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Bound For Distant Seas: A Voyage Alone to Asia Aboard the 28-Foot Sailboat Atom
Bound for Distant Seas begins sailing author James Baldwin’s epic tale of his second circumnavigation. His story is seasoned by his adventures during his first circumnavigation in 1984-86 as told in Across Islands and Oceans.
Alone with little money aboard Atom, his now engineless 28-foot sailboat, James embarks on his odyssey without the comforts and equipment most sailors consider essential. Challenging himself to live as closely with the sea as possible, the author sets sail in 1987 from Florida, bound for new adventures on the distant shores of Asia. He does not return home again for 15 years.
In this paean to the sea and foreign lands, the author recounts the best and worst of life on the ocean, visits to far-flung islands, and adventures amid throngs of humanity in some of the world’s most densely populated cities. This unvarnished physical and philosophical saga includes encounters with dead-eyed bureaucrats, native angels of mercy, newly discovered WWII wreckage, fellow expat adventurers, rogues and misfits.
The journey takes many unplanned turns as the author faces near misses with lurking dangers, hikes across islands, finds temporary employment ashore, and immerses himself in foreign cultures. Along the way he is tested by sea and society, and he ultimately discovers the priceless treasures of heart and mind that he seeks.
James invites you to come aboard Atom for the journey of a lifetime.
Alone with little money aboard Atom, his now engineless 28-foot sailboat, James embarks on his odyssey without the comforts and equipment most sailors consider essential. Challenging himself to live as closely with the sea as possible, the author sets sail in 1987 from Florida, bound for new adventures on the distant shores of Asia. He does not return home again for 15 years.
In this paean to the sea and foreign lands, the author recounts the best and worst of life on the ocean, visits to far-flung islands, and adventures amid throngs of humanity in some of the world’s most densely populated cities. This unvarnished physical and philosophical saga includes encounters with dead-eyed bureaucrats, native angels of mercy, newly discovered WWII wreckage, fellow expat adventurers, rogues and misfits.
The journey takes many unplanned turns as the author faces near misses with lurking dangers, hikes across islands, finds temporary employment ashore, and immerses himself in foreign cultures. Along the way he is tested by sea and society, and he ultimately discovers the priceless treasures of heart and mind that he seeks.
James invites you to come aboard Atom for the journey of a lifetime.
- GenresTravel
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 27, 2021
I read Baldwin’s first book going on ten years ago with understated great pleasure. As an adolescent I too followed National Geographic’s coverage of Graham’s around the world voyage on the Dove, which ignited a passion I dreamed to accomplish a half century later before losing my s/v Sean Seamour II (as recounted in Michael Tougias’s best selling « A Storm Too Soon » more on www.artseaprovence.com).
Only recently I discovered the sequels to his first book with renewed passion (with two to go).
Mike Tougias provided the space for a personal epilog at the end of his book in which I attempted to assuage my spouse’s anger after my near death, my clumsy response to her sempiternel question of « why », James Baldwin gave sense to my words in his second book :
« Reaching the doldrums in the center of the sea is something of a metaphor for a lone sailor’s journey to the deep, unknown center of his own mind. What I found there beneath the surface of things was a timeless unity—the still point of the turning world. The youthful, energetic waves of shallow waters, lashed into movement by each prevailing wind, had at last calmed themselves and found a level balance above the abyss. Eternal questions of where are we going and how we will get there, resolved and then melted away to be replaced by a singular present moment. The trials of the doldrums are felt by one man as frustration and despair and received as a gift of peace to another. It is all perception. »
Only recently I discovered the sequels to his first book with renewed passion (with two to go).
Mike Tougias provided the space for a personal epilog at the end of his book in which I attempted to assuage my spouse’s anger after my near death, my clumsy response to her sempiternel question of « why », James Baldwin gave sense to my words in his second book :
« Reaching the doldrums in the center of the sea is something of a metaphor for a lone sailor’s journey to the deep, unknown center of his own mind. What I found there beneath the surface of things was a timeless unity—the still point of the turning world. The youthful, energetic waves of shallow waters, lashed into movement by each prevailing wind, had at last calmed themselves and found a level balance above the abyss. Eternal questions of where are we going and how we will get there, resolved and then melted away to be replaced by a singular present moment. The trials of the doldrums are felt by one man as frustration and despair and received as a gift of peace to another. It is all perception. »
January 15, 2023
I always enjoy reading a great sailing adventure and when combined with good writing skills, makes it all the more enjoyable! I especially enjoyed this book as it was not just a listing of his log book! It was all about the many people and Islands he met in his travels in South East Asia. You actually felt you were on “Atom”, his engineless 28 ft sailboat as you sailed into the many harbors. He discussed the origin of the names of the Islands, the history of the Islands and all the wonderful helpful people he met and shared meals and their life with! Beautifully done! One quote summed up this book, “It’s people are the measure of an Island’s treasure.” Prepare to enjoy a well written travelogue! 😎
May 6, 2021
An inspiring (albeit lengthy & detailed) book about solo-sailing across the world's oceans to distant lands. This is a gifted author who tells stories of various cultures with appreciation and who frames his adventures within a larger view of how living life to it's fullest is what living is all about. Thoreau: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined." Indeed.
October 3, 2021
Another great adventure.
Being a veteran with 12 years , most of my time spent over seas. This book brought back a lot of memories. Japan, in the 50s and thru out the Far East as well as Hawaii, Thailand was my last then on to Europe. I’ve read all of James Baldwin’s books and enjoyed
each one so much. I recommend anyone who loves sailing to read these wonderful stories.
Being a veteran with 12 years , most of my time spent over seas. This book brought back a lot of memories. Japan, in the 50s and thru out the Far East as well as Hawaii, Thailand was my last then on to Europe. I’ve read all of James Baldwin’s books and enjoyed
each one so much. I recommend anyone who loves sailing to read these wonderful stories.
November 22, 2021
Deeply Intelligent and Literate Read from a World Class Voyager
I loved this book. It combined extraordinary insights into sailing, thoughtful reflections on cruising under sail without an engine and a wonderfully sensitive travelogue that captured the essence of the people and places he visited. James Baldwin, please don’t make us wait too long for the sequel. Can I pre-order?
I loved this book. It combined extraordinary insights into sailing, thoughtful reflections on cruising under sail without an engine and a wonderfully sensitive travelogue that captured the essence of the people and places he visited. James Baldwin, please don’t make us wait too long for the sequel. Can I pre-order?
October 25, 2018
Epic voyage under sail with no engine
It would be incomprehensible nowadays for someone to set sail without an engine, any electronics or even a toilet. Great voyage and interesting places that have now been destroyed by man and typhoons.
It would be incomprehensible nowadays for someone to set sail without an engine, any electronics or even a toilet. Great voyage and interesting places that have now been destroyed by man and typhoons.
March 8, 2025
Better Than Most
Baldwins adventures were worth reading the
reading. We always enjoy a sailing adventure. The author had a descriptive writing style which we admired, but it wasn't a book I couldn't put down.
Baldwins adventures were worth reading the
reading. We always enjoy a sailing adventure. The author had a descriptive writing style which we admired, but it wasn't a book I couldn't put down.
January 23, 2019
A very interesting man and life journey. Also, plenty of practical examples of a minimalist lifestyle. Last, Asia seems more interesting as I considered before.
November 19, 2025
Fantastic book. Wanted something about sailing found something more about life and cultural experiences. Love the perspective.
June 25, 2015
For readers who count themselves among a population of wanderlusts', Baldwin's accounts during his second circumnavigation, sailing solo aboard his 28 foot sloop, ATOM, will stand out as a unique work, if not the best book written in this genre.
The author's smooth style and articulate narrative is gripping on every level. Readers will discover the challenges a solo sailor faces while transiting across oceans in an engineless boat, navigating only by sun and stars. As in his first work, "Across Islands and Oceans," Baldwin offers his observations and philosophies resulting from his experiences gained from his extended visits, living, and working on remote Pacific Islands and the far east. He explored each place in depth and on foot while immersing himself in the culture of the native people, then writing of the impressions each experience offered.
The author spent over a year working and exploring while in China and Taiwan. The following is an insightful quote serving as one example of the rich observations he offered: "Travel well and long and you are forced to open your eyes. Spend enough time at a place and the depth of its history settles upon your mind and emotions."
I thoroughly enjoyed the historical summaries Baldwin wrote of for each of the places he journeyed to and explored. I was particularly intrigued by the descriptions of the time spent exploring the Philippines.
"Bound for Distant Seas" is a must read for cruising sailors and armchair adventures alike. If you're familiar with the work of Robin Lee Graham, Joshua Slocum, or Bernard Moitessier, you'll appreciate the James Baldwin's ability to present readers with a culture journey as well as a sailing adventure.
The author's smooth style and articulate narrative is gripping on every level. Readers will discover the challenges a solo sailor faces while transiting across oceans in an engineless boat, navigating only by sun and stars. As in his first work, "Across Islands and Oceans," Baldwin offers his observations and philosophies resulting from his experiences gained from his extended visits, living, and working on remote Pacific Islands and the far east. He explored each place in depth and on foot while immersing himself in the culture of the native people, then writing of the impressions each experience offered.
The author spent over a year working and exploring while in China and Taiwan. The following is an insightful quote serving as one example of the rich observations he offered: "Travel well and long and you are forced to open your eyes. Spend enough time at a place and the depth of its history settles upon your mind and emotions."
I thoroughly enjoyed the historical summaries Baldwin wrote of for each of the places he journeyed to and explored. I was particularly intrigued by the descriptions of the time spent exploring the Philippines.
"Bound for Distant Seas" is a must read for cruising sailors and armchair adventures alike. If you're familiar with the work of Robin Lee Graham, Joshua Slocum, or Bernard Moitessier, you'll appreciate the James Baldwin's ability to present readers with a culture journey as well as a sailing adventure.
September 29, 2016
The author shared a lot of his experiences while traveling aboard his boat Atom. Some experiences with Atom - the engine-less boat were also shared. This boat was about 70% experiences the author had and 20% sailing experiences with 10% other. I think the authors story was interesting, could have been shortened - but it was his story of sailing around the world more than once. Before recommending to a friend - I would first have to ask are you looking for a story about sailing or more about the people of the places to visit and experiences. This covers more of the latter.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews