Sailing the Dream

• #50 in Best Sailing Books

11 Reviews

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This is a very risky book to read. It is the kind of book that will push you over the edge. If you've had even the slightest inkling of heading out over the bounding main, this book will give you the conviction to pursue it. Those close to you will notice a faraway look in your eyes after reading this book. Don't be surprised if you read it more than once. John does a wonderful job of providing spiritual insight into the adventure of Living the Dream as well as Sailing the Dream.

One notable fact about this book is that it was first available, for free, on the Web. It is a testement to how well the book was written that it is now available in print. Thus possibly being one of the first books to go from Web to print.

It may still be a decade before I am able to follow in the wake of 'Querencia', but this book has given me the resolve to have patience.

I agree with the other reviews. However, there is another important aspect to this book. It describes the work, risk and sacrifice involved in such a life-changing adventure. From the preparations in the San Juan Islands to the Pacific storms and the vast open ocean, the many experiences in French Polynesia, and finally to Hawaii, this is an inspiring and informative book.

A divorced dentist and his girlfriend leave life behind to sail off to paradise. The book chronicles in detail their journey, the people they meet, and their decidedly liberal/60's outlook.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story very much because, philosophy aside, John really takes you inside of what such a journey entails. I am curious what they have done with their lives post-book, which ends in the late 80's I believe.

I actually was hoping for a deeper examination of life on a small boat, but found more of, we had such and such for dinner.
A lot of platitudes. But I strongly recommend you read it yourself and come to your own conclusions.

An extremely well done chronicle. It takes you there with John and Davey. You can feel your tensions slip away and you really do seem to achieve the "now-ness" created by the sounds of the boat, the winds, the tides and the weather. A wonderful escape! Nicely done!

John - dentist, divorced, kids live with mother - managed to re-start his life and sail in a different direction. He met Davey and together they sailed towards new horizons. The book is inspiring in its simplicity. You have two new friends and you join them on a three-year trip from Seattle to Bora-Bora and back to Hawaii. Don't expect deep philosophy or gripping excitement. The pageturner is the relationship you develop as you see yourself more and more sailing your own dream - and this may not include sailing a 30ft cutter-rigged doubleender across the Pacific.

The book is a lot what they do day to day, what they fish and eat and whom they meet. But that's what life is about - even on a boat in the South Pacific. A good read - and maybe one day you will set sail....

John captures life at sea with effortless eloquence. The book will have you questioning the daily grind and wanting to set sail to a faraway place. The people John, Davey and Paul meet, the way their journey plays out, it's so unique that you get the itch to do it yourself. Sequel, please???

Loved the book, very easy read. The way the book was written takes you on the boat with them, and you really feel the sensation of being there with them. Their descriptions of all the exotic locations made me feel I was right there with them. Made me begin to look at my current life in a different light.

Having lived on the west coast for a few years and traveled to Victoria recently I can appreciate the beauty and soul searching that area evokes. I thought the book was very entertaining and enjoyed the frequent thoughtful quotes. Although I doubt any words can adequately describe the terror of a storm at sea or the joy and satisfaction of finally reaching an island dream, their story brings the armchair sailor as close as possible.

Great read, Very well written, better than most of these types of book I have read. If there is one draw back the voyage took place in the late 80's so any information my not be current, but it is not really a crusing guide. I would recommend it for the sailor or dirt dweller alike.

What a great book. I wish there were more sailing books out there where people go on a long sailing trip, have a good time, and return in one piece.

I read this book a few years ago. It made a lasting impression & likely will make you want to follow in the author's footsteps. Being from the Pacific Northwest I was very familiar with the area's he describes at the start of the book. John does such a great job of writing I now feel familiar with all of the other places John went on his journey.

He is a funny & very imformative writer. If you like sailing stories you can't go wrong with this book.