Seaworthy: A Swordboat Captain Returns to the Sea

by Linda Greenlaw

The bestselling author's sequel to The Hungry Ocean --a fast-paced account of her return to swordfishing

Linda Greenlaw hadn't been bluewater fishing for ten years- not since the events chronicled in the books The Perfect Storm and The Hungry Ocean -but when her lobster traps aren't paying off, her truck is on its last gasp, and the bills are piling up, she decides to take a friend up on his offer and captain a boat for a season of swordfishing. A decade older, and with family responsibilities, she's a different person heading out to sea, but any reluctance is quickly tempered by the magnetic lure of adventure. And the adventures begin almost The ship turns out to be rusty and ancient, and even with a crew of four Greenlaw is faced with technical challenges. There are the expected complexities of longline fishing and the nuances of reading the weather. Her greatest challenge, however, comes when the boat's lines inadvertently drift into Canadian waters and Greenlaw is thrown in jail.

Capturing the moment-by-moment details of her journey, Greenlaw tells a story about human nature and the nature around us, about learning what can be controlled and when to let fate step in. Seaworthy is a compelling narrative about a person setting her own terms and finding her true self between land and water.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Adventure, Autobiography, Biography, Womens, Maritime

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Linda Greenlaw's three bestselling books about life as a commercial fisherman -- THE HUNGRY OCEAN (1999), THE LOBSTER CHRONICLES (2002) and ALL FISHERMEN ARE LIARS (2004) -- have climbed as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list. She is the winner of the U.S. Maritime Literature Award in 2003, and the New England Book Award for nonfiction in 2004. Time Magazine called her 2005 RECIPES FROM A VERY SMALL ISLAND, co-authored with her mother Martha Greenlaw, a "must-have cookbook".

Before becoming a writer, Linda Greenlaw was the captain of a sword boat, the career that earned her a prominent role in Sebastian Junger's THE PERFECT STORM and a portrayal in the subsequent film. She has been featured on Good Morning America, Today, CBS Sunday Morning, The Martha Stewart Show, and National Public Radio. She now lives on Isle au Haut, Maine, where she captains a lobster boat.

When Linda Greenlaw confessed a desire to write fiction, readers responded with an enthusiastic "Please do!" At last, she satisfies their hunger with SLIPKNOT, a sharp-witted, compulsively readable mystery, the first in a series featuring marine investigator Jane Bunker. As she proved in THE HUNGRY OCEAN, no one knows the sea like Linda Greenlaw. And as she proved in THE LOBSTER CHRONICLES, no one has a better way with the telling details of Maine village life. SLIPKNOT delivers everything readers want: a great setting, wonderful characters, an authentic and original detective -- and a story that will keep them on the edge of their seats. (from the author's website)

Series:
* Jane Bunker Mystery

Reviews

[Jay Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

As many of you know (especially those who know my wife, Carol), I'm an easy mark for a strong, intelligent woman who is comfortable in her own skin and very adept at leading in areas not usually seen as a woman's domain. Linda Greenlaw fits this profile.

I first learned about swordfishing captain, Linda Greenlaw in Sebastian Junger's book "The Perfect Storm." (She was played by a pretty impressive woman in her own right - Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio - in the George Clooney movie version). I've read several other books by Linda: The Hungry Ocean, All Fishermen are Liars and The Lobster Chronicles.

The best, by far, is "The Hungry Ocean!" It is a beautiful book. A story of triumph, of a woman not only making it but succeeding at the highest level in one of the most male-dominated and dangerous professions. (No wonder I see the links with Carol's research agenda!)

"Seaworthy" is a good and interesting sequel to "The Hungry Ocean." The most profound change the reader can see in these decade apart narratives of going to sea in search of the magnificent swordfish is the degree of introspection and calmness present in the later and totally missing from the first. The edge as captain goes to the younger Linda, the edge to full personhood goes to the Linda of "Seaworthy." This is the mature future us -- not only sea- but life-worthy.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time around Linda is recounting what she thought of as her last big chance to captain a swoardfishing boat from assembling the crew to defending her actions. I found Seaworthy to be just as absorbing as Lobster Chronicles, just as fascinating and perhaps even a touch more depricating.

Greenlaw is a true renegade (even though I cringe at using that word after the 2008 campaigns)as well as an enthralling educator. No doubt I know waaaaayyyyy more about swordfish and how to fish for them commercially now than I ever thought I would. And frankly, I'm pretty sure only Linda Greenlaw could make that topic interesting to someone as chronically landlocked as I am.

And lest you think her head be too big for her Captain's hat, Linda will be the first to admit mistakes; always being frank and candid regarding lapses in judgement, even if they are few and far between.

A very entertaining, fast read, suggested for anyone whith and interest in swordfishing, adventures at sea or women of incredible strength and virtue.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd non-fiction book of Linda Greenlaw's that I have read. I found this one to be unevenly written. I much enjoyed the second half--4 stars--but the tedious repetition (especially in the first half)of the mantra, "Can I do it? It's been ten years. I am not as strong now, but have more wisdom and patience," got old very,very quickly. We get it, self-doubt--it distracted from the story and was not, in my as the reader's opinion, worthy of being the overarching theme.

I did learn a lot about swordfish and the the dangers of fishing them off the coast of Newfoundland as well as an insider's peek into the politics and daily lives of those who fish the waters, and, again, the second half was most engaging. I just tired of her cathartic attempts at working through her mid-life crisis within the book's pages.

[Nicole R · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dear Ms. Greenlaw, get over yourself.

After 10 years away from sword-fishing - 10 years spent lobstering on Isle au Haut - Linda has decided to jump back into the fray and captain the Seahawk with a hand-picked crew of four men who vary in their high seas experience. Understandably, she is nervous that she won't live up to the high standards and expectations she set when she captained for 19 years before retiring to land, but excited to see if she still has what it takes to bring aboard one of the most elusive and beautiful creatures of the ocean.

I was so excited to see a new autobiography by Linda Greenlaw; The Hungry Ocean continues to be one of my favorite books and her newest foray into nautical-themed crime fiction appears to have been a flop - why not return to her roots? I am so sad to report that this books lacks all of the charm, humility, and humor of her first two books and instead was like listening to a friend wax poetic on life and why they rock at it. Not only did she not catch fish, Greenlaw failed to do what she used to excel at - tell a heartwarming story that made you feel like you were there. I got so tired of reading how this trip was different from her career 10 years ago; how she "excels at", is "well known for", and "is one of the best at" any number of fishing skills; and the fishing details took a leading role when they should have been reduced to supporting cast. Less than a handful of short flashes of her prior warmth are the only things that saved this book from the dreaded 1 star rating.

If you are interested in a really good autobiography on fishing, definitely check out something by Greenlaw - but stick to The Hungry Ocean or The Lobster Chronicles and leave this one on the shelf.

[Chinlee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by someone who told me one of his all-time favorite books is The Old Man and the Sea, which also is one of my favorite books of all time. Maybe, this led him to believe I would love any book involving fishing and the sea but sadly, I found this book mundane.

I admire Linda Greenlaw’s for her purposeful attitude with her crew and being a sea captian. Whether, she shone her brashness or compassion, she always portrayed very well-articulated responses to adversity on her ship. This seemingly to come from years and years of experience. Which Greenlaw constantly, time and time again jabs down your throat with reminiscing.
Seaworthy was a very draining book to read. Parts of the books were enjoyable but overall it was too painstaking descriptive and overloaded with jargon. Greenlaw was so repetitive in thoughts and recounts of past experiences. Reading I constantly felt a sense of déjà vu.

Overall, I very much appreciate that Greenlaw tells her story as a Captain and does not resonate that fact that she is a woman to her successes or failures but unless you’re super into commercial fishing and I wouldn’t recommend this one.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Darkness waded in cautiously and headed west. Hesitating waist-deep, then plunging into the murky chill, the diving night splashed light onto the opposite horizon, which swam like spawning salmon up the riverlike sky. The sun hated as if it were a baby chick, pecking from within the shell until fully risen, yellow and warm, and as unsure as I was...after all, the sun starts anew every day. This could well be my last chance...and I would make the most of it."


Linda Greenlaw's latest book, Seaworthy, is the story of a female Swordboat captain. I saw the title and thought, "a woman captaining a boat" and "swordfish"? How interesting could that be? But her picture on the cover looks like a capable outgoing woman with an engaging smile and, being a capable outgoing woman with an engaging smile myself, I decided to check this out .

It had been ten years since Linda's last swordfishing endeavor, and she was eager to immerse herself in life at sea reliving good memories, but also apprehensive that her body might not be up to the strenuous effort involved. She picked her crew of four (to whom the book is dedicated) and found herself aboard a rusty bucket called the Seahawk. Whenever anything broke down, which occurred almost daily, the crew called it the Shithawk behind her back. "How many times did I hear Tim say, 'It's fixed. I think we're okay now'? His words soon became known as the kiss of death, in the few moments that we relaxed, we sat and waited for the next thing to break, leak, or malfunction...I didn't have the energy to fly off the handle."

"Fortunately, when things are incredibly bad at sea, humor reigns. I was thankful and relieved to hear the men joking around...it appeared I had a crew full of class clowns. They kept working and laughing."

This is an engrossing account of that trip which found her towed into Sambro, Nova Scotia for engine work before they even reached the fishing area. Soon after, having set out her first thirty-mile set of 800 hooks, she was arrested, handcuffed, and then taken before a judge in St John, Newfoundland for inadvertantly fishing Canadian waters.

In retrospect, Linda realizes that there is a difference in her thinkings as a young person and now as one who is older; there are things we can fight and change and other things we just have to suck up and endure.

"...I steered the Seahawk through the sheer-faced cliffs that protect the port...I stared down Newfoundland. Not blinking was, for me, a small yet palpable victory in a sea of seeming random defeats."

I enjoyed Linda's descriptions of the fishing; putting out beepers and lines, and not pulling the thirty-mile line toward them but rather moving the boat forward slowly to keep pace with the men hauling in the lines. The reader is right there with her as she checks the weather, the water temperature (swordfish like it cold), and the ocean currents that converge for the best fishing. Reading this felt like I was on a vacation to a place I had never visited before. Greenlaw's name may be familiar, as she also wrote The Hungry Ocean and The Lobster Chronicles.

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Greenlaw has been on my reading list for quite some time now- I had wanted to read "Lobster Chronicles" but I found "Seaworthy" when I was browsing in a bookstore.
Her writing is so "matter-of-fact" which makes the reading easy and engaging, you follow as if she were recounting the story at your dining room table.
I also really enjoyed that although this is a story of a female captain in a male-dominated world, she never once made it about that. Her only struggle that she emphasized was that of her age- which she expressed through all of her crew members, a group of older-fishing-misfits. This is a true statement of feminism- by not recognizing the commonly defined roles of women, Greenlaw created an equal environment.

ANYWAY, I loved it and I can't wait to read something else by her!

[Trenchologist · Rating 2 out of 5]

2+

Somewhere between agreeing to captain a swordfishing ship and winding up in a Canada cooling tank, Greenlaw realized she had the hook for another book. But this one could easily have been a longform essay in the Atlantic, say, so it's repetitive and lightweight and really stretches to make a decent word count.

( or she and her publisher realized an informal tie-in book to the Discovery series Swords would make for brisk sales or be added to book club rosters easily enough )

Either that or this one could have delved into more than "10 years older and 10 years away, can I still do this?" and good, but not particularly compelling, descriptions of the barely seaworthy bucket she wound up taking to the fishing grounds.

I liked her reentry to swordfishing well enough. I liked her impression of her good crew. I wish the story--for them--had been about hitting fishing gold and winding up the little crew that could and thousands and thousands richer, each, for trying. The story as it happened was very realistic, and kind of boring. Run of the mill boring, even the arrest being so by the book and polite, just-another-day boring.

She can definitely spin a good yarn, and in writing she does so in clear and unfussy prose that's easy to read. The story is interesting enough and straightforward without quite being bare minimum to cross the threshold into becoming a book, so there wasn't a lot of people and events to keep up with or keep ordered, which made it quick to read.

What's not to admire about almost anyone who makes it as a commercial fisherman? It's tough, rough work. A woman doing so in such a male-dominated field amplifies that. But also, being a commercial fisherman is their choice, and no more /worthy/, gallant, brave, rough-tough than plenty of other professions out there that don't quite have the same level of romance and visibility as taking on the sea. We've always lauded and treated fishermen as heroes, though, and there is an undeniable mystique to the whole affair.

And Greenlaw makes sure to put in all the ways she's admirable. At least for being one who goes to sea and faces the swordfishing odds. Which is fine--know your strengths and stand by your value. She admits to a few flaws as well, but they're mostly ironic and possibly just as useful as her strengths.

She gets into reminiscences, as comparison to what's happening present-day. The comparisons can work, but it also feels like padding and a bit unfocused. I have no idea who her teenage ward (?) is, or why she has this teenage ward, and I wondered if I was only expected to read this book if I knew more about Greenlaw going in, or if it just wasn't important to her to explain who the people were in her current life beyond labels and surface definitions; she wanted only to write about the water and the boat, I guess.

She does manage to work in a throwaway line shaming Americans (particularly) for being fat and unhealthy and so her catching swordfish is for the good of all of us, actually. I had to laugh and roll my eyes. She really does want to justify that she goes out and harvests living things for her living and it's good and necessary and fine, damnit; I think changing attitudes toward how fishing is done, the myriad environmental harm it causes, and it being a growing dynamic of diminishing returns gets to her more than she'd want to admit. That getting to her showed through the cracks in this book.

Greenlaw strikes me as someone who'd make for an entertaining dinner guest or personality holding forth at a pub, recounting everything that happened in the book over a good meal and plenty of drink to help it along. It's not known to me if I'd like and like knowing her--and what makes her a "good" captain, such as her temper, her dismissiveness, her prickly defensiveness, her drive, her pluck--over the longhaul.

[Maria Langer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book by a friend of mine when I was going through a very difficult divorce. I think that he thought it would inspire me to read a book by a strong female. I waited nine years to read it — just at the point where I’m prepping to enter retirement living part time on a boat.

I have to admit that I was very disappointed. There isn’t really very much story here; it could easily have been told in 1/4 of the pages. The rest was a constant rehashing of the author’s insecurities about going back to swordfishing after 10 years away and her thoughts about her crew and her strategy for fishing. The repetition got to the point where I often found myself skimming the pages, in a hurry to get past the same old same old so I could read more about what was actually going on.

She pretty much summed up my thoughts of the book near the very end when she suggested that some people will claim that she purposely got herself into a situation (no spoilers!) so that she could write a book about it. While I don’t believe she did it on purpose, it’s very clear to me that she decided to cash in on it after the fact. The repetition was apparently the way she dealt with meeting an editor’s word count.

I did learn a lot more about swordfishing than I ever did before so that’s a plus.

[Rick Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Greenlaw, who was captaining a Grand Banks swordfishing vessel during 1991's "Perfect Storm" that saw the loss at sea of the Andrea Gale, tells the story of her return to swordfishing after 10 years of lobstering and island life in Maine.

Greenlaw writes an introspective and personal account of overcoming adversity, leadership in a field where she is one of very few women captains, and of her thoughts on aging in a line of work that is intensely physically demanding.

Along with the insights into her own thinking, she does a tremendous job of recounting the cast of characters she has hired for her crew, and their own ups and downs through a voyage plagued by failing equipment, capricious luck of the catch, and a run-in with Canadian law enforcement.

The writing makes you feel like you're on the boat with the crew, sharing in their moments of triumph and misfortune, and it's a fascinating look at a way of life that few experience.

[Lisa Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Female swordfish boat captain, author Linda Greenlaw shares her first-hand experience of sailing the Seahawk into the Grand Banks; notorious for awful sea weather. Greenlaw was also a character represented in the movie The Perfect Storm in 2000. She was portrayed by actress Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. The writing is presented in a conversational tone which works most of the time. Problems with the old boat persist as her crew admirably solves them; Greenlaw is reflective, ballsy and capable even when she arrested by Canadian authorities. I wished there had been pictures, especially of the distinctive Swordfish because in telling a story of this kind they are a great bonus in getting the reader invested.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seaworthy, a swordboat captain returns to the sea by Greenlaw_ Linda
Love hearing more escapades of the captain, no matter what type of fish she is going for.
Interesting to hear about how she was caught in the Canadian waters, by accident. Love how she accumulated the crew. Sounds so terrifying and the loss of all the line, argh.
Love action on the sea and the outcome of it all. Hope to read more from this author as I feel I am there fishing with them. What a CREW!
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even with all of the obstacles faced, you can feel Linda Greenlaw’s joy and excitement for offshore fishing. Compared to her book on lobster fishing and island life, it is clear where her passion for life lies on the ocean. It was hilarious to read her joking lament of not going to law school as she gets tangled up with Canadian fishing territory and courts. I’ve gone to a lot of school and I’m envious of her adventures.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Linda Greenlaw's return to sword boat captaining is a relatable story for anyone trying to come back to something that they once loved and succeeded at a high level. It is a tale of human psychology as much as about commercial fishing. The adventure chronicled in this story can also be seen in the Discovery Channel special titled "Swords: Life on the Line".

[Carolyn (in SC) C234D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this very much, as I enjoyed The Hungry Ocean years ago. I like the author’s writing style, and she tells a tale well. She makes frequent comparisons between her style and behavior in her 20s and 30s, and how she reacts and thinks as a 47-year-old. She brings the characters to life, and you marvel at what they accomplish in terrible conditions on a boat that wasn’t all it should be.

[Carolyn Crocker · Rating 3 out of 5]

At age 46, after 10 years of lobstering, Greenlaw takes her crew of 4 on the Seahawk to the Grand Banks for a voyage that turns out just short of disaster. An adventure story and an enlightening portrayal of the hazards and rewards of commercial fishing.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, short memoir. Perfect? No. Felt that it just kind of "ends", but that is much the same as in real life! Still, that holds it back from being truly good, and it moves at a brisk pace so you never truly get a feel for being at sea or fishing.

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Swordfishing expedition complicated by long gap in lady captain's experience, substandard boat & equipment, legal hassles with Canadian fishing authorities, weather & a misguided boat owner. Informative at times, frequently too much focus on "me", & finally, very seldom funny.

[Jennifer L Speidel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved @lindagreenlawcharters books Life Lessons ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️and The Hungry Ocean ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Seaworthy ⭐️⭐️⭐️was really just about fishing. Her writing was excellent, she was funny, and they really did have one catastrophe after another, but it was too much about sword fishing for me this time. #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #swordfishing #strongwomenrock #strongwomen💪 #memoir #maine

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and interesting story of long line sword fishing. Definitely makes you feel like you were there (and glad that is not my profession)

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Linda Greenlaw’s books. Her descriptions are so vibrant I feel like I’m on the boat with her.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all of Linda's book about fishing and this one was no exception.

[Susan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Read it in 5 days while I was at the lake. A real treasure.

[Bert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too much about how good she was and not enough about swoardfishing

[Neil Crowle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another cracker by Linda Greenlaw, full of highs and some devestating lows. Greenlaw is an excellent writer and she keeps the reader interested.

[Lisa Davey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy her books. A strong woman with a big passion. Something to be said for understanding what calls to you and still more impressive that she writes so well about it.

[Denise King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I’ve bovine addicted to Ms. Greenlaw’s books. She takes nonfiction and turns it into a page turner! I’ve read several of her books and have loved them all!

[Bucket · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Greenlaw was the first (and best, according to Sebastian Junger, author of The Perfect Storm) female swordfish boat captain in the United States. Throughout her 20s and 30s, she worked her way up through the ranks from crew member to captain, but always fishing for swordfish. This book chronicles her return to captaining a swordfish boat (the Seahawk) at age 47 after a 10-year hiatus.

She assembles her crew: Archie, nearly 60 but with a steady positivity and mechanical and fishing skills; his friend Timmy, an expert mechanic and physically massive and strong; Dave Hiltz, Linda's neighbor and friend who has always wanted to fish for swordfish; and Machato, a long-time deckhand who brings much-needed recent experience to the team and is an expert at preparing caught fish for storage.

Their journey is frought with problems from the beginning - the Seahawk is an aging and falling apart disaster. Everything breaks over and over. Additionally, Linda is arrested after accidentally drifting into Canadian waters. Despite the problems, the crew is a good team and they do manage to catch a few fish and have some good times.

Ultimately, this book is about leadership, and how Linda's abilities in that arena have grown and changed over time. At 47, she is a more adaptable captain, who takes things in stride and leads her staff with less of an iron fist. She has more emotional control than she did in her younger years, but her drive to succeed and competitive streak are alive and well.

I was fascinated by Linda as a person and as a captain, and I like that she de-emphasizes the fact that she is a woman. She is one, of course, but that has nothing to do with anything, no more than her hair color or shoe size.

In addition to being a story about leadership and growth, this is an adventure story. It gives a good picture of what life is like on a swordfish boat and the explicit fact that everyone involved is living with a great deal of unknown. Fish, and therefore paychecks, are not guaranteed.

I was also impressed with her writing - it was quite good! The story was interesting and easy to follow, and very personal. There is an occasional repetitiveness, but only when Linda is reflecting inwardly on herself and how she's changed. Basically it functions as a way for her to solidify her reflections as new evidence for or against her thoughts comes up.

Themes: fishing, leadership, aging, adventure, facing challenges, loving your job

[Joe White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seaworthy, Linda Greenlaw 2010

This is an account of an updated swordfishing expedition with Linda as a captain coming out of "retirement" from blue water fishing. I never saw a reference to the year specified, but this action occurs roughly 10 years after her retirement and her entry into lobster fishing.

Linda Greenlaw is an excellent writer, and in one reference she indicated that she had been encouraged to attend law school. Offhand, I would not picture a professional commercial boat captain as having her literary skillset. Her writing ability to be comprehensively descriptive of facts pertaining to a particular lifestyle situation or event that occurs in a limited time frame, is what has made her books a worthwhile read. In this book, she describes a unique fishing trip in an antiquated boat, with a hand picked experienced crew. The distinguishing feature of the trip is an arrest and fine by the Canadian fishing authorities, handled by the Canadian coast guard, for violating the 200 mile limit.

The only significant issue I had in reading the book, is that she was too repetitive in mentioning that she was 47 and it had been 10 years since her last professional offshore venture as a boat captain. Everyone nows that a decade of wear changes a person's physical capabilities and their mental outlook. State the fact once, make it abundantly clear that she had questions of current capability, and move on with the story. If the fact bears repeating more than once, then label it with a catchy acronym "GOWN"-"getting old and worn out", and use the acronym: ie. Because of GOWN I didn't kill the idiot who... .
The repetition of time on the skillset had me wavering on a 3 star rating, but the descriptive narrative picked up pace during the arrest, and the following effort to fill the hold while fishing.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this very much. It's a personal memoir so it's a bit like reading a diary with lots of personal introspection; but I appreciated the candid assessments of both herself and her crew. It is the first of Greenlaw's book I have read and I am motivated to read her others now.