Maiden Voyage

Rating:
Summary: What a gal! What a book!!
Review: When you first start reading, you think her father must be mad, sending a tender young lass (who could hardly sail) alone around the world. But obviously it was an inspired decision, as the trip was the making of her. You follow her progress around the world and around herself as she matures and comes to terms with the ghosts of her past. Its the kind of book you want to lend to friends (as I did), but make sure you get back (as I didn't). A great read.

Rating:
Summary: One of ten books to take to a desert island with you
Review: I read this book soon after it came out, and promptly went out and bought it in hardback. Growing up is hard to do, and when you're trying to do it alone on the ocean, it's harder still. If I had ten books to take with me to a desert island, this would rank right up there with my complete Shakespeare and Sherlock Holmes. It's fascinating reading, practical and real, yet with the emotion of a young girl struggling to change and grow up. Since Tania Aebi is a contemporary of mine, the drama and challenge of her book have stuck in my head and heart since the first time that I read it in one sitting. When do we see more from her? Where is she now? In my memory, she'll always be a strong, lone figure on the ocean in a tiny boat with a goal in mind. It's an excellently written saga of growing up, with a no guts, no glory approach.

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Summary: Tania Aebi's trip - and book - can inspire us all
Review: A truly Good Book. Far more than an adventure in a strictly geograpical sense, Maiden Voyage left me uplifted with a reaffirmation of life, lived fully and simply. We get to sail around the world with Tania, experiencing and feeling what she does as we look over her shoulder, living with her through her fears, joys and triumphs. And seeing what she describes. Some of those wonderfully picturesque mental photographs that developed in my mind as I read almost made tears come to my eyes: The southern stars reflected on the calm waters of the Pacific as the phosporescent wake recedes behind us... The lights of Puerto Rico and St. Thomas disappearing below the horizon as we head for the Panama Canal... The reflected brilliance of a Pacific sunset... Unsurpassed for nautical adventure, Tania's enthusaism for sailing and her unigue ability to put into words the sheer magnificence of this earth we often take forgranted...

Rating:
Summary: An exellent read for any level of sailor.
Review: Perhaps a little on the romantic side, but what other way is there to talk about the sea and all its mysteries. To this day, everytime I see a Contessa 26, I remember Tania's adventures. And, I see a little boat that could... Sure does make you think twice...if she can do it, then?

Rating:
Summary: For all serious travellers
Review: This is a great travel book, as well as a must-read for sailors. After reading it, I had an intense desire to buy a boat and head off into the open seas. It took me weeks to get my thoughts back onto dry land

Rating:
Summary: A sailing must read!
Review: Absolutely wonderful book, not only did this young lady have to stuggle with growing up, but with the riggers of learning how to sail. A true voyage of self discovery seen through the eyes of innocence and wonder. Inspiring

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Summary: Incredibly inspiring. The best book I've ever read.
Review: When you're bored and can't think of a single thing to do with your life, this woman really inspires you to get off your bum, stop watching tv and get a life

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Summary: Dramatic story of youngest woman sailor to circle the globe
Review: At the age of 18, Tania Aebi's troubled background had left her estranged from her family, with few plans for the future outside of a vague ambition to be a writer. Then, her father offered to give her a sailboat -- if she would agree to leave her friends behind and sail around the world alone. This book tells the story of her 2 1/2 year voyage, a trip as dramatic and touching as any I have read. Along the way, Tania sails through terrifying storms, barely survives a collision with a freighter, and comes to terms with her family and her past. Through it all she brings an honesty and a fresh eye for the world's beauty that will make you want to jump aboard and sail away yourself. Very few books have touched my emotions like this story of the youngest American woman to circle the globe

Rating:
Summary: You will 'blong' her too!
Review: This is a fantastic narrative of a 'special' father's way to deal with his unmotivated daughter. He bought her a boat and send her sailing (alone) around the world!

What Tania did is extraordinary, even with the help of her dad, who flew around the world to bring her support and spare parts several times during her journey.

Tania had no sailing experience (when she started) and made sailing her profession since the completion of her trip. She writes on every issue of Latitudes and Attitudes.

Makes very interesting reading while is fun and informative.


Rating:
Summary: Riveting! Refreshing! Realistic!
Review: Sure, I started to fantasize about becoming a pirate, so I bought this book (and many others) to investigate others' seafaring experiences.

This was such an eye-opening, enthralling read. I think I read this book in just a couple of days, I couldn't put it down. Not only was it educational, but it was interesting, amusing and, sometimes, downright scary.

Great read.