Worth to read: William Willis books

Vitaliy_Kiselev

I think no one heard of this man today, yet he was extraordinary man.

And wrote two books about two of his amazing trips (at age 60 and at age 71).
They may be not best literature in style, but they are simple, interesting and honest.

First book - The Epic Voyage of the Seven Little Sisters

aka The Gods Were Kind: An Epic 6700 Mile Voyage Alone Across the Pacific (in US)

Second book - An angel on each shoulder

He died in 1968 during third attempt to cross Atlantic ocean on little boat.

I suggest to skip Seaworthy: Adrift with William Willis in the Golden Age of Rafting recent book by journalist (if you like, you can read it later) and go to the originals.

Some info

http://indigenousboats.blogspot.com/2011/05/william-willis-raft-wacko.html

brianl

One of my favorite books is similar. "Sailing Around the World Alone", Joshua Slocum's own account of his historic solo circumnavigation in 1895. The version with the original illustrations is preferred. They are excellent.

quote

To young men contemplating a voyage I would say go. The tales of rough usage are for the most part exaggerations, as also are the tales of sea danger. To face the elements is, to be sure, no light matter when the sea is in its grandest mood. You must then know the sea, and know that you know it, and not forget that it was made to be sailed over.

http://www.amazon.com/Sailing-Alone-Around-Joshua-Slocum/dp/0486203263

Vitaliy_Kiselev

First trip (google scans lots of old newspapers)

His last save by ship, on next attempt he went missing

Last trip

Accuracy :-)

Willis had made his final log entry on July 21, setting down merely his latitude of fifty-three degrees and fifty minutes north (from Seaworthy book)

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