Cruising Association and Imray launch the 2027 CA Cruising Almanac for northwest Europe

Cruising Association and Imray launch the 2027 CA Cruising Almanac for northwest Europe © The Cruising Association

Trusted by sailors for generations, The Cruising Almanac, compiled by the Cruising Association in collaboration with Imray, is the essential onboard reference for cruising the waters of the British Isles and northwest Europe.

Covering the coasts and islands of Great Britain and Ireland, from the Shetlands southwards, together with the continental coastline from Bergen, through the approaches to the Baltic, and as far south as Gibraltar, The Cruising Almanac provides clear, dependable information for sail and motor cruisers exploring some of Europe's most varied cruising grounds.

First published in 1909 as Sailing Directions within the Cruising Association Handbook, it became The Cruising Almanac in 2002. Today, it combines the first-hand cruising experience of CA members and an expert editorial team with Imray's cartographic and publishing expertise.

Packed with carefully curated navigational and practical information, the Almanac supports passage planning and provides instant access to details on hundreds of ports, harbours, marinas and anchorages. Whether navigating unfamiliar waters or returning to favourite harbours, it is a go-to source for up-to-date, accurate information and puts essential information at your fingertips.

What's new in the 2027 edition?

Every edition is comprehensively reviewed and updated to reflect changes to harbours, buoyage, facilities, regulations and navigational information. Highlights for 2027 include:

• Major regional updates - a fully reorganised western Scotland section separates mainland locations from those in the Hebrides. The Rivers Swale and Medway and the Menai Strait have been comprehensively reviewed to incorporate buoyage changes and updated navigational guidance.
• Extensively revised harbour plans - chartlets and plans throughout the Almanac have been reviewed and updated using the latest available hydrographic data and updates from harbour authorities, marinas, Notices to Mariners and experienced local cruisers. Updates include a revised Gothenburg plan with enhanced berthing information.
• New plans and locations - including a detailed approach plan for Wisbech and a brand-new entry for Rhu on Scotland's west coast.
• 2027 tide tables - spring and neap tides are now clearly identified for quick reference in the convenient separate booklet, which provides tide tables for 47 standard ports.

Designed for use onboard

Published in a convenient A4 format, The Cruising Almanac is designed for quick and easy reference at sea. Reader-friendly colour coding helps distinguish navigational, practical and contact information, while detailed full-colour chartlets are positioned alongside the relevant text.

Passage notes are clearly highlighted, and tidal stream plans and full tidal details for secondary ports appear alongside the relevant port information. Ports of entry are prominently identified at the beginning of relevant chapters, with the latest available regulatory, customs and immigration information included to help crews prepare for their passage.

Compiled by cruising sailors for cruising sailors

A defining strength of The Cruising 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 (RATS) contributes specialist advice to the Essential Cruising Information section.

This combination of official sources and first-hand cruising experience makes the Cruising Almanac one of the most trusted cruising references available.

Stay up to date
Corrections and updates are published throughout the year on the Cruising Association website. Sign up for the free monthly cumulative corrections service to keep your Almanac information up to date throughout the cruising season: theca.org.uk/almanac/corrections

Where to buy
The 2027 Cruising Almanac is available now from the CA shop at £30 for members / £40 for non-members (RRP £44.50), plus postage. Copies can also be purchased in-person from the CA Stand H244 at the Southampton International Boat Show, 18-27 September 2026 (where you can save on postage), at CA House in London and directly from Imray.