Useful Resources
Over time, the Squadron and its members have compiled a list of useful resources for cruising. Here, you can find recommended apps, books, and websites to help you get started.
Useful Apps
A versatile navigation tool designed primarily for marine and boating enthusiasts. It offers detailed nautical charts that are continuously updated, allowing users to plan routes, track their journeys in real-time, and access information about tides and currents.
Official Bureau of Meteorology weather app
Windy.app is a professional weather app, created for water and wind sports: sailing, surfing, fishing, and etc. Get detailed weather forecast, live world wind map, and local weather reports.
Tracks vessel movements and provides live AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, useful for navigation and avoiding traffic.
Marine Rules and Signals (iPhone only)
The reference guide to rules and signals at sea.
Great app for learning how to tie knots. If you don’t want to download the app you can also view the website which has all of the content on it
Useful Websites
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Detailed information on Marine Safety and Rules
Australian Communications and Media Authority
Find information on radios, permits and legislation
South Australian Notices to Mariners
Notices to Mariners for South Australian waters issued by the SA Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
Australian Notices to Mariners
Australian Notices to Mariners issued by the Australian Hydrographic Service
Australian Hydrographic Service
Official Government Chart Site. All Australian Charts listed here and available for order.
Cruising Wiki and forum covering the whole world
Tide data for all of Australia from the Bureau of Meteorology
Google Earth is a virtual globe and map service that allows users to explore geographic locations and landscapes in high resolution through satellite imagery and aerial photography.
Google Maps is an online mapping service that provides detailed maps, satellite imagery, real-time traffic conditions, and route planning for navigating locations worldwide.
Worldwide Surf Cameras
Weather reports, forums and more
South Australian Webcams
Website with sailing information from all around the world
A site with all the club burgees from around the world
Useful Books and Guides
A Cruising Guide to Historic Gulf Ports Vol 1-Vol 4
Detailed and informative guide to cruising St Vincent Gulf part of 4 volume series covering all of SA. Detailed anchoring maps and lots of historical information. The 4 volume set is a must for any SA cruiser.
An Anchorage Guide for South Australia
Covering Anchorages and Marinas from Ceduna on the SA West Coast to Port Fairy in Western Victoria. Can be purchased from the Squadron office or online shop
Australia Pilot Vol 1. 6th ed. 2020
Although intended for large ships it actually has quite a lot of good information on various ports and anchorages as well as wind roses, weather information.
Tides Tables for SA Ports
As well as tide info. this book contains a lot of information on radio and weather safety. A must have on every boat.
The Voyager’s Handbook-The Essential Guide to Bluewater Cruising
A fantastically detailed guide to Bluewater
The Reluctant Mariner
A great account of an around the world trip by Joanna and her husband. Well written, witty and informative.
Cruising for Cowards
Lots of little tips and insights in this amusing book.
The Complete Book of Anchoring and Mooring
Very good information on anchoring and mooring by an engineer sailor with many years’ experience.
Storm and Silence – A Portrait of the Tasman
An excellent book written by an accomplished sailor from Hobart about his circumnavigation of the Tasman
Sensible Cruising – The Thoreau Approach
Subtitled “A Philosophic & Practical Approach to Cruising”, this book is one to savor and reflect upon while hanging off the hook in some remote anchorage
Sea Change
Subtitled “The Summer Voyage from East to West Scotland of the Anassa”, this is an intimate account of a voyage along some of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world
The View from Pluto
Author of The Lighthouse Keepers this well written and light hearted book chronicles the voyage of the H28 Pluto up the Qld coast and back to Manly
Messina News
A cruise round the top of Australia from Fremantle to Townsville in a converted wooden crayboat. A well written, amusing and also tragic account of this couple’s courage and perseverance.
A Slow Amble Along the Coast
A very personal account of his voyage around the coast (mostly single-handed) from Adelaide to Bowen and back to Brisbane in his 29′ Swanson Tarooki.
A Dawdle to the Derwent
Having turned north up the coast last time (see A Slow Amble Along the Coast), this time Dave was determined to get to Tasmania, a place he regarded as a potential new home, at least for a significant period. A well documented account of his journey from Adelaide to the Derwent via the north coast of Tasmania.
Sailing Alone around the World
The first man to sail solo around the world. A classic tale very well written and with fine detail. Flannery’s reprint also contains text from the marvellous Captain Crappo, another lone sailor. who crossed the Atlantic in a little dory with a not so little wife.
A Voyage for Madmen
An amazing account, very well written, about the first solo around the world race. Full of great characters and extraordinary deeds.