A Tale of Two Yachts

<p><strong>A joyous comparative study of two kindred voyages undertaken a lifetime apart.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>In early summer 2015 following recent retirement Barbara and Robert White left Plymouth UK on their elderly sailing yacht <em>Zoonie</em> heading westwards to commence their circumnavigation. Eighty-seven years before them in late summer 1928 recently married Erling and Julie Tambs left Ulvøysund Norway aboard their engineless retired pilot cutter <em>Teddy</em> on a similarly westwards route to begin their cruise to the Pacific Islands.</p><p><br></p><p>Both couples rose to the demanding challenges of short-handed sailing and at the same time enjoyed and learnt from the new places and people they encountered on their travels. But the very different times in which they lived determined their status as circumnavigators the knowledge and instruments they could rely upon the places they visited and ultimately the outcome of their voyages.</p><p><br></p><p>Combining extracts from her blog passages from Erling's book <em>The Cruise of the Teddy</em> and an enthusiastic curiosity to learn more about the world Barbara embarks on a magnificent journey across oceans between cultures and through time. From the highs of being welcomed to new lands with open arms and experiencing indigenous customs and traditions first-hand to the lows of devastating earthquakes and near-fatal misfortune <em>A Tale of Two Yachts</em> offers an insight to lands and lives afar all the while reflecting on what it means - and takes - to commit oneself to such a challenging expedition afloat.</p><p><br></p><p>In the end the fate of the two yachts is determined by the elements - that which no sailor no matter how advanced their technology can control - and the intervention and generosity of the people present when disaster strikes.</p><p><br></p><p>While a tale of two yachts this is at heart a tale of two couples with a shared love for life and for the sea.</p>