Canvas Flying, Seagulls Crying: From Scottish Lochs to Celtic Shores

by Justin Tyers

After Justin and Linda Tyers lost everything in a devastating house fire, they rebuilt their lives by building a classic wooden yacht from scratch--starting by felling the trees. This story was told in their first book, Phoenix from the Ashes .

This sequel follows their voyage from the Scottish Islands across to Ireland, down the Irish Sea to Cornwall and thence to Brittany, meeting interesting, curious and larger-than-life characters along the way. Justin has an unceasing ability to attract the nearest eccentric wherever he goes, a brilliant eye for natural humor in any situation, as well as a wonderful, lyrical turn of phrase.

The book is peppered with amusingly told anecdotes of everyday cruising life and packed with the kind of inevitable dramatic incidents that happen when you have two inexperienced sailors trying to man a yacht that's really too big for running aground, losing a guest overboard and almost being shipwrecked--more than once.

This is not a tale of intrepid on-the-edge sailing; it is a gentle, endearing and frequently amusing account of the sort of voyaging most cruisers can relate to and will greatly appreciate.

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 19, 2014

Reviews

[Robert Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️. Not my normal reading genres but it was recommended by a friend from Scotland. I am glad to ventured away from my usual reads. The liked it enough to buy and set aside the prequel. When I am able to set aside some leisure time beside a fire in the dark days of winter this will be my go to book.

[JONATHAN L LEES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book. Even if you're not interested in sailing, Justin has a very engaging writing style. A great read.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but not as good as the first one (isn't that what they say about sequels?) - although this could be a stand alone book I think. No boatbuilding in this one (the boat is already built i guess) apart from some spar-repairing. The book includes a few minor passages about sailing, including one great description of a close shave with a towing vessel at night that still gives me sweaty palms.
The book is set across a wide time range - there is a curious section in the book where there is a description of the author and his partner living on a Scottish island for 6 years, which is passed over incredibly briefly. Its still readable, just not as good as Phoenix From The Ashes.

[Rusty Bold · Rating 4 out of 5]

So worth your time!

If you sail or know anything about the Western Isles of Scotland and the generous & genuine folk who live there, or just an armchair adventurer with a dream, then this book with a wee dram by the evening fireside will delight your soul