Sailing Alone Around the World

I bought this book in Popular Expo some months back, never heard of the author name as well as the book name.I select  some books randomly among them "Sailing Alone Around the World" by Joshua Slocum was one.Luckily once again my selection was on target - great book!

This book is the experience of the author when he traveled around the world alone in a boat called "Spray".As i read the book i was entering into the world of ocean and creatures living in it.Author's detailed description of everything he encountered made this book - a gem!Before starting the voyage he lost everything he had.First he lost his first wife, his beloved one then the he lost the much loved boat-Aquidneck which was the only asset he had.

Single handedly he remade the sloop/boat Spray.He did all the measurement and did everything on his own,it was like his child.Full of hope and energy he started his journey from Boston on April 24th 1895 at the age of 52.Check out the below Google Earth which shows Joshua's journey,click and check it out.



He did not use any chronometer to find time and longitude, he used a simple clock that too was broken in the middle of the journey.He used well known method called "dead reckoning".Most of the time in the journey he did not touch the helm since Spray was capable of self-steering due to its design.

He met different kind of people along his journey ,the natives of the Caribbeans,people Brazil and Argentina ,Australians etc and he describes vividly about them.Seems to be observant as well as good observer.His description of animal life was something i cherished reading.

His passion for ocean/sea , his love for voyages made this amazing journey possible.On June 27,1898, after three years ,circumnavigating the world he returned to Newport,Rhode Island.He traveled more than 46000miles(74,000Kms)!!what a feet!Hats off to this great traveler. He was the first man single handedly sailed around the world.He disappeared with Spray while traveling towards West Indies on November 1909. Seems to be a fitting end to his wonderful life.He was officially declared dead on 1924.

A travel classic! Must read for all!

More info:
Sailing Alone Around the World