New edition of The Shell Channel Pilot marks change of helm

Imray has published a new edition of The Shell Channel Pilot, one of the most enduring and widely used cruising guides to the English Channel.

First published more than 80 years ago, the guide remains a staple for sailors navigating the south coast of England, the north coast of France and the Channel Islands. This latest edition marks a significant transition, with journalist, author and RYA Yachtmaster Instructor Examiner Rachael Sprot taking over from long-time author Tom Cunliffe.

Sprot brings considerable offshore and instructional experience to the role, with more than 100,000 miles logged and a career spanning cruising, teaching and marine journalism. Her appointment signals a new phase for the pilot, which has long been regarded as a definitive reference for Channel cruising.

According to Imray, the new edition has been fully revised, drawing on Sprot's recent seasons sailing in the region. It also reflects the changing nature of navigation. Rather than focusing solely on traditional position-fixing, the book is positioned as a companion to modern GPS and chartplotter use, helping skippers interpret conditions, understand hazards and make informed decisions in an increasingly digital navigation environment.

As Sprot notes in the introduction, the Channel remains a complex and ever-changing cruising ground, where no two passages are the same. Weather, tides and timing continue to shape each crossing, underlining the ongoing value of a well-judged pilot guide alongside electronic navigation tools.

One noticeable feature of the new edition is its writing style. Rather than presenting purely technical pilotage information, Sprot frequently blends practical guidance with local history, geology and a sense of place. In sections such as the Jurassic Coast, she combines navigational advice with descriptions of the landscape's geological significance and cultural heritage, creating a guide that is as engaging to read as it is useful aboard.

The visual presentation has also been refreshed with newly commissioned watercolours by artist Mark Entwisle. Echoing the heritage of the original Shell Guides, the illustrations add a distinctive and evocative dimension to the book, complementing its practical content while celebrating the character of the Channel coast.

The Shell Channel Pilot covers key routes and harbours across the Channel, offering detailed guidance on pilotage, passage planning and local conditions. Its continued relevance reflects the enduring appeal, and challenges, of cross-Channel cruising.

The new edition was officially published on 1 May 2026 and carries a UK recommended retail price of £44.50. It is available through specialist nautical bookseller Book Harbour, Force 4 Chandlery and other leading marine retailers.

For sailors planning Channel crossings, coastal passages or extended cruising on either side of the water, the latest edition looks set to continue the guide's long tradition of helping mariners navigate one of the world's most varied and rewarding cruising grounds.