Call of the Ancient Mariner : Reese Palley's Guide to a Long Sailing Life

by Reese Palley

An inspiring, irreverent, and spirited manifesto for senior sailors and would-be sailors Nearly one million recreational sailors are now over 60, and their numbers will soon swell with baby boomers. Yet, no sailing literature has addressed the needs, concerns, and dreams of senior sailors--until now! In Call of the Ancient Mariner , 82-year-old Reese Palley proclaims that sailing is the natural sport for the old, the best way to lengthen and improve your life, and the perfect antidote to a society that conspires to narrow senior horizons. Having circled the globe on a small boat in his 60s and 70s, Palley assures older sailors that with the right preparation and gear, they can and should keep sailing long into their golden years. In his eloquent, engaging, and witty style,

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Premal Vora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "Call" itself is passionate, full of conviction, and inspiring. I was ready to cast off all my responsibilities, sell my belongings, and sail away. To become an (ancient) mariner. Fortunately, good sense prevailed...for the time being. This is on my bucket list now and most likely I'll kick the bucket while engaged in this pursuit.

The practical aspects: some are relevant, some not so relevant. Take what you like and leave the rest aside. If you are >50 years old and have any doubts about your ability (mental or physical) to sail, read this book and you will set your doubts aside.

[Dave Zeiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Reece Palley argues passionately for sailing into one's old age, with a number on reflections on both why and how that might be furthered. It's among a lonely class of books shared by Katie Burke's The Non-Macho Sailor.

Reece writes with humor, in a sometimes smug and crotchety vein that is sometimes dated. His opinions and preferences are perhaps not as universal or obviously correct as he implies. But what else would we "young 'uns" expect? Agree or not, the reader is encouraged to find our own path.

The author (now over the bar) stayed the course and offers first-hand observations and advice for easing ones way at sea, taking note of how much life at sea contributes to one's health and happiness. At the same time, he deals unflinchingly with the shortened reach, diminishing stamina and the aches and pains that come with the years.

Where there are plenty of books on sailoring that look the chance of imminent death in the eye, this is a rare treatise on facing the sea while aging and with our ultimate mortality firmly in view.

As one who has seen many cut their living short in later years -- whether from lack of preparation or a sense that mere calendar years imply retirement -- only to sink fatally into some armchair ashore, I recommend this book as a call to life.

Dave Z

[Numidica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book for sailors who are past their physical prime. Funny, well-written, and full of practical advice for sailors.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent because, unlike many, it discusses the small things in sailing that can quickly turn into big problems. Although this book's intended audience is much older than I am, I found it to be a very valuable read to a young sailor as well. It has allowed me to avoid making many mistakes. I would highly recommend this book and this author to everyone of every age. Be sure to read it with a dictionary though; you will expand your lexicon.

[Mr. Wakiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for us boomers