Taken by the Wind: Memoir of a Sailor's Voyage in a Bygone Era

by Mike Jacker

Would you have sailed a 30-foot sailboat to the South Pacific before GPS navigation and accessible ocean weather forecasts existed?

In 1976, after graduating from Harvard College, Mike Jacker embarked on a year-long voyage aboard Rhiannon with two friends named Louis and Clark. The three Midwestern boys had never experienced ocean sailing. Mike’s captivating narrative takes you along on his remarkable adventures at sea and on land.
This compelling memoir, told with the benefit of four decades of hindsight, portrays an engaging voyage of personal discovery that depended on thoughtful planning, resourcefulness, and good luck.
Mike evocatively conveys his awe of the open ocean while authentically chronicling the vicissitudes of small boat cruising during a simpler era.

Sail aboard Rhiannon to:
• Gulf of Mexico during hurricane season
• Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, Mexico
• Belize
• Panama Canal Zone
• Galapagos
• Marquesas
• Tuamotus
• Society Islands
• Cook Islands
• Hawaii
Readers of Taken by the Wind will relive the crew’s transformation from nervous uncertainty to quiet confidence as the boys gradually prove their untested celestial navigation skills and self-sufficiency.

Taken by the Wind features:
• Color photos
• Hand-drawn maps
• An extensive Glossary
• Informative Appendices

Mike’s sailing narrative is recounted in a straightforward readable prose. This book is suitable for sailors and non-sailors of all ages who dream of a sailing adventure to the South Pacific.
EXPERIENCE THIS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME JOURNEY AND ESCAPE ABOARD RHIANNON WITH MIKE TO A BYGONE ERA.

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2020

Reviews

[Bryce Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating memoir(?) of three young men sailing from the Gulf of Mexico to throughout the Pacific. A book based on sailing it is more focused on the people met, experiences had, and lessons learned. It reads like fiction as some of the stories are so hard to imagine with today modern technology a mere 40 years later. An incredible story that is both a fun read but makes you think about how much life has changed in the places they visited in interactions they had.

[John V. Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before electronic aids to navigation

I enjoyed this book since I raced and cruised on Lake Erie, Lake Ontario via The Welland Canal and Lake St Clair during the time this voyage occurred. We used dead reckoning on our paper charts with land observations to acknowledge where we were located. On several races we had a navigator who had experienced in the Air Corp of the Army during WW 2. We won long distance races with his skill with charts, sextant and RDF. His name was Bud Myers. John Watt was owner skipper who also had similar skills. Grand times and the frustration of finishing first only to lose due to Perf ratings were frustrating. This was on a Tartan 37 sloop with all the sails required in most conditions.

[Brenda Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

During 1976-7, three men in their early 20's undertake a year long sail from New Orleans through the Panama canal to the islands of the Pacific ocean. Recalled 40 years later via log books and numerous colour photos throughout, Mick takes a matter of fact tone with very occasional reminiscence. The appendix lists nautical terms and images of their gear lists and onboard procedures.

The story begins wih a brief overview of how and why Mick was able to embark on such a journey. It is certainly one of priviledge. The preparation alone takes up to 2 years. It is a fascinating journey, well written and would be of interest for sailors and non sailors alike. Thoroughly engaging and enjoyable and highly recommended.

[Jay R Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

top 5 sailing book

This is among my favorite sailing books. It reminded me of Orca. Young sailors in marginally equipped boats on epic voyages in stark contrast to Log of the Lone Eagle. Well financed very good equipment and sailed by two experienced sailors. All very enjoyable reads.

[john perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

Brave and adventurous journey. Sailing across the Pacific must be at the top of any sailors bucket list. That this was accomplished in 1976 when life was simpler and islands and anchorages were less busy must have added to this magnificent experience.

[Sue Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for anyone who appreciates sailing! Amazing and interesting story start to finish.

[Thomas L. George · Rating 5 out of 5]

a modest sailor

Loved the tone the author adopted in relating his story, I know lots of sailors. Modesty does not live among them. Most of us tend to boast.

[Esther Dushinsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

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