Modern Era Voyaging

500 Days – Around the World On a Twelve Foot Yacht – Serge Testa – Signed First Privately Published

A pretty rare softcover privately published by the adventurer in Aspley a suburb of Brisbane in 1988.

216 pages, illustrated from original photographs and sketches (including maps) by the author. A little turned at the corners and the very odd mark, otherwise very good condition.

Whilst some records show the smallest boat to circumnavigate was Kuczynski in May 2018 in a 21 foot vessel … we cannot understand that claim as the Serge Testa’s “Acrohc” was 40% smaller at 12 feet.

Surely cannot really be beaten – 12 foot around the World.

$25.00

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Blown Away [Six Years Sailing in the Pacific] – Herb Payson

A new edition softcover published by Sheridan House in 1995, 252 pages, in super condition.

Herb and Nancy Payson give up the nightclubs of Los Angeles and in a 36 foot ketch spend the next six years plus with their family in the Pacific. Adventure ensues, and not without some difficulties. They tried to settle down afterwards in Maine but not for long before they were back permanently under sail. An easy going narrative live and in the moment.

Payson’s in the Pacific leading a perfect sailing life …

$25.00

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A Voyage for Madmen [Golden Globe Race] – Peter Nicholls

First edition softcover published by Harper in 2001. 301 pages plus list of “sources and permissions”, nicely illustrated from original photographs. A very good copy.

This is the story of the infamous Golden Globe Race when nine individuals competed to complete the fastest single handed race around the world. The outcome was not good bar for one. Some were novices or near so at the time and would go on to become masters of the craft.

The individuals were John Ridgway, Chay Blyth, Robin Knox-Johnston, Bernard Moitessier, Loick Gourgeron, Bill King, Nigel Tetley, Alex Carozzo and Donald Crowhurst. The book brilliantly takes one through the adventures, disasters and accomplishments of each.

Nine good men at the helm – alone

$25.00

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Pacific Odyssey [Three Years in the Pacific] – Gwenda Cornell – 1985

Published by Adlard Coles, London in 1985 a first edition soft cover. 218 pages, double page map and black and white illustrations.

A super Pacific voyage taking in Easter Islands, Samoa, the birth of Tuvalu and the nose flute playing in Tonga. Three years in all were spent in the Pacific in what would be a six year round the world adventure.

A sailing adventure to die for and a well written narrative.

$25.00

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Voyage Through the Antarctic – Richard Adams and Ronald Lockley

A first edition published by Allen Lane, London in 1982.

Richard Adams, author of Watership Down struck up a friendship with Ronald Lockley author of The Private Life of the Rabbit whilst researching for Watership. This friendship led to making a full Antarctic voyage on the Linblad Explorer from Tierra del Fuego to Stewart Island of South Island New Zealand.

As would be expected an observant and well written narrative with a super selection of photograph’s taken on the voyage by Peter Hirst-Smith … well he did take three thousand from which to make the selection.

Small quarto, 160 pages, numerous illustrations from photographs, nice chart etc …a very good copy.

Adams and Lockley in the Antarctic and not a rabbit in sight.

$40.00

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The Long Way – Bernard Moitessier – First English Edition 1974

First English edition published by Adlard Coles in 1974, after the French edition of 1971. Translated by William Radamor.

Octavo, 252 pages, illustrated from photographs, sketches of riggings etc, numerous charts of tracks. Super condition very good dust jacket.

Sought after account of the enigmatic Moitessier … has anyone sailed further ..we do not think so ..

Moitessier’s story all began as a participant in the single-handed round the world yacht race, the Golden Globe race, of 1968. Almost done and technically in the lead, whilst in the South Atlantic for a second time, instead of returning to Plymouth he sailed on along his original course returning to the Pacific. He then made his way to Tahiti .. Little was known as to his motivation until this book …

Bernard Moitessier – A special man and a special sailing adventure unlikely to be repeated.

$80.00

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500 Days – Around the World On a Twelve Foot Yacht – Serge Testa – Signed First Privately Published

Blown Away [Six Years Sailing in the Pacific] – Herb Payson

A Voyage for Madmen [Golden Globe Race] – Peter Nicholls

Pacific Odyssey [Three Years in the Pacific] – Gwenda Cornell – 1985

Voyage Through the Antarctic – Richard Adams and Ronald Lockley

The Long Way – Bernard Moitessier – First English Edition 1974

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