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RCC PILOTAGE FOUNDATION
The object of the Foundation is to collect and research information relating to small boat pilotage, navigation and operations (including information relating to climate and weather conditions and remoter areas where other sources of information are scarce or non-existent) and to disseminate this information through the production of books, charts, lectures, meetings, internet or such other media or means as may be appropriate.

The Pilotage Foundation Website has details of all our publications in addition to a number of free to download Passage Planning Guides and complete Pilot Guides to more remote areas.

The Pilotage Foundation is run by volunteers. We aim to produce, and maintain, high quality pilotage information and advice on how to obtain more specific details. In recent years we have concentrated on presenting our books in an easy to use manner as well as making them relevant in the electronic age. Our range of publications is steadily increasing with many books available in French, Spanish or Italian editions. We welcome contributions in all forms; for further details go to our feedback page.

History and Background Information
In 1976 an American member of the Royal Cruising Club, Dr Fred Ellis, indicated that he wished to make a gift to the Club in memory of his father, the late Robert E. Ellis, of his friends Peter Pye and John Ives and as a mark of esteem for Roger Pinckney. An independent charity known as the RCC Pilotage Foundation was formed and Dr Ellis added his house to his already generous gift of money to form the Foundation's permanent endowment. The Foundation's charitable objective is "to advance the education of the public in the science and practice of navigation" which is at present achieved through the writing and updating of pilot books covering many different parts of the world.

The Foundation is extremely grateful and privileged to have been given the copyrights to books written by a number of distinguished authors and yachtsmen including the late Adlard Coles, Robin Brandon and Malcolm Robson. In return the Foundation has willingly accepted the task of keeping the original books up to date and many yachtsmen and women have helped (and are helping) the Foundation fulfil this commitment. In addition to the titles donated to the Foundation, several new books have been created and developed under the auspices of the Foundation.

The Foundation works in close collaboration with three publishers - Imray Laurie Norie and Wilson, Adlard Coles Nautical and On Board Publications - and in addition publishes in its own name short run guides and pilot books for areas where limited demand does not justify large print runs. Several of the Foundation's books have been translated into French, German and Italian.

The overall management of the Foundation is entrusted to Trustees appointed by the Royal Cruising Club, with day to day operations being controlled by the Director. All these appointments are unpaid.

In line with its charitable status, the Foundation distributes no profits; any surpluses are used to finance new books and developments and to subsidise those covering areas of low demand.

The Foundation is a registered Charity and is fortunate to have the The National Hydrographer as its Patron.