Description
Book SynopsisIn May 1946 John Caldwell set out to sail from Panama to Sydney to reunite with his wife who he hadn''t seen for more than a year. Eager to reach his destination and unable to secure any other form of transport, he had to resort to singlehanded seamanship.After an ignominious scene in the harbor, where a tangled anchor led him to take an early dip, he spent ten days learning the rudiments of navigation and sailing from a book, before embarking on the 9,000 mile journey aboard the 20-foot Pagan. Ahead lay a mission that was to reveal in him elements not only of astounding courage and determination, but also of incredible foolhardiness. Within 500 miles of Panama John Caldwell had already been shipwrecked once and had his boat''s engine and cockpit destroyed by an angry shark. Indefatigable, he decided to press on towards his goal.He endured the terrors and discomforts of life on the high seas and enjoyed the triumphs of fighting and winning against the elements. This is more than an exc
Trade ReviewA must read for all would-be voyagers. * Latitude 38 *
[An] astounding tale of courage and adventure....an engaging, well-written story that combines elements of romance with incredible adventure, farce and foolhardiness. If ever there was an argument for the benefits of sail training, this book cements it. Riveting stuff. * Sailing Today *
One of the classic 'How I did it on a shoe-string in an unsuitable boat, knowing nothing about sailing' books....A good read and hooray for the days when people could do this sort of thing without attracting condemnation. * The Island *
Table of ContentsCutter Pagan Plan of Pagan Map of the voyage About the Author I. Preparation II. Departure III. Practice IV. Confidence V. Sunk! VI. Castaway VII. Adventure VIII. Overboard IX. Malpelo Isle X. Navigation XI. Crew XII. Unenchanted Isles! XIII. Post Office Bay XIV. Trade Winds XV. Devilfish XVI. Hurricane XVII. Dismasted XVIII. Jury Rig XIX. Lost XX. Foodless XXI. Starvation and Land XXII. Rescue XXIII. Tuvutha XXIV. Going Native XXV. A Sail! XXVI. Australia
