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Orca: Sailing Around the World
The inspiring and hilarious true story of an unworldly twenty-two year old California surf punk and his faithful girlfriend who tire of their parochial and drama-filled home town. They decide to buy a thirty foot sailboat and disappear.
They must overcome spectacular nautical ignorance and defeat a cunning sabotage attempt by safety-conscious parents armed only with a shoestring budget and an unshakable sense of humor. Once on the high seas, unexpected enemies and incredible allies soon propel little Orca across the Pacific and into the unforgiving Southern Ocean. Before long, the crew realizes they've gone too far downwind: in order to return home, they must sail around the world. Nothing will ever be the same.
They must overcome spectacular nautical ignorance and defeat a cunning sabotage attempt by safety-conscious parents armed only with a shoestring budget and an unshakable sense of humor. Once on the high seas, unexpected enemies and incredible allies soon propel little Orca across the Pacific and into the unforgiving Southern Ocean. Before long, the crew realizes they've gone too far downwind: in order to return home, they must sail around the world. Nothing will ever be the same.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2014
251 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 30, 2014
I really wanted to love this book, mostly because Kara's sister is one of my dearest friends, and also because recently I've developed a sailing itch and I was excited for the inspiration.
One thing I couldn't get over was the attitude John conveyed toward Kara. It seemed like he only talked about her when she was crying, hungry, demanding something, or getting them into some kind of trouble (which would ultimately prove to be some of the best adventures from their journeys). The back of the book makes it clear that the book is about him, and "his faithful girlfriend" just happened to be there. I'm sure he meant nothing less than loving in all his descriptions, but I was perturbed.
My aggravation aside, the book was fun and I really liked the encounters with nice sailors and funny locals. I think at the end of the book I might have felt like they felt at the end of a long stretch at sea: thankful for the journey, having fond memories, and ready for it to be done.
One thing I couldn't get over was the attitude John conveyed toward Kara. It seemed like he only talked about her when she was crying, hungry, demanding something, or getting them into some kind of trouble (which would ultimately prove to be some of the best adventures from their journeys). The back of the book makes it clear that the book is about him, and "his faithful girlfriend" just happened to be there. I'm sure he meant nothing less than loving in all his descriptions, but I was perturbed.
My aggravation aside, the book was fun and I really liked the encounters with nice sailors and funny locals. I think at the end of the book I might have felt like they felt at the end of a long stretch at sea: thankful for the journey, having fond memories, and ready for it to be done.
September 24, 2022
Sail away, again
I've always wanted to sail. After a couple reads with sailboats as the backdrop, I happened upon Orca. A review shared the book was a hilarious and true accounting of a couple of inexperienced adventurers. My desire to sail, live aboard, cruise wherever, when ever, I have no earthly knowledge of where that comes from. I too am inexperienced. John's tales of their adventures, voyages, and years at sea did not dampen my dream - but I'm sure I don't have the fortitude of John & Kara.
This book is an honest and heartfelt journey with John & Kara. No sailing knowledge necessary. I'm confident I'll read it again, like John's calculations of the amount of earth they covered, I'm positive I missed some gems in the storytelling.
I've always wanted to sail. After a couple reads with sailboats as the backdrop, I happened upon Orca. A review shared the book was a hilarious and true accounting of a couple of inexperienced adventurers. My desire to sail, live aboard, cruise wherever, when ever, I have no earthly knowledge of where that comes from. I too am inexperienced. John's tales of their adventures, voyages, and years at sea did not dampen my dream - but I'm sure I don't have the fortitude of John & Kara.
This book is an honest and heartfelt journey with John & Kara. No sailing knowledge necessary. I'm confident I'll read it again, like John's calculations of the amount of earth they covered, I'm positive I missed some gems in the storytelling.
May 4, 2021
If you think you want to sail around the world, you'll find Orca a great read--and a real dose of reality. Thoughtful, engaging, and well-written, but I found the frequent grammatical errors and typos off-putting. Orca would have benefitted from a good editor/proofreader!
That said, John and Kara learned all about sailing, trust, camaraderie, and the world, and their circumnavigation in a tiny 30-foot fiberglass sailboat made them who they are today.
That said, John and Kara learned all about sailing, trust, camaraderie, and the world, and their circumnavigation in a tiny 30-foot fiberglass sailboat made them who they are today.
November 20, 2021
Fun Adventure
This was a fun read and well worth the price. The narration is light and fun without obscuring the deep undercurrents and truths the authors touches on.
There are some madding inconsistencies (or perhaps they are simply items that need more explanation) such as the reoccurring problem with having enough fresh water…but earlier the water maker on the boat was referred to. So….
But these little items do not detract from a wonderful and inspiring tale. Bravo!
This was a fun read and well worth the price. The narration is light and fun without obscuring the deep undercurrents and truths the authors touches on.
There are some madding inconsistencies (or perhaps they are simply items that need more explanation) such as the reoccurring problem with having enough fresh water…but earlier the water maker on the boat was referred to. So….
But these little items do not detract from a wonderful and inspiring tale. Bravo!
September 26, 2022
I don’t hand out 5 stars liberally, but this account of life at sea deserves it. John Pennington not only writes concisely of their four years around the world, he does it with great humor. He keeps the story going at a good pace and his grasp of the written English language is hilarious and inventive. Having lived and sailed on a boat myself for many years, and written about it, (although we didn’t make it around the world as he and his partner, Kara, did), I’m in a good position to pass judgement. His grasp of what is important in such a nomad life (materially and philosophically), descriptions of the “cruising” community and the players, and cultural encounters and mishaps across the globe are true and to the point. There are many, many books of sailing around the world, but this one is special and worth your time. He so well expressed what I have lived that I CAN highly recommend the account of “Orca”; it may kickstart you into a new life.
July 14, 2025
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about people who chose to follow a dream. It is also a great sailing adventure that does not concentrate on the terrifying moments but the many days spent in tranquility. John's ability to create humor in what most of us would consider extreme mental distress is extraordinary; lack of water, being knocked down, huge seas, getting ill, fear of what lies ahead, whales, spiders, snakes. John and Kera left California with very little sailing experience. After 4 yrs at sea they had transformed into a working couple that had overcome obstacles that I will never encounter. I read "On Thin Ice" first, another great book I would recommend, so I knew the second act. I only wish there were pictures. I LOVED the you tube video that Dean narrated. Hope to see a third book from John.
October 24, 2021
Sailing as antidote to modern society
I enjoyed this book immensely. This couple escaped their little town where they felt stuck, and learned and experienced so much along the way.
I could have done with a little less descriptions of all the fees and red tape they had to go through, but the rest more than made up for it.
I would recommend the book to anyone interested in adventure and experiencing the unknown. Being scared and then overcoming and learning is so worth it.
I gave the book 5 stars because I’m thankful they took the reader along the journey with them with humor, intelligence and compassion.
I enjoyed this book immensely. This couple escaped their little town where they felt stuck, and learned and experienced so much along the way.
I could have done with a little less descriptions of all the fees and red tape they had to go through, but the rest more than made up for it.
I would recommend the book to anyone interested in adventure and experiencing the unknown. Being scared and then overcoming and learning is so worth it.
I gave the book 5 stars because I’m thankful they took the reader along the journey with them with humor, intelligence and compassion.
September 19, 2024
l was getting seasick just reading your voyage on very rough seas. l can't believe your wife put up with it. You are a very lucky man. l read your other book ' Thicker Than Ice '. They say that life is a great adventure or nothing at all. That must be your motto. Everything that you had done before all fell into place & you managed to pull it off. Congratulations & maybe you have another book in the future. Maybe a little less adventureless considering you now have a family. Really enjoyed your books.
July 26, 2021
Definitely not a page turner
This book wasn't what I expected. Not so much an adventure story as it was a travelogue. The trip was an impressive accomplishment if it happened as written. Too many vague details, such as finance, locations (Hometown, CA?), dates, etc. Too many anecdotes strike me as exaggerated.
This book wasn't what I expected. Not so much an adventure story as it was a travelogue. The trip was an impressive accomplishment if it happened as written. Too many vague details, such as finance, locations (Hometown, CA?), dates, etc. Too many anecdotes strike me as exaggerated.
Read
September 30, 2022Outstanding
Brilliant account of a four year voyage. Great bravery and wanderlust displayed. Very very few people on earth could claim the same experiences. No doubt years full of life here. Excellent storytelling and there must be many a reader made envious by these tales.
John Perry
South Africa
Brilliant account of a four year voyage. Great bravery and wanderlust displayed. Very very few people on earth could claim the same experiences. No doubt years full of life here. Excellent storytelling and there must be many a reader made envious by these tales.
John Perry
South Africa
September 14, 2024
Makes Me Want To Go Sailing
Pennington makes it sound easy enough for a beginner to take on as he and girlfriend, now wife, Kara sail around the world. Four years and days of adventure pass in what seems to be a flash. Well written. Wry humor. Great read for armchair adventurers.
Pennington makes it sound easy enough for a beginner to take on as he and girlfriend, now wife, Kara sail around the world. Four years and days of adventure pass in what seems to be a flash. Well written. Wry humor. Great read for armchair adventurers.
June 2, 2025
I have started many “I’m going to buy a boat and sail the sea” books and abandoned them all after 2 chapters. But not this one. The book is very well written, very real and most enjoyable. Would love to see more by the author. Thanks for including me in your adventures.
Larry Land. Morehead City, NC
Larry Land. Morehead City, NC
October 26, 2018
Great read
I really enjoyed this tale of adventure, rising to challenges, nearly being beaten, and coming through together and changed.
I loved the style of writing and the authors way of describing events.
I really enjoyed this tale of adventure, rising to challenges, nearly being beaten, and coming through together and changed.
I loved the style of writing and the authors way of describing events.
June 7, 2019
The book is a priceless gift!
Read this book, you'll be blessed and all the wiser after! Suffice it to say that we need more John and Kara's in our world. When I grow up I want to think like and be like them! Thank you, thank you for giving us readers a window into your world!
Read this book, you'll be blessed and all the wiser after! Suffice it to say that we need more John and Kara's in our world. When I grow up I want to think like and be like them! Thank you, thank you for giving us readers a window into your world!
June 30, 2020
An original adventure
Exceedingly well written with a funny sense of humor. This book opened my eyes to some unique experiences. Arguably I have read most of the books out there about sailing around the world and this tops the list!
Exceedingly well written with a funny sense of humor. This book opened my eyes to some unique experiences. Arguably I have read most of the books out there about sailing around the world and this tops the list!
August 12, 2020
Greatly Entertaining
A greatly entertaining story about sailing around the world and encountering different cultures. The author’s sense of humour had me cracking up in many sections of the story.
A greatly entertaining story about sailing around the world and encountering different cultures. The author’s sense of humour had me cracking up in many sections of the story.
April 28, 2021
This author is a good writer
He has a humorous, self effacing way of describing his involvement in this compelling chronicle of circumnavigation. I found his story to be totally absorbing and look forward to reading about he and Kara’s continuing adventures.
He has a humorous, self effacing way of describing his involvement in this compelling chronicle of circumnavigation. I found his story to be totally absorbing and look forward to reading about he and Kara’s continuing adventures.
May 23, 2021
Not a vacation log but real life
I've read about a dozen sailing novels and this is the most grounded of them all. It's not a travelogue of rich retirees, but a tale of growth, tribulation and humanity, with plenty of humor and self depreciation.
I've read about a dozen sailing novels and this is the most grounded of them all. It's not a travelogue of rich retirees, but a tale of growth, tribulation and humanity, with plenty of humor and self depreciation.
January 20, 2022
I loved everything about this book, from the vibrant descriptions to the humility and humor of the author to the technical details (not boring!) of sailing life. It made me - a 63-year-old, non-sailing, disabled woman want to buy a boat! For fans of adventure, exploration and clean romance.
April 15, 2022
Page turning quality
When I was in grade school and read Robin lee Graham's DOVE, I thought that most adventures where finished. Orca proved me wrong with page turning quality and inspiration to get off the couch.
When I was in grade school and read Robin lee Graham's DOVE, I thought that most adventures where finished. Orca proved me wrong with page turning quality and inspiration to get off the couch.
November 17, 2022
Voyage to Remember
John Pennington tells a fascinating story of high adventure around the World . His humorous descriptions and superb vocabulary colored every chapter. Finally, Pennington observations of healthy or unhealthy cultures is instructive to any reader.
John Pennington tells a fascinating story of high adventure around the World . His humorous descriptions and superb vocabulary colored every chapter. Finally, Pennington observations of healthy or unhealthy cultures is instructive to any reader.
January 12, 2023
Great treat
Wonderful true adventures for your soul
Great to learn about entry into the different harbors and local crazy laws in each country .Too many rules world needs more common sense. Thanks for the written adventure.
Wonderful true adventures for your soul
Great to learn about entry into the different harbors and local crazy laws in each country .Too many rules world needs more common sense. Thanks for the written adventure.
December 16, 2024
Engaging and entertaining
John and Kara share an adventure that most dream about. John is an excellent wordsmith that allows the reader to share in their trials and triumps in a brilliantly descriptive, entertaining and, at times, hilarious way.
John and Kara share an adventure that most dream about. John is an excellent wordsmith that allows the reader to share in their trials and triumps in a brilliantly descriptive, entertaining and, at times, hilarious way.
March 4, 2025
What a great read
A wonderful story of how 4 years of world travel enriched and developed their lives. One can only admire John and Kara’s incredible courage and determination during unimaginable challenges - take risks and enjoy the rewards.
A wonderful story of how 4 years of world travel enriched and developed their lives. One can only admire John and Kara’s incredible courage and determination during unimaginable challenges - take risks and enjoy the rewards.
March 29, 2020
In my top 5 sailing books
One of the best written, best told sailing books. It's got adventure, romance, reflection and sailing, lots of sailing. But it. Read it.
One of the best written, best told sailing books. It's got adventure, romance, reflection and sailing, lots of sailing. But it. Read it.
July 22, 2020
Inspiring and relatable to anyone with a travel addiction, difficult to follow along for anyone who was never sailed before. I learned about do many new islands I have never heard of.
January 17, 2021
Great insights
Author learned important life lessons. Also a good primer on prepping for a sea voyage. Old boats are good boats.
Author learned important life lessons. Also a good primer on prepping for a sea voyage. Old boats are good boats.
March 29, 2021
Couldn't put it down
Such a great story of adventure! Exciting, dangerous, funny, sweet. I loved it!! Kept me on the edge of my seat till the end
Such a great story of adventure! Exciting, dangerous, funny, sweet. I loved it!! Kept me on the edge of my seat till the end
July 4, 2021
Funny and Thoughtful
Great sea and travel book, funny and insightful. One of best sailing books written. Clearly a very smart and loving couple.
Great sea and travel book, funny and insightful. One of best sailing books written. Clearly a very smart and loving couple.
August 15, 2021
The best voyaging book I’ve read in years
Well written, funny, and full of valuable information and insights, don’t miss reading this boo. It is an exciting ride.
Well written, funny, and full of valuable information and insights, don’t miss reading this boo. It is an exciting ride.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews