For hundreds of years the expert pilot has conducted vessels in and out of harbours using his local knowledge of the disposition of channels and shoals and the local land and sea marks. And to carry out this activity literally hundreds of different local craft evolved to suit local needs and, significantly, withstand any conditions that they might encounter. This reference work describes, analyses and depicts all these vessels and pays homage to the craft and the skilled crews who manned them. This first volume covers the schooners of North America and Great Britain and includes a history of early pilotage in both countries. The dangers confronted at sea and in harbour are dealt with as well as finance, disasters and rescue, pilot stations, and the organisation of pilot services. Life on board is described and the rivalry and competition between pilots is vividly told. But the core of the book covers the magnificent schooners themselves - the Liverpool schooners, the extraordinary Swansea vessels, the early Virginia schooners, and those from as far afield as Boston, the St Lawrence River, San Francisco and the Deleware River.

Plans, paintings, prints and photographs, tables of dimensions and the lively text bring to life the craft and the work which they undertook.