Gentlemen Never Sail to Weather: The Story of an Accidental Odyssey

By Denton R. Moore

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0962882836
• ISBN13: 9780962882838
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Prospector Pr
• Length: 481 Pages
• Weight: 1.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.3" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Before you think about blue-water sailing - read this book

This book is quite literally the tale of how Denton Moore, a lifelong experienced sailor, ended up making an around-the-world sailing cruise by accident - in every sense of the word. How can something like that happen? Call it a string of accidental and other unanticipated or uncontrollable events, beginning on page 1 with a massive freak wave that he narrowly survives. I am one of those who, having been brought up alongside the ocean, is in love with the idea of the sea in general and sailing as a part of that; but I have had enough experience with that fickle element to have lost most of my interest in the actual sailing part itself. Part of the reason for that, I suppose, is having had the freak wave experience with which Mr. Moore opens the narrative. I was fortunate that my little dinghy and I got flung over the intervening coral reef into a nice safe lagoon, rather than being sliced to ribbons on the coral. Likewise my grandfather was permanently injured by a storm-induced wave that nearly sunk a major cruise ship. So I have a bit of risk aversion in this arena. Mr. Moore experiences his wave - probably 40 feet tall - in open water, sustaining severe injuries to himself and severe damage to the boat. This is just on the first (and only intended) leg of his voyage, the continuation of which is the result of a series of major mishaps which he survives in large part through his experience and in some part on just plain luck. (However, let's not forget Vince Lombardi's point that "the more we practice, the luckier we get"). A few of these incidents he admits were created through his own over-confidence - or fatigue. On several occasions Mr. Moore and his crew came within an eyelash of simply "disappearing without a trace". Faced with one situation after another he is forced, like the Ancient Mariner, to sail on and on until he finds himself back home again. Along the way, he meets people and encounters situations at sea and ashore. There are heroes, kind people and scalawags more or less equally distributed around the globe. Likewise sharks. As he notes, between repairs, refitting and simple rest, he actually spends at least 65% of the time at moorings or in port, so there are plenty of land-based events to make this far more than a simple heave-that-line book. It is a highly entertaining travel narrative, as well as being a great book for those who just love the sailing part. Given my personal bias, I dive back into it whenever I get the urge to buy another boat and take a serious sail; this book is a sure-fire cure for that urge. Of course, there are many experienced seamen out there who are well-prepared for blue-water sailing. They'll love this book too: although it is unlikely that they have had to survive more than one of these misadventures, as indeed most people do not, yet they are well aware of this aspect of their calling, and usually quite interested in hearing more about it. I recommend it highly for an

Wish I could give it 6 stars!

I am not an avid reader, but this book is one of my favorites! I typically start a book and then never get around to finishing it. This book was an exception! I could not put it down. This story chronicles the odyssey of a couple who did what many of us only dream. Their graphic descriptions of harrowing experiences mixed with humorous scenes such as the description of the nudist resort make this a book that is hard to put down. The author is able to make you feel like you are there as they traverse the Panama Canal. An odyssey that encompassed several years is anything but boring. Mr. Moore describes the receptions they received as they entered the foreign ports. Some were very friendly and others were almost hostile to these seafaring voyagers. The courage it took to continue the voyage after some of the harrowing experiences is truly amazing. All who love sailing MUST read this book, but the reader does not have to be a sailing enthusiast in order to enjoy this true account of modern day adventure. The sailing terms used in the book are well defined. This is more a story of courage and adventure than of sailing. I was actually disappointed when I finished the book. I wanted the story to go on and on forever.

Gentlemen Never Sail to Weather

This is an excellent story; very well told. Mr. Moore and his wife get it "thrown in their faces" repeatedly and keep coming back for more. Despite circumstances which would have most of us grinding our molars and pulling out fistfulls of hair, Denny tends toward the bright side: Something as essential to any circumnavigator as his/her sextant (GPS),compass or stash of grog. Going "all the way around" is a hell of a big deal. I've read half a dozen books by warriors who've done it, and this is certainly one of the best. An enjoyable read by a likeable guy.

Fantastic Story

This is an excellent book about a couple who, upon retirement, decide to see the world via sailboat. The story is about their experiences and the people they met and places they visited. It is includes their memories and is much more than weather they encountered and problems they faced. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will buy the sequel. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in cruising.

everyone considering cruising should read this book

This book ignites the cruiser's imagination and sense of adventure. We would rather be better prepared and in a newer boat with better electronics but we're ready to hit the seas! It's a good book to have in your sailing library especially if you're going to the South Seas.