“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Dr. Seuss
As we prepare to receive our first guests of the season, we want to suggest some interesting reads, to kindle your interest or to download on your kindle, before you sail with us.
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
Just at the time that the whaling industry was in its last throes, a whaler attempts to hunt and kill the largest whale ever spotted. Only to become the hunted, with the whale turning on the whaling fleet and wrecking havoc on them all. The survivors turn to cannibalism in a last ditch attempt at survival.
A story that reminds us to be mindful of nature’s willfulness at all times
A Voyage for Mad Men by Peter Nichols
Recounts the first Golden Globe Race, a solo circumnavigation in a sail boat. The comfort Sir Robin demonstrates in living on his boat, Suhaili, is in strong contrast to Donald Crowhurst’s confused and fame-seeking delusions. Sir Robin sailed on to become the first person ever to sail solo and non-stop around the world. Donald Crowhurst meandered around in the Atlantic, sending blatant lies about his boat’s position, pretending he was circumnavigating the world, only to commit suicide within reach of his destination. The book shares the experiences of all 9 participants and offers a ring side view into each individual’s race readiness, mental preparation and character.
The Strange Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst by NicholasTomalin & Ron Hall
Is an insightful account of one man’s quest for fame and fortune that ends with a broken family, a disillusioned sailing fraternity, one man’s generosity and the other’s suicide.
Sometime’s reading about failure prepares you better than any success story. The fear of it happening to you keeps you on your toes.
Taking on the World by Ellen MacArthur
She was born with wind in her sails and a taste for the sea that saw her run through as many boats and boyfriends as she did sail races. The youngest to complete the Golden Globe race, her gender does not inspire as much awe as her passion for sailing and her determination to make it happen
One of the more recent books that I read, it reminded me again of the need to take good care of the boat and the fact that no matter how well the boat is built or refurbished or maintained, accidents and malfunctions are part of the game.
South: The Story of Shackleton's Last Expedition 1914-1917 by Ernest Henry Shakleton
A failed expedition to the Antarctic Circle becomes a celebration of leadership and endurance when Shakleton, the Captain of Endurance realises that his is a failed mission, and yet rallies his entire crew and brings them safely home.
The First Indian by Dilip Donde
A gentle, humourous account of the journey that has moulded Dilip Donde into the hero he is today. Revealing in its simplicity, and as understated as himself, the book motivated me in so many ways.
You get a copy of this book free when you sail with us on Antara!
Our Blue Ocean sails for October are already full up but day sails in Goa and Bombay are still an option:
Goa - Nov 03 to Nov 17
Bombay - Nov 24 to Nov 26
Our next Blue Ocean sail dates are:
Goa to Bombay - Nov 20 to 23
Bombay to Goa - Nov 29 to Dec 01
Stay in touch and keep track of us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, our Blog or our website
PS: I read these books while preparing for my Clipper Race in 2017-18. Click here to read about that adventure.