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The Impossible Voyage
Alone in a small yacht, Chay Blyth was the first to sail non-stop around the world 'uphill' against winds and current.
- GenresAdventureNonfiction
219 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1973
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 5, 2021
Good tale. I was getting impatient though, as he bellyached a lot, but admitted to it. Of course, I have not sailed a nautical mile in his shoes, so perhaps an unfair comment.
I did find it amazing enjoyable when he wrapped up the voyage.
Was hoping for a little more of the first few weeks after returning...adjusting to being on land again as he did spend a lot of pages of the book writing about the preparation and plan.
Also, not know too-too much about his history had an effect where while he was fixing something or steering or taking his position etc, it was a discovery that he knew some of those things.....never assume the reader knows.
Great tale though and the horrific south of the African continent bit was a bit of a cliff hanger, then once he got into the trade winds, the story suddenly wound up a little quicker than it had been progressing until then.....
I did find it amazing enjoyable when he wrapped up the voyage.
Was hoping for a little more of the first few weeks after returning...adjusting to being on land again as he did spend a lot of pages of the book writing about the preparation and plan.
Also, not know too-too much about his history had an effect where while he was fixing something or steering or taking his position etc, it was a discovery that he knew some of those things.....never assume the reader knows.
Great tale though and the horrific south of the African continent bit was a bit of a cliff hanger, then once he got into the trade winds, the story suddenly wound up a little quicker than it had been progressing until then.....
December 4, 2022
Well, the voyage isn't impossible because Mr. Blyth made it. What's impossible, I think, is not to like the cavalier attitude of Chay and co. when it comes to putting together the record attempt. Oh, those easy going late 60s and early 70s.
The book itself is an interesting read for those who like sailing and adventure stories. At some point I was a smidge annoyed by the incessant whining about homesickness, missing the family etc. I get it, but also, isn't that the whole point of going on a solo, round the world sailing trip?
However, there's a serious drawback to the entire genre of non-stop sailing memoires - it's all about water and wind and how the hero copes with the elements (or doesn't). An analogue would be to go on a car trip around the world and not getting out of the vehicle at all - never mind the interesting landscape or the nice cities you are passing by. Hence the 4 stars.
The book itself is an interesting read for those who like sailing and adventure stories. At some point I was a smidge annoyed by the incessant whining about homesickness, missing the family etc. I get it, but also, isn't that the whole point of going on a solo, round the world sailing trip?
However, there's a serious drawback to the entire genre of non-stop sailing memoires - it's all about water and wind and how the hero copes with the elements (or doesn't). An analogue would be to go on a car trip around the world and not getting out of the vehicle at all - never mind the interesting landscape or the nice cities you are passing by. Hence the 4 stars.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews