Book Review: Atlantic Spain and Portugal by Henry Buchanan
Cultural and Practical Insights
Henry Buchanan’s Atlantic Spain and Portugal is a highly respected and long-standing cruising guide that offers comprehensive coverage of the Atlantic coasts of Spain and Portugal, from the French border in the north to the southern gateway of the Mediterranean at Gibraltar. First published by the Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation and updated over the years by various contributors, the guide continues to be an essential tool for yachtsmen navigating this often underestimated and challenging stretch of coastline.
A Valuable Resource for Offshore and Coastal Cruising
The Atlantic coasts of the Iberian Peninsula are known for their mix of dramatic headlands, exposed anchorages, and bustling fishing ports. Buchanan’s guide addresses the unique navigational challenges of the region with clarity and precision. It’s particularly helpful for sailors making the popular transition from northern Europe to the Mediterranean, as well as those planning more extensive cruising in the Bay of Biscay, Galicia, Portugal, and the Algarve.
The guide is structured geographically, moving progressively down the coast, which makes route planning intuitive. Each section offers meticulous details on port entries, anchorages, harbors, prevailing weather, tides, and potential hazards. Buchanan’s focus on pilotage is especially useful for the region’s variable conditions, where the Atlantic swell, shifting sandbars, and strong river outflows can turn an apparently benign landfall into a demanding exercise in seamanship.
Up-to-Date and Thorough
Though originally authored by Buchanan, Atlantic Spain and Portugal has been regularly revised and updated to reflect changing port infrastructure, new marina developments, and evolving regulations. These updates ensure that the book remains relevant for contemporary sailors, offering current chart references, navigational warnings, and marina contact details. Users benefit from a wealth of local knowledge, which helps in identifying not only the safest approaches but also the most convenient facilities and services.
The inclusion of high-quality charts, aerial photographs, and harbor plans further enhances the guide’s usability. Visual aids are clearly labeled and thoughtfully integrated into the text, supporting practical, real-time decision-making.
While the guide leans heavily on technical and navigational content—as it should—Buchanan also includes helpful cultural and practical information. Recommendations for provisioning, fuel, dining, and customs procedures add real value for cruisers spending extended time in port. There is a balanced tone throughout the text: informative without being overbearing, detailed without becoming tedious. Sailors new to the region will appreciate the concise historical and cultural context that accompanies many of the port descriptions.
A Few Limitations
If there is a criticism, it might be that the guide is less narrative-driven than works by authors like Rod Heikell. The tone is professional and focused, which is ideal for pilotage but might leave some readers wanting more personality or travelogue-style storytelling. Additionally, while the printed format is excellent, some modern users may prefer a digital companion or app-based version with live updates and GPS integration.
Conclusion
Atlantic Spain and Portugal by Henry Buchanan is a well-crafted, expertly researched pilot guide that has stood the test of time. It remains a cornerstone reference for anyone sailing along the Iberian Atlantic coast. Practical, precise, and consistently reliable, it deserves a spot on the bookshelf—or chart table—of every serious coastal or offshore sailor in the region.