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 Wherever
you go in Denmark, you will find people with this book open in the
cockpit. Of all the books on sale, this is the one of choice. You
might think that this is because it is written in German, and there
are more German visitors than any other, but actually, it is because
it is simply superior.
The Hafenhandbuch series is made up of six handbooks covering
the North Sea and most of the Baltic. Each book is a hard backed,
loose-leaf folder measuring about 200mm x 225mm, and about 70mm
in width. This format sits nicely on a shelf, unlike some of the
other A4 books.
The books cover the following areas:
There are a number of guides the the Gota Canal, but I feel that this one is the best. It combines
all the features of the others in one volume, and covers the whole journey from Mem on the East coast to Gothenburg
on the West. Despite the usual disclaimers, you need little else.
It is written in both German and Swedish, with a key additionally in English.
In a ring bound format (ideal for laying flat) it starts with some narrative about the canals and their
history and the rules for the locks (Schlussen). There then follows a series of charts, each page covering about
5 -7 miles.
The charts are clearly marked and are in largely Int 1 format. Depths, bouys and locks are all clearly
shown.
Each chart is annotated with notes (agian in both Swedish and German). The notes are colour
coded - Black for Marina info, Blue for Tourist Info and Red for navigation information.
Where the canal broadens out into the lakes, most of their area is covered, certainly enough
to navigate across them. Vadstena, despite being ‘off track’ is covered, as are large chunks of Lake
Vanern, including the Ekens Skärgård, Mariestad and Lidköping.
Exploded charts are available for key areas, notably the towns and other ‘tricky’ areas. The books
ends at Lilla Bommen in Gothenburg.
The charts are at least as good, if not better, than the standard Swedish Yacht charts. (Batsportkort)
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