The Reluctant Mariner

Rating:
Summary: Ahoy there skipper
Review: As we too are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime we have been poring over every book that even remotely has anything to do with sailing. This lovely book gave a whole new perspective that the others have all missed. A true look into the fun and despair that goes with such a unique lifestyle. I laughed until the mast shook, I could see so much of our interactions mirrored in theirs. I rarely have enjoyed a book so much. It doesn't offer advice as to the best way to do things but simply the thoughts and emotions of the daily chores of life on a boat. A well written book by someone we can all identify with and admire.

Rating:
Summary: The Reluctant Mariner - but what a good one.
Review: For an accomplished writer and a master mariner this book is a work of art. For first time writer and novice sailor Joanna Hackett this is nothing less than a masterpiece.

Over a period of five years Joanna, the reluctant mariner, circumnavigates the world with her husband exploring areas not only on the coast but often someway inland. She gives an open and frank insight into her discoveries. The book is a revelation into what a person can do when challenged. Well outside her comfort zone, Joanne takes on the world and its mighty oceans. This is a humorous, beautifully written, account of her travels. Her husband Lindsay, with a little bit more sailing experience, mainly referred to in the book as the Skipper, is her fellow sailor and adventurer.

On a whim, but more likely a lifetime dream, he sells their hardware shop in rural Australia in order to purchase the 40-foot yacht Onawa. With the purchase done and dusted they prepare for their first trial voyage up the eastern seaboard of the continent. The bug bites and they don't turn around but keep heading northwards and westwards through the Indonesian archipelago as they begin what will be a circumnavigation of the globe.

Their own boat's name Onawa is unusual but on their journey they meet boats with names including "Barbara's Floor", "Hobo", "Wandering Star", "Great Escape", "Rose Rambler of Devon", "Prodigal of Penryn", "Day by Day" and "Rinse Please" to name but a few. The names may conjure up the owner's dreams, professions or even their joint names as in "Philmar".

Apart from the excellent travelogue that this book is, it also defines and describes the dual relationship between (a) Joanna and the Skipper and (b) Joanna and Lindsay. Whilst at sea the Skipper is always the boss but things are not that necessarily way in a marriage. Their apparent lack of stress during the long voyage clearly shows how the two people so closely confined care for and cherish each other. There are humorous moments however as the boundaries are occasionally reached and just sometimes crossed. Moments of stress including a bag-snatching incident whilst travelling overland by bus are not infrequent but these usually strengthen the bond between the couple.

The book provides a most educational insight into ocean sailing for anyone considering such an adventure. Skills such as provisioning the boat with just enough food and fuel for a long leg of the journey but not too much are essential. Too much food is just a waste whilst too little will mean rumbling tummies and disharmony. Another essential skill is the safe and robust anchoring of the boat before turning in for one of those rare night's sleep when there will be nobody on watch. Over 5 years there are bound to be some anchoring mishaps - a few of the more scary of these are described with just the right degree of tension. Clearly, the consequences of the boat breaking its mooring and drifting away could be disastrous. Once each potentially serious incident has been averted the sense of humour and relief quickly returns to the story telling.

Joanna, as she and Lindsay travel around on land in Asia, the Middle East, along the Mediterranean coast, through the Caribbean and finally the Pacific Islands describes the adventures in a humorous and educational style. They mingle with the local people, investigate the history and culture of their stopover points and immerse themselves in their surroundings. However this story is primarily about life at sea and a great story it is too.

All aboard for a journey around the world without leaving your armchair.