Description

This charming account of the voyage of two men in a small boat half way round the world from Plymouth to New Zealand in 1953 is a rare insight into a time, not long ago, when sailors had no GPS, electronics, radio or any of the mod cons that we take for granted today. Without lifejacket or a liferaft, they ‘just took what came along’, hand steering all the way, navigating by sextant, hand-cranking their engine and using oil lamps for light at night and for navigation. Sailors will be staggered how primitive conditions were only a few decades ago, even though it was the norm at the time. Part travelogue and part adventure story, the two friends encountered drunken harbourmasters, the mafia, the legacy of slavery and lost civilisations in the Pacific. Beautifully written, vivid in its descriptions of the two men’s exploits ashore and on board, this quirky and entertaining book will be a fascinating read for sailors and non-sailors alike. ‘A compelling story – I feel like I have sailed with them.’ Yachting Monthly

Publisher Review

'A compelling story - I feel like I have sailed with them.' Yachting Monthly 'This delightfully personal and very engaging account is a true adventure story, told in captivating detail and enriched with colour photographs and route maps of the voyage.' All at Sea (September 2010) 'The book is peppered with entertaining incidents...It makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read that beautifully evokes the magic of uncomplicated sailing.' Sailing Today (February 2011) 'Complete with a range of historical background, quotes and illustrations the book encompasses a range of the experiences...presented in a factual and straightforward style the narrative provides an informative 'snapshot' of the yachting fraternity at that time.' Cruising Association (December 2010) 'a very personal and entertaining account of a true adventure' Nautical Magazine (March 2011)