Cape Horn : The Logical Route

by Bernard Moitessier

This is the story of Bernard and Francoise Moitessier's honeymoon voyage from Europe to the islands of the Pacific and back by way of Cape Horn. Setting out from Tahiti, they took the logical route because it was the fastest, taking them through the Roaring Forties, through the high latitudes of never ceasing gale-force winds and through iceberg territory. Their survival was due to careful preparation, great seamanship and their sense of harmony with their boat, Joshua, and the sea.

Genres: Travel, Adventure, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, France

Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Bernard Georges Moitessier was a French sailor and writer, most notable for his participation in the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, the first non-stop, singlehanded, round the world yacht race.

Bernard Georges Moitessier est un navigateur et écrivain français, auteur de plusieurs livres relatant ses voyages. En 1968, il participe à la première course autour du monde, en solitaire et sans escale, le Golden Globe Challenge.

Reviews

[ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a fantastic chronicle of a year and half or so at sea, from France to the Galapagos via the Panama Canal, and then several months bouncing among the remote islands of the Pacific, only to return to Europe via the dangerous Cape Horn.

Moitessier has a flair for making it read more like a novel than journal, but in the end it is a nice hybrid of the two. He has time to reflect and give some philosophical insight during the highlights and doldrums, but keeps you spellbound with tension during the nervy times in heavy seas and treacherous squalls.

He hasn't quite perfected the introspective narrative that he later displayed in *The Long Way*, but it is still a compelling read even for those who aren't familiar with sailing or nautical literature. On the other hand, he includes enough technical detail and practical advice that it would still interest the most experienced seamen.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered Moitessier some years ago when reading A Voyage For Madmen, and have since tracked down copies of all of his books. An amazing sailor, the book is part philosophical, part informative, and part adventure story. It begins after he lost his second boat on a reef in the South Pacific (discussed in his book To The Reefs), and he's penniless, boatless, stranded and without much hope for the future. From his idea to build a boat out of paper and cross the Pacific, to his plan and ultimate accomplishment of rounding the Horn in the "wrong direction" (in a steel boat), one is left feeling that Moitessier is both somewhat mad and somewhat an inspired genius.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm re-reading this again. I was probably 10 the first time through. A wonderful story of the sea, Moitessier's passion is infectious - I blame him for my ambition to sail round the world. Of course it's a reflection of a lost era, and reflects attitudes and prejudices that wouldn't make it into print today. And full of practical wisdom too, which I'm sure was completely lost on me the first time through.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from a famous French mariner! Wow can Bernard spin a great yarn. He really knows how to keep your interest and make it a page turner! Great adventures! You really felt like you were on Joshua with him and Francoise! I would love to have spent a few weeks sailing with him! Must read for any sailor.

[Radu Iulian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sailing to the Reefs, Moitessier's first book, was a joy to read. Cape Horn, his second, not so much. Maybe it was the lack of tension to spice up the story. Maybe it was the abundance of technical advices. All in all, if you love the sea travels, you'll like this book.

[Ally Fraser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book of Bernards that I read makes me yearn more for a life as a vagabond of the seas.

[Marc Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Jolan Soens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the first half, really living in the moments, from Island to sea. But the second half gives me the vibes of the long journey. More logbook notes than actual storytelling.

[Sandrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Récit de la traversée de l’Atlantique de Bernard Moitessier avec sa femme à bord du Joshua, voilier en acier de 12m de long

[Stefania Romisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now I want to go sailing the oceans even more than before...