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Sailing Into Oblivion: The Solo Non-stop Voyage of the Mighty Sparrow
The true account of the 2017-2018 solo non-stop circumnavigation by Jerome Rand aboard the Westsail 32 "Mighty Sparrow". A testament to endurance and adventure, this memoir recounts what life is like aboard a small sailboat during a 271 day voyage around the globe, alone and without stopping. One of the greatest challenges of both body and mind, the author will take you onboard during the good times and the bad. As one of only a handful of people to have ever succeed in such a small boat, this story is truly the adventure of a lifetime.
- GenresNonfiction
206 pages, Paperback
Published January 28, 2020
128 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 29, 2021
Man v. Stomach
How to sail around the world alone while avoiding starvation in the process. A story of bad weather and less than optimal meal planning.
The positive: A likable and honest account of a nonstop voyage around the world via the often stormy and treacherous Southern Ocean. I love books about sailing. It's how I visit distant lands by sailboat without the risk of drowning at sea. This book is more than the usual, "I sailed to here and saw these people, then I sailed to there and saw those people, then I went back home, the end" kind of writing. Mr. Rand takes on quite a challenge in a part of the world where should some critical piece of equipment fail, the boat springs an unstoppable leak or he should fall overboard by accident, it's over for him. There is no rescue waiting just around the corner.
The not so positive: The writer begins each chapter by mixing snippets from the ships log with a more detailed narrative of life on board. The problem is, the two occur many days and thousands of miles apart. I found it a distraction to attempt to tie them together in a way that made the story flow well. Finally, I'm still not really sure why the author decided to take on this moon shot of a voyage. One star for a sailing story, another for a no-bull writing style and a third for living to tell the tale.
How to sail around the world alone while avoiding starvation in the process. A story of bad weather and less than optimal meal planning.
The positive: A likable and honest account of a nonstop voyage around the world via the often stormy and treacherous Southern Ocean. I love books about sailing. It's how I visit distant lands by sailboat without the risk of drowning at sea. This book is more than the usual, "I sailed to here and saw these people, then I sailed to there and saw those people, then I went back home, the end" kind of writing. Mr. Rand takes on quite a challenge in a part of the world where should some critical piece of equipment fail, the boat springs an unstoppable leak or he should fall overboard by accident, it's over for him. There is no rescue waiting just around the corner.
The not so positive: The writer begins each chapter by mixing snippets from the ships log with a more detailed narrative of life on board. The problem is, the two occur many days and thousands of miles apart. I found it a distraction to attempt to tie them together in a way that made the story flow well. Finally, I'm still not really sure why the author decided to take on this moon shot of a voyage. One star for a sailing story, another for a no-bull writing style and a third for living to tell the tale.
August 22, 2023
Brave Sailor
This was an astonishing story with lots of utterly authentic sailing lore. What came through for me more than anything else was the author’s unflinching honesty about hardships, mistakes, long stretches of boredom and frustration, and fear. But he persisted and prevailed and accomplished his goal. What makes people driven like this? Perhaps that is the only thing missing for me - the author trying to understand his compulsions and being transparent with us about that. But then, this is a self-effacing young man and I think he wanted to avoid narcissistic navel gazing and just trust the power of the adventure to keep us engaged. Congratulations, Jerome, on a magnificent achievement.
This was an astonishing story with lots of utterly authentic sailing lore. What came through for me more than anything else was the author’s unflinching honesty about hardships, mistakes, long stretches of boredom and frustration, and fear. But he persisted and prevailed and accomplished his goal. What makes people driven like this? Perhaps that is the only thing missing for me - the author trying to understand his compulsions and being transparent with us about that. But then, this is a self-effacing young man and I think he wanted to avoid narcissistic navel gazing and just trust the power of the adventure to keep us engaged. Congratulations, Jerome, on a magnificent achievement.
August 17, 2021
I will start with the disclaimer that I listened to the Audio version of the book and think that may have tainted my view of the book. The reason I am giving the book 3 stars is for a number of reasons first I felt that Jerome came off somewhat pretentious and what one may classify as a stereotypical east coast sailor. I think this perhaps was most heavily influenced by the audio version of the book. With that aside I didn’t feel that the story was overly compelling and lacked detail or explanation into many facets that would have added much more detail. Finally the ending left me wanting a bit more as it seemed abrupt and did not offer much closure.
April 29, 2020
A great book. Captures the reader from the first chapter. Sail away with Jerome n the adventure of a lifetime. I recommend this book whether you are a sailor or just enjoy a great adventure. What a journey!
May 29, 2025
A very captivating read about a monumental journey that only a very small amount of people have done or attempted. Having had the pleasure of meeting Jerome at BEYC years ago as he was in the midst of planning his trip, it was fantastic to read about the highs and lows of his trip. Jerome’s account of his experiences serve as an example of how truly difficult and challenging sailing alone can be, not to mention non-stop around the world. A spectacular read, and one that any sailor can appreciate and admire.
February 5, 2021
This was an amazing book about an amazing voyage. I loved that Jerome was the narrator of the audiobook. I really felt that I was right there with him, around a campfire, listening to him tell the story. Even if you are not into sailing, I highly recommend this book. It's a book about an adventure and in a way, a tribute to a good friend that always talked about doing this adventure himself.
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April 24, 2021Riveting
I love sea stories, and this was no exception. It wasn't only interesting; many times I felt like I was along for the ride. I can't imagine sailing 29,000+ miles ALONE! Mr. Rand is quite a brave soul! I loved this book!
I love sea stories, and this was no exception. It wasn't only interesting; many times I felt like I was along for the ride. I can't imagine sailing 29,000+ miles ALONE! Mr. Rand is quite a brave soul! I loved this book!
November 5, 2021
Brilliant storyteller
As a fellow westsailer, I can imagine every bump and roll, every sail change and course adjustment. Only, I've never had the guts to sail alone around the world. Thank you Jerome, for bringing such a fantastic true story to life. Fair winds!
As a fellow westsailer, I can imagine every bump and roll, every sail change and course adjustment. Only, I've never had the guts to sail alone around the world. Thank you Jerome, for bringing such a fantastic true story to life. Fair winds!
February 25, 2020
If you sail, you should read this book. Such a good account of sailing around the world. The frustration, joy and accomplishment all portrayed.
December 7, 2020
Good read
Great book, A good read as it was detailed enough to be interesting, but not so much as to be boring
Great book, A good read as it was detailed enough to be interesting, but not so much as to be boring
December 22, 2020
Take an incredible journey
You get a true sense of what a journey around the world would be. Not on some huge fancy multi million dollar yard but a simple old 32 foot boat.
You get a true sense of what a journey around the world would be. Not on some huge fancy multi million dollar yard but a simple old 32 foot boat.
April 30, 2021
Jerome is an amazing story teller and if this doesn't make you want to buy a sailboat and sail off into oblivion I don't know what could.
May 24, 2021
Great read. What a tremendous achievement.
March 15, 2025
Great Read
Quite the adventure. One word, two words, three words, four words, five words, six words, seven words … you know what I mean. Thanks!
Quite the adventure. One word, two words, three words, four words, five words, six words, seven words … you know what I mean. Thanks!
August 14, 2024
I loved this book. Jerome has an endearingly honest way of writing and I truly felt like I was out at sea with him and Sparrow.
Possibly the only negative aspect of reading this book is it will likely make you want to sail around the world yourself.
Possibly the only negative aspect of reading this book is it will likely make you want to sail around the world yourself.
March 6, 2020
Jerome Rand loves adventure. Although he can’t tell you why, he pushes himself. I wish him the best as he figures out his next adventure. The book was a great read. Love of the old sailing traditions was so nice to hear about.
March 19, 2020
The author is the son of my boarding school roommate! What a journey he had. There is so much to learn from Jerome and what he fought through to complete is dream.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews