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Slow Boats to China
It started as a simple idea, an adaptation of the old dream of running away to sea: take a series of ships of many sizes and kinds; go where they lead for a few months; see what happens. Inspired by memories of his childhood on the inhospitable Cornish coast, discouraged from planning a route by unhelpful travel agents and unreliable shipping guides, Gavin Young embarked on a game of traveller's roulette. Starting at Piraeus, with Canton as his final destination, he would board any vessel moving in the right direction: tanker, freighter, dhow or junk, visiting as many ports of call as possible in between. It took seven months and twenty-three vessels to complete the journey, and in spite of frustration, anxiety and near despair, this extraordinary account sparkles with colour and excitement, through encounters with pirates, unspeakable food and lasting friendships formed.
'A joy to read, engaging, civilized, sharply observant, richly descriptive and sometimes hilarious . . . a genuine modern adventure story' Graham Lord, "Sunday Express "
'An unusual and fascinating book' Hammond Innes, "Guardian"
'A joy to read, engaging, civilized, sharply observant, richly descriptive and sometimes hilarious . . . a genuine modern adventure story' Graham Lord, "Sunday Express "
'An unusual and fascinating book' Hammond Innes, "Guardian"
704 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1981
About the author
Gavin Young
53 books8 followersGavin David Young (24 April 1928 – 18 January 2001) was a journalist and travel writer.
He was born in Bude, Cornwall, England. His father, Gavin Young, was a lieutenant colonel in the Welsh Guards. Daphne, his mother, was the daughter of Sir Charles Leolin Forestier-Walker, Bt, of Monmouthshire. Young spent most of his youth in Cornwall and South Wales. He graduated from Oxford University, where he studied modern history.
Young spent two years with the Ralli Brothers shipping company in Basra in Iraq before living with the Marsh Arabs of southern Iraq between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. He fashioned his experiences into a book, Return to the Marshes (1977). In 1960, from Tunis, he joined The Observer of London as a foreign correspondent, and was the Observer's correspondent in Paris and New York. He had covered fifteen wars and revolutions throughout the world, and worked for The Guardian and was a travel writer. Young died in London on 18 January 2001; he was 72 years old.
He was born in Bude, Cornwall, England. His father, Gavin Young, was a lieutenant colonel in the Welsh Guards. Daphne, his mother, was the daughter of Sir Charles Leolin Forestier-Walker, Bt, of Monmouthshire. Young spent most of his youth in Cornwall and South Wales. He graduated from Oxford University, where he studied modern history.
Young spent two years with the Ralli Brothers shipping company in Basra in Iraq before living with the Marsh Arabs of southern Iraq between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. He fashioned his experiences into a book, Return to the Marshes (1977). In 1960, from Tunis, he joined The Observer of London as a foreign correspondent, and was the Observer's correspondent in Paris and New York. He had covered fifteen wars and revolutions throughout the world, and worked for The Guardian and was a travel writer. Young died in London on 18 January 2001; he was 72 years old.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 1, 2010
just can’t visit the Oxfam bookshop without coming away with a bunch of old travel books. This one, written by a one time war correspondent for The Observer is the tale of Young’s attempt to travel from Greece to China only by boat. This took place in 1979 when he discovers he is almost too late, passenger shipping having been almost completely killed off by air travel. Indeed, if it wasn’t for his Observer connections and general public school English gentleman background, he wouldn’t even have got half way. Lucky for him, the entire old boy network of the ex-British Empire mostly find him ships, from a board bunk in a tiny local trader to the owner’s cabin in a huge container carrier. For the most part, it’s pretty exciting (and often dangerous) stuff and I often had to stop so I could go read up more about various areas he passed through. Overall, it gets a bit depressing, knowing this sort of thing is completely out of bounds to your average traveller. I’m about to pick up the sequel, Slow Boats Home.
September 30, 2015
Time absented itself as I read;
“A Turkish Cypriot friend once said to me “There are men here of thirty who are still virgins. Muslim tradition prevents them, on pain of death or a terrible beating at the hands of the girl’s brothers or father, from touching a Turkish girl. They’d do anything to get their hands on a foreign girl, but, of course it’s not always possible. You have no idea of the intensity of the frustration here.”(p.68).”
Plu ca change, sadly. This enthralling book was first published in 1981, but just there Young describes exactly the unfortunate product of a serious cultural clash which has recently (New Year 2016) been hitting the headlines in Germany.
Gavin Young kept his eyes wide open and lived off his wits. Travelling light he sought the necessary official permissions for the series of passages on merchant shipping that would eventually, after many fascinating and hair-raising incidents, convey him from Athens to Canton.
Officialdom varied in swiftness and helpfulness of response. This was absolutely not a journey that any lone female could ever have countenanced safely then or now. Voyeuristically, I thoroughly enjoyed Maxwell’s at times heart-stopping, extraordinary adventures, from pink gin in Bombay; to his wonderful, wonderful description, from sea-stained notes, of cargo crashing into the light-metal (sole) lifeboat; to his abilities to survive near-death and other such dicey turns of fate. Careful, accurate observation, swift assessment and cool analysis of highly unpromising situations … and what felt like an awful lot of luck … enabled him to survive to finally write this compelling book. I look forward to reading “Slow Boats Home” (1985).
“A Turkish Cypriot friend once said to me “There are men here of thirty who are still virgins. Muslim tradition prevents them, on pain of death or a terrible beating at the hands of the girl’s brothers or father, from touching a Turkish girl. They’d do anything to get their hands on a foreign girl, but, of course it’s not always possible. You have no idea of the intensity of the frustration here.”(p.68).”
Plu ca change, sadly. This enthralling book was first published in 1981, but just there Young describes exactly the unfortunate product of a serious cultural clash which has recently (New Year 2016) been hitting the headlines in Germany.
Gavin Young kept his eyes wide open and lived off his wits. Travelling light he sought the necessary official permissions for the series of passages on merchant shipping that would eventually, after many fascinating and hair-raising incidents, convey him from Athens to Canton.
Officialdom varied in swiftness and helpfulness of response. This was absolutely not a journey that any lone female could ever have countenanced safely then or now. Voyeuristically, I thoroughly enjoyed Maxwell’s at times heart-stopping, extraordinary adventures, from pink gin in Bombay; to his wonderful, wonderful description, from sea-stained notes, of cargo crashing into the light-metal (sole) lifeboat; to his abilities to survive near-death and other such dicey turns of fate. Careful, accurate observation, swift assessment and cool analysis of highly unpromising situations … and what felt like an awful lot of luck … enabled him to survive to finally write this compelling book. I look forward to reading “Slow Boats Home” (1985).
June 10, 2011
One of the best travel books around which I've read many times. It's the kind of literary security blanket you want alongside when life gets a little out of kilter.
I'm sad adventurer Gavin Young is no longer around as he writes with wit, style and compassion about the people he meets on his travels by sea from Piraeus to Canton. The only slight downside is that the book is a trifle episodic, thought it's hard to imagine how it could be anything else, given the premise on which it was written. I'm not going to penalise it on that score so it still gets a 5 star rating from me. A favourite!
I'm sad adventurer Gavin Young is no longer around as he writes with wit, style and compassion about the people he meets on his travels by sea from Piraeus to Canton. The only slight downside is that the book is a trifle episodic, thought it's hard to imagine how it could be anything else, given the premise on which it was written. I'm not going to penalise it on that score so it still gets a 5 star rating from me. A favourite!
December 26, 2012
One of the best travel books I have ever read. I am re-reading it again now. Superb storytelling.
May 13, 2013
A superb piece of travel writing. Beautifully written, and definitely not to be read in a hurry.
May 30, 2017
Als kind droomde journalist Gavin Young ervan om per boot de wereld te ontdekken. Na vele jaren als journalist gereisd te hebben, verwezenlijkte hij zijn droom door op de bonnefooi van Griekenland met vele tussenstops en boten naar China te varen.
Young beschrijft zijn ervaringen die vol in het licht staan van de politieke situaties in gebieden die hij passeert. Heel interessant om het nu bijna 40 jaar na dato te lezen.
Na verloop van tijd duurt de reis toch wel erg lang wat het verhaal soms wat langdradig maakt.
Young beschrijft zijn ervaringen die vol in het licht staan van de politieke situaties in gebieden die hij passeert. Heel interessant om het nu bijna 40 jaar na dato te lezen.
Na verloop van tijd duurt de reis toch wel erg lang wat het verhaal soms wat langdradig maakt.
September 3, 2025
A very enjoyable read.
Well worth the effort.
Well worth the effort.
February 10, 2019
One of the all time great works of travel literature and one of my all time favourite books. Filled with the romantic notion of sailing around the world on any vessel he can find (something practically impossible today), this book covers the first half of Gavin Young’s journey from Greece to China in the early 1980s. I can’t think of another book that so evokes the feeling of adventure and travel. You can almost touch the sea, smell the ports and feel the sun on your face. And Gavin Young is such a warm, lovely companion. And a brilliant writer. (The second half of his journey around the world was recounted in his follow up book Slow Boats Home, which is just as good).
May 8, 2009
Books about travel and adventure-- can't pass it up.
September 16, 2012
This was very good indeed. From Piraeus to Canton... not a totally safe journey then. (Don't know about now.) Made it come alive.
June 8, 2023
I love buying and reading these types of books.
Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
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https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/sea-hunter-3...
https://numberoneboats.com/sea-hunter...
https://theboatyacht.com/24-sea-hunte...
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Boats, yachts, historical events and books about the sea are generally excellent. If there are sequels in your series, I would love to read them.
The beauties of owning the books of important authors cannot be discussed. I'm looking forward to your new books.
For friends who want to read this book, I leave the importance of reading a book here. I wish good luck to the sellers and customers...
Top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:
1. Reading Exercises the Brain
As we read, we need to remember the different characters and settings of a particular story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you need to remember the details during the time you devote to reading the book. Therefore, reading is an exercise for your brain that improves memory function.
2. Reading Is a (free) Form of Entertainment
Did you know that most of the popular TV series and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading? Most importantly, it's free with your Markham Public Library card.
3. Reading Improves Concentration and Focus
We all agree that there can be no reading without focus, and we need to concentrate on every page we read to fully understand the story. In a world where gadgets only speed up and shorten our attention span, we must constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, so it improves your ability to concentrate.
4. Reading Improves Literacy
Have you ever read a book where you come across a word you don't know? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary will improve as well as your ability to communicate effectively. Also, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.
5. Reading Improves Sleep
By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Now more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. That's why you put your phone away and pick up a book and tell your brain it's time to calm down. Also, since reading helps you relieve stress, reading right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve your sleep quality.
6. Reading Increases General Knowledge
Books are always full of fun and interesting facts. Whether we read fiction or non-fiction, books have the ability to provide us with information we might not otherwise know. Reading various topics can make you a more knowledgeable person and therefore improve your speaking skills.
7. Reading Is Motivating
By reading books about heroes overcoming adversity, we are often encouraged to do the same. Whether it's a romance novel or a self-help book, the right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive.
https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/sea-hunter-3...
https://numberoneboats.com/sea-hunter...
https://theboatyacht.com/24-sea-hunte...
https://numberoneboats.com/24-sea-hun...
Read
May 3, 2021I'm cheating here.... My copy (from wonderful neighbor Hilda Blackburn) was actually published by E.P. Dutton, an Obelisk paperback, in 1981, but I'm too lazy to enter the edition!... The cover is a good bit different, but the charm is the same.
I'm so thankful to have read this book, and it's one of those that I read more and more slowly as I was so sad for it to end.
His grandmother lived near the sea in a "gaunt and ugly Edwardian house" with damp floorboards and mouse droppings. Where we live, we're surrounded by people who seek and frequently insist on absolute perfection in their homes....... Totally foreign to Jim and me. We've traveled enough (and traveled "in the rough" enough) that we know to be thankful for reliable electrical power and safe, running water and a good roof!!
To an outspoken Turk: "'You underestimate the West's indifference to religion.'"
"A mixture of English and French, thrown into linguistic confusion by the heat."
"...like many Egyptians, he was a man of much laughter and kindness."
"People come to Saudi Arabia to find God or gold; there is nothing else there."
"This struggle to keep alive the hope of enjoying a mere shadow of the affluent life European workers are blessed with--and find inadequate--was not something [his Pakistani hotel worker friend] could ever resign from."
After incredibly challenging dangers with men and machines and the sea, he's in the Philippines, boarding a proper boat with "the luxury and the loneliness of a cabin once more."
"Basic maxim: 'Watch your crew in fine weather. That's when there can be trouble. If it's rough, there are no problems; people feel they need each other, and close ranks. The complaining begins when it's calm.'"
I'm so thankful to have read this book, and it's one of those that I read more and more slowly as I was so sad for it to end.
His grandmother lived near the sea in a "gaunt and ugly Edwardian house" with damp floorboards and mouse droppings. Where we live, we're surrounded by people who seek and frequently insist on absolute perfection in their homes....... Totally foreign to Jim and me. We've traveled enough (and traveled "in the rough" enough) that we know to be thankful for reliable electrical power and safe, running water and a good roof!!
To an outspoken Turk: "'You underestimate the West's indifference to religion.'"
"A mixture of English and French, thrown into linguistic confusion by the heat."
"...like many Egyptians, he was a man of much laughter and kindness."
"People come to Saudi Arabia to find God or gold; there is nothing else there."
"This struggle to keep alive the hope of enjoying a mere shadow of the affluent life European workers are blessed with--and find inadequate--was not something [his Pakistani hotel worker friend] could ever resign from."
After incredibly challenging dangers with men and machines and the sea, he's in the Philippines, boarding a proper boat with "the luxury and the loneliness of a cabin once more."
"Basic maxim: 'Watch your crew in fine weather. That's when there can be trouble. If it's rough, there are no problems; people feel they need each other, and close ranks. The complaining begins when it's calm.'"
January 1, 2025
Young travelled from Athens to Canton on a variety of boats, very few of which were used to taking passengers. His reason? Just because he could! His journey took place in the 1970s, when voyages, other than on cruise ships, were already becoming very difficult for ordinary passengers, and he had to overcome many challenges - and sail on some very unusual vessels - to complete his journey.
I found this book absolutely fascinating. Young brings the ships, crews and ports to life so vividly, and he also comes across as a really nice person, treating even the lowest members of the ships' crews with respect and showing appreciation for every kindness he receives. His journey is often uncomfortable and occasionally hair-raisingly scary, such as when encountering pirates and rebel fighters or when sailing through severe storms, but he seems fairly unflappable throughout.
A really positive and entertaining book about a way of travel that has now gone forever.
I found this book absolutely fascinating. Young brings the ships, crews and ports to life so vividly, and he also comes across as a really nice person, treating even the lowest members of the ships' crews with respect and showing appreciation for every kindness he receives. His journey is often uncomfortable and occasionally hair-raisingly scary, such as when encountering pirates and rebel fighters or when sailing through severe storms, but he seems fairly unflappable throughout.
A really positive and entertaining book about a way of travel that has now gone forever.
August 17, 2022
Gotta admit I loved this altho, trigger warning, he goes to a cockfight (not a euphemism, actual roosters) and also my heart breaks at the end for the description of the mainland Chinese trying to get to Hong Kong. One HK official describes them as "great gamblers" but I reckon you gotta be pretty desperate to risk sharks, and sanctions if you're repatriated.
Also, this journey spans 1979-1980 so it's a real time capsule, both for cultures that have irretrievably changed and for sentinel events whose ripples are still causing issues right now (like Russia invading Afghanistan). Nice to see that Wikipedia notes the Sentinelese are still generally hostile to everyone in the world though. I approve.
Also, this journey spans 1979-1980 so it's a real time capsule, both for cultures that have irretrievably changed and for sentinel events whose ripples are still causing issues right now (like Russia invading Afghanistan). Nice to see that Wikipedia notes the Sentinelese are still generally hostile to everyone in the world though. I approve.
June 1, 2024
A delight, a gem of a travel book. The author is erudite about the famous and not so famous places he visits. This was a real adventure with some jeopardy thrown in. There is a balance of the details of the trip, his own personal opinions and some historical and factual detail about the places he visits. He shows real humanity in the way he treats people he meets and in relating his experiences as a war correspondent. This book deserves to have a higher status in the annuls of travel writing.
February 3, 2024
The author gives a lot of detail concerning his travels in the Mid-east on his way to China. He must have been very brave and stoic with a strong stomach and seemingly immune to discomfort. Gavin Young gives many anecdotes and samples of conversations with the people with whom he meets. A long, involved, heavy read but worth it.
September 19, 2021
Young travelled across numerous seas , the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean in a multitude of sea craft carrying all sorts of cargo and crewed by boys to old men, some very ancient customs
of shipbuilding, sailing and lives of the sailors still prevailed.
of shipbuilding, sailing and lives of the sailors still prevailed.
June 2, 2025
I want to go on this journey! I might like a few more creature comforts but it's an interesting read. I do know a person who travels a bit like this. She won't fly but wants to visit her family back in the UK and so slow boats are how she gets around the world.
January 4, 2019
Wonderfully written but becomes wearying after a time - so many ports and people that I quite lost track. But great vignettes along the way.
March 8, 2019
A journalist with all his contacts making an ambitious trek beyond the scope of most people. Bit repetitive.
May 17, 2020
Inevitably out of date but fascinating nonetheless.
July 8, 2022
It certainly showed me things that I'll never experience! Didn't love all the content, but quite well written and what an adventure.
July 4, 2023
I have to find this book and read it again. The first time I read this book , back in the 80s I thought it was excellent. I wonder if I would like it as much, now I am older.
September 8, 2023
Not slow enough for my liking
September 22, 2024
Enriched travel is impacted by the people more than the places.
September 11, 2025
A beautiful, humane elegy to the British Empire disguised as a travel story.
Full of interesting anecdotes.
Absolute must-read if you are interested in non-fiction in any shape or form.
Full of interesting anecdotes.
Absolute must-read if you are interested in non-fiction in any shape or form.
May 29, 2026
This book really grew on me. His portrayals of some of the crew and captains of these boats stayed with me after I finished it. I found myself wondering how those characters' lives panned out.
April 18, 2017
The world of travel has changed so much in the meantime but I still love returning to this book now and then to remind me of how things were not so long ago. Gavin Young is a great writer who has the wonderful knack of coming across some very interesting ordinary characters along the way, often managing to make you laugh and despair at the same time as just soaking up the geography and politics that keep getting in the way.....
May 29, 2019
Really on of my favorites, a cherished book.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews