Two on a Big Ocean: The Story of the First Circumnavigation of the Pacific Basin in a Small Sailing Ship

by Hal Roth

Book by Roth, Hal

Genres: Nonfiction, Adventure, Autobiography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1978

Reviews

[Rich Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cruising sailors have always been drawn to the warm, inviting islands and atolls of the South Pacific, but few venture to Japan and the Aleutian Islands. Hal and Margaret Roth's 1967-68 circumnavigation of the Pacific was unprecedented, record-book stuff at the time; even today it would still be considered gutsy high-latitude adventure. But their account is written without the breathy ego of someone setting out to tell the story of how they wrote their name in history. Instead, it is lucid, descriptive travel writing. This book is full of wonder at the beauty and ferocity of the ocean, peppered with a journalist's observations of the characters they encountered, and sprinkled here and there with introspective contemplation of the flaws in American culture made evident by their travels.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a re-read. Roth and his wife take an 18 month journey on their 35 foot sail boat around the big circle of the Pacific Ocean: from San Francisco, south to Samoa north to Japan, north to Aleutian islands to Canada to San Francisco. It is a sailing book with lots of sailing terms without a diagram of a boat and all the different sails. So I had to look up what the different sails and boat terms were. What I did like was his descriptions of the various out of the way places where he and his wife stopped. They stopped at some 70 places in their travels. He stayed away from the tourist places and stayed in small ports. He became friends with the locals who bombarded him with food and local hand made goods. Roth and his wife were invited into several homes where they were accepted as members of the family. So, the book is more than about sailing, it is about the human spirit and the friendly people were everywhere.




The personal account of a man and woman who circumnavigated the Pacific—alone in a thirty-five-foot sailboat. From San Francisco to the South Seas, to Japan, to the Aleutian Islands, Alaska back to San Francisco. 18 months. Starting in 1969. Delightful account of experiences with the various people along the way. They weren’t in a hurry. First person accounts and dialogue with the people. Lots of sailing terms. Get a picture of sailboat and all the sails to help better to understand. This book goes on my favorites list.

[John Hales · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times I could almost feel the boat gliding along on gentle swells under blue sunny skies. Other times I shuddered with the crashing of forceful waves over the gunnels and icy cold water flowing into the cockpit. Hal Roth writes a thrilling narrative for us land-locked dreamers that know our weaknesses and limitations.

How fearless the Roths appear to us dreamers. One example relates to when Margaret Roth nearly lost a finger when her left hand was crushed in a gear and the flesh of her third finger was torn away exposing 1½ inches of bone. Bandages were used to piece together and hold the flaps of bloody skin in place until they reached Ketchikan, Alaska a few days later. Meanwhile, Margaret continued with her turn at watches and meal preparation apparently without any mention of the pain she must have been suffering. When they reached Ketchikan, they found a doctor who took charge of Margaret’s injured hand. No further comment was made about the incident. Business as usual?

[Brenda G · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two are quite the adventurers! I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want to sail where they did - but I admire the sense of adventure! Well written. Really gives you a feel for the people and areas they visited.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great adventure. Having sailed for a time it was always interesting trying to determine who would actually make such a trip. Lots of sailors talked about it, but few actually do it. Kudos to these two and thanks for a great story!

[Zachary Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Througly enjoyed this book.