Best Sailing Navigation Books of 2026

"Knot Tying for Beginners" is a comprehensive guide that covers over 65 types of knots from the easiest to the hardest. The book is illustrated with more than 800 pictures and step-by-step instructions, making it easy to learn how to tie each knot properly. The author, Matthew McCoy, provides explanations, descriptions, uses, history, pros, and cons of every knot, making it a valuable reference book for beginners and professionals alike. The book is organized into different chapters, covering every situation, so it's easy to find the knot needed. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who needs to tie a knot correctly and safely."

The Prepper’s Survival Bible is an ultimate guide for anyone who wants to be prepared for extreme scenarios. The book covers everything from basic survival skills to advanced techniques, including off-grid living, food and water preparedness, shelter building, bushcraft, and knot tying. With detailed instructions and practical tips, readers will learn how to thrive in any situation. The book is an essential guide for outdoor enthusiasts, preppers, and anyone who wants to be prepared for unexpected situations. Overall, The Prepper’s Survival Bible is an informative and comprehensive guide that stands out for its detailed instructions and practical tips.

Knot Tying for Beginners is an illustrated guide by best-selling author Matthew McCoy, that teaches the most common and effective knots to use in boating. The book includes step-by-step illustrations and explanations, history, uses, pros, and cons of each knot. The guide also provides two bonus knot books, making it a complete package for anyone looking to master the skill of knot tying. This book is a must-have for boating enthusiasts and beginners alike, as it provides a shortcut to learning the essential skill of knot tying.

The USCG Light List Volume I: Atlantic Coast is a comprehensive guide to the various marine aids to navigation maintained by or under the authority of the U.S. Coast Guard. The book describes the lights and other marine aids to navigation from St. Croix River, Maine to Shrewsbury River, New Jersey, and is printed in black and white. The Light List also includes information on private aids to navigation, with Class I and Class II aids included in the book. However, Class III aids that are located in waters not ordinarily used by general navigation are not described. This book is a must-have for anyone navigating the Atlantic Coast.

The Adriatic Pilot is an excellent guidebook for sailors cruising along the coastlines of Croatia, Slovenia, Monte, East Coast of Italy, and Albania. The book's 8th edition is fully updated with new information on marinas, anchorages, and visitor moorings, complete with facilities available to cruising sailors. It provides an abundance of historical context and information about the places of interest to explore ashore. The book is complemented by Imray's series of charts for the Dalmatian coast. Trevor and Dinah Thompson's comprehensive work is an ideal choice for occasional charterers or long-term cruisers who want to make the most of this rich and diverse coastline.

The Italian Waters Pilot 2019 is a comprehensive guide for yachts cruising in the Mediterranean. The book has undergone numerous revisions to provide up-to-date information on marina developments, marine reserves, and the latest regulations. The authors, Rod and Lucinda Heikell, have also included a section on climate change and its effect on sailing. The book is recommended by the Royal Cruising Club and The Cruising Association and comes with a voucher code to download relevant Imray digital charts into their Imray Navigator app. Overall, the Italian Waters Pilot 2019 is an essential guide for sailors looking to explore the Mediterranean.

Crossing Pirate Waters is a thrilling adventure book that takes the reader on a journey through less traveled, dangerous areas on the far side of the world. Glen and Julie's around the world adventures continue as they navigate through trouble in the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea before arriving in Europe. Julie's taut writing packs even more adrenaline per chapter, keeping readers wondering how they will survive it all. Armchair travelers and real-life adventurers alike can learn valuable lessons from these daring sailors. Overall, this book is a great read that satisfies hardcore sailors and armchair adventurers alike.

Escape from the Ordinary (Escape Series) by Glen and Julie is a thrilling true story of a retired couple who decided to sell everything, buy a boat 4,000 miles away, and sail around the world. The book takes readers on a journey through epic adventures in extraordinary places not found in travel brochures. Julie's keen observations and sparkling humor make for an exhilarating read, reminding readers of the unlimited possibilities in life and inspiring them to pursue their own dreams. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration to break free from the ordinary and embrace the unknown.

Chapman Piloting & Seamanship is a rare book that falls under the category of boating books. Published by Hearst, this book is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in boating or seamanship. It covers everything from the basics of navigation to advanced techniques and is an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced boaters. The book is well-written, with clear and concise instructions, and is filled with helpful illustrations and diagrams that make it easy to understand. Overall, Chapman Piloting & Seamanship is an essential addition to any boater's library and is highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their skills on the water.

The Amalgamated International & U.S. Inland Navigation Rules (Color Print) is an official publication of the United States Coast Guard that combines the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (72 COLREGS) and Inland Navigation Rules, their Annexes, and associated Federal rules and regulations. The book is printed in premium color and full size 8.5x11". It uses a single-page layout that concisely sets out the differences between each set of rules, making it easy to view and understand. This book is a must-have for anyone who wants to meet the 'copy of these Rules' requirement of 33 CFR 83.01(g) or Inland Rule 1(g).