Top 9 Books About Sailing Around the World for Oceanic Adventurers
Here are 9 non-fiction books about sailing around the world, each offering a unique glimpse into the thrilling, challenging, and often transformative experiences of sailors who’ve undertaken this epic journey. Dive in and let these real-life tales inspire your own adventures!
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1. Maiden Voyage by Tania Aebi
Tania Aebi’s story in “Maiden Voyage” is not just about sailing; it’s a journey of self-discovery. At 18, facing an uncertain future, she chooses an unorthodox path: to sail around the world alone. Her narrative vividly describes the challenges she faces, from severe weather to navigational puzzles, and the personal transformations that occur along the way. It’s a gripping account of a young woman finding her place in the world amidst the vastness of the sea.
Why Read It: This book is a profound reflection on growth and independence, set against an extraordinary maritime backdrop.
- Aebi, Tania (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 04/01/2013 (Publication Date) - Simon & Schuster (Publisher)
2. A World of My Own: The First Ever Non-stop Solo Round the World Voyage by Robin Knox-Johnston
Robin Knox-Johnston’s “A World of My Own” recounts his groundbreaking journey during the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race. The book details his 312-day voyage on “Suhaili,” a world fraught with physical challenges, equipment failures, and intense solitude. Knox-Johnston’s narrative is not just about sailing; it’s a deep exploration into the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity and achieve the seemingly impossible.
Why Read It: It’s a timeless story of endurance and adventure, inspiring anyone who dreams of pushing their limits. Definitely one of the best books on sailing around the world available.
- Knox-Johnston, Robin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages - 03/03/2020 (Publication Date) - Adlard Coles (Publisher)
3. Dove by Robin Lee Graham
In “Dove,” Robin Lee Graham tells a unique story of adventure and maturation. Beginning his journey at 16, Graham navigates both the seas and the trials of growing up. His narrative intertwines tales of encountering storms, experiencing different cultures, and dealing with personal growth and love. This book is more than a sailing story; it’s a heartfelt account of a boy becoming a man against the backdrop of the vast ocean.
Why Read It: It’s an enchanting, page-turning tale of oceanie adventure and the complexities of youth amid the literal stormy seas – and of life.
- Robin L. Graham (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 199 Pages - 03/27/1991 (Publication Date) - William Morrow Paperbacks (Publisher)
4. Alone at Sea: The Adventures of Joshua Slocum by Ann Spencer
Ann Spencer’s “Alone at Sea” delves into the life and journey of Joshua Slocum, the first person to sail solo around the world. The book paints a vivid picture of Slocum’s adventures, from battling pirates and storms to dealing with loneliness and his own thoughts. Spencer combines elements of biography with gripping narrative, bringing to life Slocum’s daring feats and the era’s seafaring challenges.
Why Read It: It’s a captivating look at a pioneering figure in sailing history, filled with adventure and human insight, backed by thorough research.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Spencer, Ann (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
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5. Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before by Tony Horwitz
Tony Horwitz’s “Blue Latitudes” is a blend of historical exploration and personal travelogue. Horwitz retraces Captain James Cook’s epic voyages, juxtaposing 18th-century explorations with modern experiences. The book is an intriguing exploration of Cook’s impact on the places he visited and a personal account of Horwitz’s adventures in following Cook’s path. It offers a unique perspective on the past and present of these exotic locales.
Why Read It: This book is a delightful mix of history, travel, and cultural exploration, painting a vivid portrait of some truly epic sea adventures.
- Blue Latitudes By Horwitz Tony
- Horwitz, Tony (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
6. The Long Way by Bernard Moitessier
“The Long Way” by Bernard Moitessier is an epic tale of one man’s incredible solo journey around the globe. Moitessier participated in the first Golden Globe Race, a solo non-stop circumnavigation of the earth. This book is a detailed account of his travels, where he sailed for seven months on the sea, covering over 37,000 miles.
Why Read It: Moitessier’s deep connection with nature, combined with his philosophical insights, makes this book a profound narrative that explores the essence of sailing and the inner journey that accompanies such a formidable physical challenge.
- Moitessier, Bernard (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages - 08/01/2019 (Publication Date) - Sheridan House (Publisher)
7. Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum
Joshua Slocum‘s “Sailing Alone Around the World” is a true classic in the genre of sailing literature. It narrates his extraordinary solo journey, undertaken in 1898, which marked him as the first person to sail alone around the globe. His book is a beautifully detailed account of survival and endurance, rich with adventures, storms, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the ocean. Slocum’s style of writing adds a poetic dimension to the perils and wonders he faced, making it an evergreen read for those passionate about sailing and adventure.
Why Read It: This book is a cornerstone in the history of sailing. Slocum’s vivid and personal storytelling offers an unparalleled glimpse into the golden age of sailing. It’s a seminal work for anyone who harbors dreams of navigating the seas, providing a mix of inspiration and timeless wisdom.
- Slocum, Joshua (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 192 Pages - 10/10/2018 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
8. Gypsy Moth Circles the World by Sir Francis Chichester
In “Gypsy Moth Circles the World,” Sir Francis Chichester details his remarkable journey as he sails around the globe solo. Starting at age 65, Chichester’s adventure on his yacht, Gypsy Moth IV, is a testament to human determination. The book vividly recounts his struggles against the relentless sea, his tactical decisions, and the emotional rollercoaster of solitary travel. His story is not just about sailing; it’s about pushing past perceived limitations and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Why Read It: This book is an inspiration, showcasing that age is just a number when it comes to realizing your dreams.
- Francis Chichester (Author)
- Bello (Publisher)
9. Red Sky in Mourning: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Survival at Sea by Tami Oldham Ashcraft
Tami Oldham Ashcraft’s “Red Sky in Mourning” is a harrowing true story of survival. Ashcraft’s 41-day journey to safety, after being caught in a Category 4 hurricane and losing her fiancé, is a tale of resilience, strength, and the will to survive. Her narrative is about coping with loss and overcoming unimaginable challenges. It’s a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and prevail in the face of tragedy.
Why Read It: Inspiring the movie Adrift, this book is a gripping, emotional account that speaks to the resilience of the human heart.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Ashcraft, Tami Oldham (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
