap tides for quick reference, in a convenient separate booklet covering 47 standard ports.
The Almanac is published in A4 format, designed for quick and easy reference at sea. Colour coding helps distinguish navigational, practical and contact information, while detailed full-colour chartlets sit alongside the relevant text. Passage notes are clearly highlighted, tidal stream plans and full tidal details for secondary ports appear alongside the relevant port information, and ports of entry are prominently identified at the beginning of relevant chapters, with the latest available regulatory, customs and immigration information included.
A defining strength of the Almanac is the depth of first-hand information contributed by Cruising Association members throughout its extensive coverage area. The editorial team combines these observations with information from harbour authorities, marinas, Notices to Mariners and other reliable sources. Updates submitted through the CA and the CAptain's Mate app add further practical intelligence, while the CA's Regulatory & Technical Services Group contributes specialist advice to the Essential Cruising Information section.
Corrections and updates are published throughout the year on the Cruising Association website, with a free monthly cumulative corrections service available to keep an existing copy up to date through the cruising season.
