Around the World Single-handed: The Cruise of the "Islander"

The Mariners Library #12

by Harry Pidgeon

"The Islander was my first attempt at building a sailboat, but I don't suppose there ever was an amateur built craft that so nearly fulfilled the dream of her owner, or that a landsman ever came so near to weaving a magic carpet of the sea."
So begins this fascinating first-person narrative by a man who did what many dream of but few accomplish. Between 1921 and 1925 Harry Pidgeon circumnavigated the globe in a sailboat of his own construction, experienced many thrilling adventures in the far corners of the world, and relied mainly on his own strength, skill, and resourcefulness to survive.
After building his 34-foot yawl (at a cost of $1,000 for materials and a year and a half of hard work), the author sailed from California west across the Pacific to Hawaii in a test voyage. Then, from Los Angeles he cruised to lush and fabled islands — the Marquesas, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, New Hebrides, and New Guinea. With grace and economy, Mr. Pidgeon describes memorable encounters with native peoples (including suspected cannibals), tribal rites and rituals, the warm hospitality afforded him at many a remote harbor, good times with new friends and, of course, the delights of sailing. But there was danger and hardship as well, as he navigated his small craft through raging gales and giant seas, and a near-catastrophe when the Islander ran aground off the coast of South Africa.
Over 60 photographs enhance the text (Pidgeon was also an expert photographer) depicting the Islander under construction, under sail and at anchor in various locales; native peoples, houses, and ceremonies; penguins and other wildlife; pearl divers, a canoe race at Port Moresby; a tattooed girl of New Guinea; and many other vivid vignettes.
Well written, exciting, and true-to-life, Around the World Single-Handed: The Cruise of the "Islander" will delight armchair adventurers, sailing enthusiasts, or anyone who ever dreamed of hoisting sail and setting out for distant ports of call.

Genres: Travel, Nautical, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1989

Reviews

[Sam O'H]

It was pretty good. Neat to hear about him building his boat himself, but that was only briefly covered. Other than that, it was pretty uneventful. Read more like a log of places he'd been than a adventurous travel story. Which is okay. The author even comments on it himself, saying that he only went sailing because it was the only way he could afford to see that much of the world, and that he wasn't seeking adventure. Nothing wrong with that.

[Torey Ivanic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having just spent 4 months on a sailboat, this was an interesting read. I can’t imagine single handing in the 1920’s (or even now). I’d have loved to hear a bit more of the details of the emotions and thoughts of Mr. Pigeon. This reads mostly like a travel journal of where he went and what he saw. I liked the descriptions of weather and boat repairs.

[Kim Zinkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

B. A quick and enjoyable read.

[Mr. Wakiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good, old timey book

a lot of travel books spend most of the book talking about the beginning of the trip, then wrapping everything up in the last pages.... this was even

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry Pidgeon is, unequivocally, my new hero.