IONIAN: , Levkas, , Zakinthos and the Coast to Finakounda – Rod and Lucinda Heikell, eighth edition. Published in paperback by Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson [www.imray.com] at £19.95. 270 A4 pages with many colour photographs and plans. ISBN 978-1-8462-3576-4 Also available to purchase in five sections via the free Imray Nautical App (download via the iTunes App Store).

The eighth edition of Rod and Lucinda Heikell’s Ionian provides an essential addendum to charts and Admiralty publications for anyone sailing the , either in book format or as an ‘Imray Nautical App’, in which the area sections can be purchased individually. In the book, six well-referenced chapters give an informative insight into Greek history as it applies to the area, plus comprehensive data on sailing, mooring and anchoring in five segmented sections that cover the Ionian from Corfu in the north, to the west coast of Peloponnisnos as far as Finakounda in the south. The Introduction comprises 35 pages of useful data commencing with the culture, prominence of the church, Greek cuisine and wines. This is followed by travel and shopping advice, and finally all conceivable information in respect of navigation, weather forecasting, medical and emergency services and how to comply with the requirements of the authorities. The sailing directions are particularly useful when entering the smaller anchorages and harbours, for which little information is to be found on the charts, and include excellent harbour plans and top quality aerial photographs. Section 1 covers Corfu with its adjacent islands such as Nisoi Paxoi and Andipaxoi. At the start of each section is a quick reference guide to the harbours covered, with ratings for shelter, mooring, fuel, water, provisions, tavernas and harbour plans. This is followed by an outline of the area and details for the individual harbours. In fact ‘no stone appears left unturned’ – this book provides knowledge that would otherwise take decades to accumulate. Section 2 deals with the adjacent mainland from Pagania to Preveza, the gateway to the Gulf of Amvrakia. It is interesting to read, amongst the plethora of technical information and data, snippets of local history and tourist information illustrated with a selection of scenic photographs to whet the appetite of the more inquisitive visitor. Section 3 goes on to cover the Inland Sea bordered by Levkas, Meganisi, , Cephalonia and Zakinthos. This area is full of ancient as well as modern historical interest, with the bonus of sheltered sailing. As with all the sections the Heikells have provided useful waypoints for the many harbours and anchorages, plus weather forecasting times, transmitting channels and Coastguard VHF channels. For those transiting from Section 3 to 4, comprehensive and easy to follow instructions are given to traverse the Levkas Canal stress-free and with confidence.

116 Section 4 reverts to the mainland coast, from the Levkas Canal down to Mesolongion of Lord Byron fame. Since publication of the book the Port Police have prohibited anchoring in Mesolongion, leaving one with the option of either mooring in the marina or at the town quay in the northeast part of the harbour. I should have liked to have seen the inclusion of the Gulfs of Patras and Corinth in this book, as I feel it would have proven more useful to Ionian sailors than to their Aegean equivalents faced with the cost of a return passage through the Corinth Canal. Section 5 enables yachts to venture into the southern Ionian and explore the west coast of the Peloponnisos from Killini to Finakounda, which may be of more interest to those continuing into the Aegean than to the charterer with time constraints and the prospect of returning to base upwind. Nevertheless, this interesting area is documented to the same professional standard. In response to the increasing number of yachtsmen who prefer downloads from the internet, in addition to the printed text Imray have introduced a free ‘Imray Nautical App’ which permits individual sections of Ionian to be downloaded to an iPad for just £2.99 each. It should also be possible for the company to amend the data in accordance with ever-changing circumstances, to give the App the advantage of posting the most current information available. Unfortunately I didn’t find the App as user-friendly as I would have liked, and I didn’t feel I was so readily in touch with the overall information as when flicking through the pages of a book. There is also the problem of being unable to view an iPad screen clearly in the bright sunlight of the Greek summer – though one can always retire below decks, of course – not to mention the chance of running out of power! Conversely, one cannot overstate the benefit of being able to download further segments as one progresses – though the App segments are large files that will require a good internet signal to download – and then there is the advantage of easy transportation, often a major consideration if flying out to a boat. That said, the choice probably comes down to familiarity and individual preference.Both have their merits and demerits, but my guess is that over time the App will become the preferred option. And when reading my critique, please bear in mind that I grew up in an age when pen, paper and slide-rule reigned supreme! IS

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