The experiences and techniques of the lone voyager.
Per the table of contents, this book is basically four sections:
- History of singlehanded circumnavigation
- Singlehanded vessels and designs
- Singlehanded seamanship
- The future and tips (sort of)
I wasn’t really looking for a history of singlehanded sailors. Even so, I found the section interesting. Reading of the challenges of the pioneers (of nearly any subject) helps to appreciate what we have today. Not only the equipment and technology but also the predominant thinking of the day. People today nearly fall off their rocker when we mention owning a sailboat, livingaboard, and/or cruising. Imagine the people’s reaction a hundred years ago to someone telling them of plans to sail around the world singlehanded on a small wooden vessel?
The remainder of the book generally had a very dated feeling. In all fairness, it really is a fairly old book. My copy is the 2nd edition which was published in 1992 (originally published in 1976). With that in mind, I did not find the book to be all that useful. However; there are a few singlehanded tips that are still applicable but are buried throughout so you have to keep reading to find them! 🙂
Author: Richard Henderson
Hello,
I found your blog through Tony Stiles and a Subaru article.
I am a sailor of many years and was considering a Hunter 34.
I thinbk your’s was very good looking and about what I would be looking for.
I missed your advert and was wondering what it sold for? I have also been looking at Catalina 30-38s . Can you caomapre them? Thanks, Tom
Hi Tom,
Sorry, I’ve never been on a Catalina. I certainly like the Hunter 34 but, as with every boat, it had its pros and cons. It seems like you need to spend a few weeks on every possible boat to learn its subtleties. Of course, that just isn’t possible.