The first volume of Pilots concentrated on the stories of American and British schooners. Volume 2 enters what for many will be a less familiar world... that of the remarkable pilot brigs and small undecked craft. Schooners range from the Hiates of Portugal to the beautiful station boats of the North Sea ports of Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, and France. The development of the schooners themselves into such highly sophisticated craft is traced from regional predecessors. Volume 2 of Pilots is not just about boats — the sailors also have their role. The book follows highly difficult manoeuvres under sail, dangerous transfers at sea, the routine of everyday life, and the perils of heavy weather including ships wrecked and lives saved. All aspects of a spectacular and previously unpublished maritime tradition are considered, not forgetting the competitions between pilots to be the best crews.
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Video Pilot "DORE" leaves port of Riga [Feb 28 2021]
published on 9 March 2021
Video Chifting from quai marinelle To berth 12
published on 21 January 2020
Video Pilot change
published on 25 October 2020
Article The Road Towards Autonomous Ship Handling with Tugs
by Captain Henk Hensen (Marine Consultant) - published on 5 November 2019
Article Associated British Ports to upgrade pilot boat fleet
by Baird Maritime - published on 22 July 2024
Associated British Ports (ABP) will upgrade its recently acquired pilot launches to enhance safety, effectiveness, and sustainability, incorporating feedback from its pilots and marine teams. The program will expand the fleet of larger vessels from three to five, replace older models, and improve seakeeping, crew safety, comfort, handling, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction.