Journey to the Ragged Islands: Sailing Solo Through The Bahamas

by Paul Trammell

From the author of Becoming a Sailor, Chasing the Nomadic Dream, Sailing to Newfoundland, and The Gold Box"An action-packed adventure on the seas!""Solo-sailing, sharks, surfing unknown waves, almost drowning... the book is a page-turner."In this dramatic and immersive nonfiction, firsthand account of a singlehand sailing voyage, Trammell sails alone in a 30' Dufour Arpege from Jacksonville, Florida to the central and southern Bahamas. Searching for uninhabited islands, blue holes, serenity, surf, natural beauty, and adventure, he encounters all this, as well as foul weather, sharks, at least one near-death experience, beautiful sunsets, enchanting islands, a hermit, friendly sailors, coral reefs, whales, eels, and an old girlfriend.Solo-sailing technique is occasionally discussed, and both successes and mistakes are included. Descriptions and GPS coordinates of all anchorages and islands visited are included.Islands visited include Eleuthera, Cat Island, Long Island, Water Cay, Flamingo Cay (the Jumentos Cays), Raccoon Cay, Buenavista Cay, Hog Cay (the Ragged Islands), Rum Cay, Conception Island, Georgetown, Little Galliot Cay, Bitter Guana Cay, Warderick Wells, Shroud Cay, Highbourne Cay (the Exumas), Bird Cay (the Berry Islands), New Providence, and Gun Cay.Buy the book, step outside of your comfort zone, and come along for the ride!

Genres: Nonfiction

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 14, 2018

Reviews

[Jessaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting and peaceful read. There was actually no great adventure here other than a shark following the author and his having to push it off a few times. Basically what he did in the Bahamas was to dive underwater, and look at the aquatic life.

[JoAnn Plante · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fascinating for two reasons: first, the writing style was perfect for this type of book. Second, the author gave the reader a systematic account of what was going on the entire time. Every element of sailing was talked about and explained.
The author also shared his feelings about sailing. Although he loves to sail, he is still a novice. When he made mistakes, he shared them with the reader. He learned from his mistakes while teaching up what the correct procedure is. At the end of the book, he gives a glossary of nautical terms, which is very helpful to the reader. No need to put the book down and hunt for a dictionary. Simply turn to the back of the book and the definition is there.
This is not a Caribbean guidebook. The author sailed around many of the Caribbean islands and did some exploring on land as well. He enjoys his solitude and truly appreciates nature in all its forms. He marvels at the millions of varieties of fish and loves to explore underwater caves.
This book was enjoyable because the author shares all his thoughts and feelings with the reader. He told short stories of his childhood and really gave an excellent account of the pros and cons for sailing solo. His meal choice was strange, but you’ll have to read the book to find out what combinations of food he ate.
Great read especially in the summer!

[Billye Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I found it captivating. It’s a fantastic book from a sailors perspective with a detailed account of the journey. All of the detail lets you follow along as if you are actually there l, as crew, on Sobrius. I appreciated the inclusion of gps cooridinates as I was able to reference exactly where he was and place myself there in his journey. I am now beginning Becomming a sailor. Going backwards but I am looking forward to the e beginning

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great solo sailing story through the Caribbean.


I really enjoyed reading about your voyage. I also really liked that it had videos that I could watch after reading the chapters. Your writing style kept me engaged and there where a couple of parts that had me to a point of not being able to put the book down! I hope that some day I too can sail on the Caribbean.

[Kenneth P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good. Kinda drags on and on

I love adventure stories but this is not one. It is more like a little trip someone took that is backed up with some great pictures. Not a bad book by any means but just not engaging. The details of the trip is tedious and I found myself losing interest.

[Bruce Forrester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great effort

This was a very good effort but was just too long and could have been easily condensed without losing anything important. A good book for sailors and perhaps even aspiring sailors but there was way too much use of sailing lingo for a land lumber like me. Also, I thought including gps coordinates was strange.

[Destin Sifort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi

[Brad]

I personally enjoyed the story. I found many times I felt like I was part of the adventure. I appreciate the bravery and openness within the story. Both the good and bad. Great adventure read.

[Douglass w. Cann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skipper is a loner.

Truly, a monologue by a single hander. Would have enjoyed learning about the other sailors he encountered but, this is all about him.

[roland nieman · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good read

Well written and very honest descriptions and self-appraisals. A good learning experience. His adventure was very well described and very enjoyable.

[Richard Giragosian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luminous and illuminating in its own way

What could be better, a true adventure and a sailing education! Paul takes us to out of the way places and tells us how to get there, should we choose to do so. Thank you.

[Scott Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun read. Paul’s books keep getting better. Freedivers should read this book as well as sailors.