Rating: 
Summary: Amazing Grace
Review: This book captured my attention and my heart for almost 6 hours last night- I could not put it down until 4am when I had finished. I had heard only in passing the name of the boat, but the author did such a good job illustrating the cruise and the crew that I felt like I had been onboard. Even if you aren't a sailor or a weather buff, read this book for the beautifully told personal insight into a tragedy that we all can learn from.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing Grace
Review: This book captured my attention and my heart for almost 6 hours last night- I could not put it down until 4am when I had finished. I had heard only in passing the name of the boat, but the author did such a good job illustrating the cruise and the crew that I felt like I had been onboard. Even if you aren't a sailor or a weather buff, read this book for the beautifully told personal insight into a tragedy that we all can learn from.
Rating:
Summary: A thoroughly reseached tale of a tall ship and her crew
Review: This book tells the story of the Sailing Vessel Fantome, and its final encounter with Hurricane Mitch. This story is more compelling than Perfect Storm, in that much of what happened to the ship and crew is known. The majesty of tall ships adds to the dramatic atmosphere in a way a fishing boat cannot. This thoroughly researched and documented story is more meaningful and interesting than Isaac's Storm because of the timeliness and contemporary interviews. This is a story of the most basic man versus nature. It is easier to follow this storm than the one in Perfect Storm. Hurricane Mitch was followed by the modern world from its earliest moments to its predatory fury over Honduras. Jim Carrier has carefully researched and told the story of the Fantome and her history. He has recounted the last month of the ship and its aftermath without any of the sensationalism and second-guessing that was common in so much of the press and in magazine articles afterwards. And finally, he applied "Forensic Journalism" to draw some conclusions about those moments that we don't know what happened. This is a story that is a fine addition to anyone with an interest in stories of the sea and human drama. Of course, those who have been fortunate to sail on the tall ships will insist on owning this book. As I read this book, I was sailing aboard the S/V Polynesia, another ship of the Windjammer/Barefoot Fleet. To my east, two hurricanes were on the prowl. This added to the chill of reading this book. I knew the Fantome and her crew, and they have a permanent place in my heart. I followed the news closely and shared it with others. I imagined myself in Captain Guyan's place, and thought of the decisions that he would have made. And I cried with the memories as Amazing Grace was played when the sails went up. Jim Carrier had done a remarkable job with his research and this book. Once you read this book, you will understand the truth and the known details of what happened to this beautiful ship and her crew.
Rating:
Summary: Good meteorological detail
Review: This book was unique in that in went into detail on what went on in the minds and decisions of forecasters at the National Hurricane Center, as well as specific details on the meteorological events of Hurricane Mitch. I enjoyed the book's arrangement of detailed events aboard Fantome, with an intermittent change to events with Mitch, and events at the NHC and Windjammer management. Very suspenseful and detailed. Good sea adventure.
Rating: 
Summary: Never Underestimate a Hurricane
Review: This is a good yarn about a very bad storm (category 5 hurricanes defy belief) and about the need to give them a very wide margin for error. Although a little long in the diversions about the crew, I would rate it a good read for anyone interested in the sea, hurricanes, and tall ships -- a great read for anyone who has sailed on a Windjammer Barefoot cruise -- and a must read for anyone who has sailed on the Fantome (may she rest in peace)...
Rating:
Summary: Never Underestimate a Hurricane
Review: This is a good yarn about a very bad storm (category 5 hurricanes defy belief) and about the need to give them a very wide margin for error. Although a little long in the diversions about the crew, I would rate it a good read for anyone interested in the sea, hurricanes, and tall ships -- a great read for anyone who has sailed on a Windjammer Barefoot cruise -- and a must read for anyone who has sailed on the Fantome (may she rest in peace)...
Rating:
Summary: If you are a sailor, read this book.
Review: This is an extraordinary book about the loss of the Fantome in Hurricane Mitch. Jim has done an outstanding job of researching the entire story, without prejudice, and from all angles. It contains a great deal of important information about hurricane avoidance and forecasting, as well as about communication with/from the home office, and what is important in the decision making and risk assessment process. I urge every sailor to read it and learn from it. Andy Chase Author of "Auxiliary Sail Vessel Operations
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Riveting
Review: This is must read for all sailors and anyone who appreciates well-written history in exciting detail. The historical facts are thoroughly researched and documented. The Ship and the Storm is written to make the reader feel as if they are on the Phantom during Mitch's horrible fury. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: John M. Williams
Review: When I first read the book I would have to put it down because this is the first time I have ever read a book involving a true
event knowing most of the people involved. I had the good fortune
to know Guyan and to have sailed with him. He was wonderful person and a professional seaman. The tragedy for Hurricane Mitch
was a sad day at Windjammer Barefoot Cruises. Mr. Carrier was even-handed with his book and let's face it we all have 20/20 hindsight. That is all I have to say.
Rating:
Summary: Good Balanced Account
Review: Within the sail training (or "Tall Ship") community the loss of the FANTOME was a mixture of "there but for the grace of God go I" and "Windjammer Barefoot Cruises were always a bit seat of the pants". As stated in the book - The American Sail Training Association annual conference heard papers regarding hurricane prediction and the margins for error soon after the loss and there was much discussion. For those in the "Tall Ship" industry, as opposed to the Cruise Industry, this book appears to lay to rest some myths and contains much in the way of new information. Jim Carrier has not written a scientific paper - his book would not have much appeal if he had, but at the outset he states his "standard" of evidence and then attempts to lay out as objectively as possible what he has learned. Conclusions are left entirely to the reader. His switching between the various authorities, locales, offices and the ship is skilfully done and keeps one aware of the background against which each group of people were working as hurricane Mitch developed. It is a little unfair to say that Carrier doesn't do justice to the ruining of the Honduras economy. Against the story - which is really about the ship - he gives the shore side plenty of coverage. The story is of high interest to a whole different audience than the "Perfect Storm" readers - though I am sure they will learn too. Within the industry there was much debate about Windjammer Barefoot Cruises and their operational methods. Carrier does not get drawn in, he notes the distancing by other operators, presents the facts as he has been able to determine them and leaves the readers to draw their own conclusions. As the Fantome's flag state did not carry out an inquiry this is probably as good an accident report as will ever be generated and from which you can draw your own lessons. If you are a casual reader with an interest - it is a skillfully told account of what happens when nature lets rip and is stronger than anything we can construct to resist it.
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