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Voyager #1
Dolphins Under My Bed
Proving that sailing is not just the husband's pursuit, this charming narrative of one couple's first long distance voyage is told from the wife's perspective. Writing in a lively, humorous way, Sandra Clayton gives an entertaining account of her and husband David's maiden cruise from the UK, down the Atlantic coast and into the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Conscious that old age or poor health could prevent them from sailing away for much longer, they left the world of work behind to chase their dream of adventure. Conditions are sometimes maddening, occasionally dangerous, but frequently magical. Marine creatures enchant their days while ships that pass in the night add a touch of romance.
But the book is far more than just the story of the Claytons' 2000 mile trip. Somewhat unprepared for what faced them on the way, they had to learn from their own mistakes, finding themselves in places and situations where they never expected to be. The book has plenty to offer those who might consider embarking on a similar voyage of their own: learn how the Claytons did it, which route they took, the beautiful locations they visited, who they met along the way, and their good decisions as well as their bad. A great bunkside read, it may inspire others to make a similar break themselves.
But the book is far more than just the story of the Claytons' 2000 mile trip. Somewhat unprepared for what faced them on the way, they had to learn from their own mistakes, finding themselves in places and situations where they never expected to be. The book has plenty to offer those who might consider embarking on a similar voyage of their own: learn how the Claytons did it, which route they took, the beautiful locations they visited, who they met along the way, and their good decisions as well as their bad. A great bunkside read, it may inspire others to make a similar break themselves.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 5, 2024
Not too sure about the travel genre but I found this book a great read. Author keeps explanations simple and is very relatable throughout her journey.
May 17, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! It's a little dated now, but interesting account to see how sailing used to be!! Great adventure!
April 18, 2021
Though I picked it up and put it down quite a bit, this memoir is a strong recollection of one life lived at sea for two inexperienced sailors like my partner and I - it was pretty eye opening on what ups and downs you you may go through, and the choppy relationship waters (sorry) you need to navigate. I must’ve liked it as I am now on book two, Turtles In Our Wake!
October 4, 2008
Sandra Clayton is the first one to say that she was never very fond of sailing. Oh, the idea of it was alright, but the mechanics of it were the issue. A few holiday sails taken over the years are the extent of her sailing experience. And her husband David's, too.
But David is fed up with the cold & damp Northern England winters. The couple is in their mid-fifties, tired of the rat race and lengthy car commute, and their good health is just beginning to falter. That's when David has a brilliant idea. If they sell the house, buy a boat and live frugally, they can retire early and spend winters basking in the Mediterranean sunshine. Sandra is not keen. But eventually a compromise is reached in the form of a two hulled catamaran, which is much more stable and rides more comfortably than a traditional sailboat.
(I have to say how much I sympathize. We are from New England. You know, snow, Arctic temperatures, Nor'easters. We thought we were hardy. Then we spent some time in Northern England in February. Not a snowflake in sight and not even that cold on the thermometer but we were FREEZING. That damp cold that just sinks in and won't let you go. It was not that much warmer inside, either. We felt like wimps! But I digress...)
And so the great adventure begins. Through the English Channel, down the coast of Europe and around the rock of Gibraltar to the lovely Mediterranean. Along the way they will become intrepid sailors, absorb the culture of lovely small port towns (frequently while looking for the laundromat) and meet a vast array of people who are mostly eager to lend a hand. Mother Nature makes a grand appearance, too, a reminder that she is big and they are small.
The author's descriptions of the beauty that surrounds them are breathtaking. It is a wonderful story, full of adventure. The Claytons are an example for the rest of us, they are healthier and happier for their choice. Don't wait until it is too late, pursue your dreams. Make the sacrifices now so you don't end up saying, when it is too late, "If I had only..."
A sequel, Something of the Turtle, will be published in the spring and a third book is in the planning stages. I am thrilled to hear that the Claytons are still sailing and can't wait to read of their continuing life aboard!
But David is fed up with the cold & damp Northern England winters. The couple is in their mid-fifties, tired of the rat race and lengthy car commute, and their good health is just beginning to falter. That's when David has a brilliant idea. If they sell the house, buy a boat and live frugally, they can retire early and spend winters basking in the Mediterranean sunshine. Sandra is not keen. But eventually a compromise is reached in the form of a two hulled catamaran, which is much more stable and rides more comfortably than a traditional sailboat.
(I have to say how much I sympathize. We are from New England. You know, snow, Arctic temperatures, Nor'easters. We thought we were hardy. Then we spent some time in Northern England in February. Not a snowflake in sight and not even that cold on the thermometer but we were FREEZING. That damp cold that just sinks in and won't let you go. It was not that much warmer inside, either. We felt like wimps! But I digress...)
And so the great adventure begins. Through the English Channel, down the coast of Europe and around the rock of Gibraltar to the lovely Mediterranean. Along the way they will become intrepid sailors, absorb the culture of lovely small port towns (frequently while looking for the laundromat) and meet a vast array of people who are mostly eager to lend a hand. Mother Nature makes a grand appearance, too, a reminder that she is big and they are small.
The author's descriptions of the beauty that surrounds them are breathtaking. It is a wonderful story, full of adventure. The Claytons are an example for the rest of us, they are healthier and happier for their choice. Don't wait until it is too late, pursue your dreams. Make the sacrifices now so you don't end up saying, when it is too late, "If I had only..."
A sequel, Something of the Turtle, will be published in the spring and a third book is in the planning stages. I am thrilled to hear that the Claytons are still sailing and can't wait to read of their continuing life aboard!
June 26, 2008
Retiring on the sea. No mortgage payments. Waking up each morning to the sounds of the water. The chaos of the city and the rat race left far behind. The freedom.
It sounds absolutely fabulous. The idea of selling the house, retiring, and living on a boat is a common fantasy. Dolphins Under My Bed is the travelogue of a couple who decided to live their dream, well the author’s husband’s dream. The author herself was quite wary about the entire concept. Her limited experiences with boats and sailing had not done anything to feed her enthusiasm. I think she only agreed to the possibility of retiring on the water because she hoped that somewhere along the line her husband would change his mind.
I highly suggest this book for anyone dreaming about retiring and living on the water. Dolphins Under My Bed is an honest work showing both the good and the bad about this kind of life. There were a lot of things I think that this couple were ill prepared for and a resource like this could have been a big help.
It sounds absolutely fabulous. The idea of selling the house, retiring, and living on a boat is a common fantasy. Dolphins Under My Bed is the travelogue of a couple who decided to live their dream, well the author’s husband’s dream. The author herself was quite wary about the entire concept. Her limited experiences with boats and sailing had not done anything to feed her enthusiasm. I think she only agreed to the possibility of retiring on the water because she hoped that somewhere along the line her husband would change his mind.
I highly suggest this book for anyone dreaming about retiring and living on the water. Dolphins Under My Bed is an honest work showing both the good and the bad about this kind of life. There were a lot of things I think that this couple were ill prepared for and a resource like this could have been a big help.
October 17, 2013
Clayton has been accused of "whinging" in other reviews, but I felt that she was presenting the many times that things went wrong as humorous. She has plenty of nice things to say about the people and places she encounters, while the actual sailing mishaps have to do with being rookies at the game. One aspect that I did find dated concerned their mad hunts for accurate weather forecasts, where today a smartphone would work fine. Bear in mind their trip was over a decade ago, reconstructed (quite well) from her notes.
Pamela Garelick's narration works so well that I had to remember it wasn't Sandra herself telling the story directly to the listener. I'm looking forward to hearing the sequel.
Pamela Garelick's narration works so well that I had to remember it wasn't Sandra herself telling the story directly to the listener. I'm looking forward to hearing the sequel.
April 12, 2014
I have read all three books in this series which I have really enjoyed to the extent I am disappointed it has all come to an end. Sandra does not only aptly describe blue water sailing but also its trials and tribulations along with picture perfect details of the ports they visited and also shares the joy of some of their mouth watering meals.
A must read for all readers of travel books as well as those of the yachting fraternity.
A must read for all readers of travel books as well as those of the yachting fraternity.
November 10, 2013
Bored me.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews