It was a different time when Robert Manry set out to cross the Atlantic in a 13.5 foot boat. In 1965 the world seemed consumed by Vietnam. Manry was just another young father trying to raise a family and earn a living. He was a copy editor of a good size newspaper. He had no expectation of fame or financial reward. Even the idea of writing a book seemed no more than a secondary thought.

His goal didn't even seem clear to him. He had bought a small boat to go on day trips with his family. Like many of us, he seemed to enjoy working on the boat even more. He took the modest little day sailer and added a small cabin, cleaned it up, and added some paint.

Seemingly out of the blue a friend asks Manry if he wants to sail across the Atlantic with him in a 25 foot sloop. The offer was made mostly in jest, but it wasn't seen that way by Manry. Although it seemed outside his nature, it had been a dream of his for almost 30 years. Manry immediatly set to work on making the dream come true. He was even granted time off from work. His friends thought him a bit daft, but for some reason the idea seemed plausible to many. Some even said they wished the could go along.

But within weeks he was alone. His trip had fallen through and his crowd of would be sailors suddenly had others things to do. For Manry the dream had gone too far. Or perhaps he thought of some of his neighbors who had thought him a silly dreamer. He still wanted to go. He knew it would be an adventure, but it is clear he had no idea what he faced. Without telling anyone but his wife and children he set about making plans to take their little family sailboat across the Atlantic alone.

The boat was a poor choice for his mission. In addition to being too small, it's entire design was for a pleasant afternoon on the lake. Even with his modest cabin addition, the boat had no business on open waters. The hull wasn't deep enough... or wide enough... or strong enough. The cockpit was almost an open shelf offering little protection from the wind or the waves. There really wasn't enough room for provisions for the long journey ahead. His ignorance created calm, if not exactly bliss.

During his voyage he was remarkably lucky. What I find so enjoyable about this book is not the blatant bravery or the remarkable hardships. It is Manry's simple old fashioned charm and enthusiasm. You get the feeling of sitting in his living room, his wife bringing snacks on the TV tray while the kids watch the latest episode of My Three Sons across the room. There is no bravado. His world is filled with people who want the best for him, and he wishes the best for them. Nature is not put on a pedestal, nor is there a battle of man versus nature. It's just a bloody nice trip. Sure his rudder broke... yes there were some 20 foot seas... and yes he did get knocked overboard a few times. But they seem mere footnotes to his constant enthusiasm and belief that he will make it.

There is no sex. There are no fights. There is no doubt. Manry makes it, and we are there cheering for him as he pulls into harbor surrounded by the press of the World and thousands of well wishers. The reception a total shock to Manry.

The book is something of a window into the past. It's writing style more akin to the Wind in the Willows than The Perfect Storm. As I finished the book I wished Manry was still alive for I had many questions. He seemed such an unlikely person to sail a boat across an ocean. He didn't have that driving wanderlust or fear of commitment that seems to drive so many others. What did he do next? Was this the first in a series of adventures, or did he settle down to a life of family and work? Why did he do it?

The book is long out of print, but it should be available through used book stores and online outlets such as ABE and half.com.

As a side note there are now plans available for the boat Manry used.

https://www.angelfire.com/ks/diyplans/tinkerbelle2.html

Editors note:  Bryan Lowe bulit an Escargot.  He cruises it in the Pacific Northwest, and makes occasional contributions to Duckworks Magazine. You can visit his website at: https://classics.nu/boat/