Live the Dream

Author: Ray Perry

Full marks to the author Ray Perry for this innovative presentation of an anchorage guide. Downloadable as an electronic book, or EBook, it's a crafty way of presenting a complex guide, while also saving a rainforest or two by unnecessary printing of a specialist guidebook.

The Cruising Anchorages Australia EBook is the result of Perry's 35 years of cruising the Australian coast, keeping meticulous notes as he travelled. Now based in Townsville, the EBook was launched in 2008. Mariners have the option of purchasing one of four specific sections of the coast, broken up into areas like Lizard Island to Broome, or you can purchase the whole guide covering the entire coast.

The electronic format can be a little daunting to those not at ease with computers, though even for fully-fledged computer geeks, it does have some limitations. Operated by a very clever programme, it allows purchasers to download directly onto their onboard computer, which then gives unlimited access to the sections purchased, on that computer. Anti-theft devices prevent multi copying as well as preventing users from saving to disc, though purchasing the EBook does allow the purchaser to download to a maximum of two computers. It's a necessary evil that may turn some users off, as it means the guide can only be used and referenced when the computer is turned on, which is not always the case on a boat at sea. Anti-theft preventions also disable the ability to print out a copy of desired pages that a navigator may want to keep handy in the cockpit.

Click here to view a sample of Lizard Island anchorage   Broome anchorage or Alonnah Tasmania anchorage

One major advantage of using this technology is the ability for Perry to update pages. Users have immediate access to these updates, something a hard copy book can never offer. It's an ever-evolving project that Perry intends to keep growing and adding more anchorages to, ensuring that users have access to current information.

The anchorage pages themselves consist of a colour-coordinated map with a recommended track to the anchorage. Hazards are easily identified by the use of a simple legend of symbols. Accompanying notes describe the destination or surroundings rather than offer detailed anchorage information, though bottom type and suitable wind directions are often noted. The text is entertaining and informative, and, based purely on personal experience, is written in the first person, making it an easy read. 

Lacking an easily navigable index, it can be somewhat tedious working out where anchorages fit into the bigger picture of a coastal cruise, without prior knowledge, requiring access to another guidebook or large-scale chart. But, Cruising Anchorages Australia doesn't purport to be the ultimate guide to the Australian coast, so it's hardly a failing, just a moderate inconvenience. Otherwise, loud applause please for an innovative cruising sailor who's developed a unique product.

Verdict: Recommended
Review by Fiona Harper

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