Storm Passage: Alone Around Cape Horn

by Webb Chiles

From the cover of the original hard cover "I was born for this moment and for all the days ahead." Thus begins the intensely personal account of 33 year old Webb Chiles' formidable voyage around the world by way of Cape Horn; the legendary fulfillment of a dream conceived in childhood. Alone at sea for 310 days on his 37-foot cutter EGREGIOUS, he covered 38,000 miles in five difficult passages. He became the first American to round Cape Horn alone, complete one of the longest solo passages of all time, and make the fastest solo circumnavigation ever in a monohull.

He writes at the 'I will know defeat, despair, fear, beauty, serenity and peace. I will be tested far beyond anything I have ever imagined.' And tested he was--by storms, three capsizes, hurricane force winds, cyclones, week-long calms, sleet, snow, frostbite. He endured to experience exhilaration and accomplishment in solitude , and the peace of being in supreme harmony with the sea-world around him."

STORM PASSAGE is about the first of legendary writer/sailor Webb Chiles' now five circumnavigations, all made without sponsorship, shore teams, PR agents, or any means of calling for help. Many talk loosely about living on the edge. Webb Chiles has for decades.

For more about STORM PASSAGE and Webb Chiles, please go to www.inthepresentsea.com

Genres: History, Adventure, Travel, Nonfiction

245 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1977

Reviews

[Tom Tribby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a salty sailor

Webb tells us about achievement and failure in life love and goals here is a true minimalist sailor and philosopher.

[Colby Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting 'round the world adventure mixed with deep philosophical insights.

[Craig Bowman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read tons of sailing books and I found this author spent far too much time complaining about having to bail his constantly leaking boat when he passes dozens, if not hundreds, of ports along the way that he could have stopped at to get it fixed. If you chose not to fix something then stop complaining about it page after page. Since he seemed bent on not stopping, the book lacked interesting stories of people and places he visited along the way and we were stuck listening to a guy give a daily log of the weather, his thoughts and complaints of how hard his trip was and how poorly built his boat was. It was just interesting enough for me to finish reading it, but I was glad when it was finally over. Others seemed to give it good reviews but it just wasn't my type of book.

[Conrad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Webb Chiles' narrative (in Log entry form) of his solo voyage to circumnavigate the world. At first, he is maddeningly full of himself - calling himself an 'exceptional man'. His choice of reading material for his journey consists primarily of biographies of exceptional men. By sheer grit and determination he finally succeeded in his quest when others may have called it quits - perhaps that makes him somewhat exceptional - it was quite a feat of endurance. It seems, towards the end of his journey, that the sea had humbled him somewhat. Let's hope that he was a better man for the hardships that he endured and the lessons he learned.

[Nancy Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Compassion, inspiration to follow my own dreams, strength in persistence... what is NOT to love about this book!
I have owned a copy for 20 years and re-read it ever few years. I always find something new, a deeper message... and have nothing other than respect and admiration for the individual sailing around the world alone.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated: C+

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

great adventure if you are into sailing

[Matthew Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book, guy is kinda full of himself but is slowly humbled. he really should get a refund off whoever built his boat though holy crap

[Bryan Chrysler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wonderful Sailing Adventure!

A wonderfully written story of skill, luck, and determination as a man faces challenge after challenge. A story of determination and courage.

[Lareinak · Rating 3 out of 5]

The events are interesting, but the author is a little annoying.