40,000 Miles in a Canoe

by John Claus Voss

The Sailor's Classics library introduces a new generation of readers to the best books ever written about small boats under sail The incredible story of Captain John C. Voss, who, in 1904, completed a three-year journey across three oceans in a Native American dugout canoe converted to sail.

272 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2000

About the author

John (sometimes "Jack") Claus Voss (born Johannes Claus Voss; 1858–1922) was a German-Canadian sailor best known for sailing around the world in a modified dug-out canoe he named Tilikum ("Friend" in Chinook jargon). Initially a carpenter, Voss apprenticed on a ship voyaging around Cape Horn and thereafter lived primarily as a sailor. In 1901 Voss began his most noteworthy voyage with his friend Norman Luxton and ending alone in 1904. He chronicled this and other notable voyages in The Venturesome Voyages of Captain Voss.

Reviews

[Gord]

Entertaining adventure story, well told, about Capt. John Voss's around the world journey in the early 20th century (1901 -1904). This feat made more amazing by the fact that it was done in basically, a modified dugout canoe. Very readable and engaging with all the usual tales of adventure during this trip ie; storms at sea and all the many challenges.
My only complaint might be with the fact that it's written by a sailor for sailors, not landlubbers like me and much of the terminology used continuously was over my head! Sea anchor? Riding sail? Mizzen mast etc. Trust me, it wasn't just a few words I could have looked up but MANY sailing terms!
Still enjoyable read.

[Mickey Bits]

One of the best and most riveting tales of the "Sailing" genre. The language isn't archaic or florid. It really transports you to that time. The only thing I couldn't figure out is why they leave our the story of the voyage in the Xora... you'll have to locate a different edition for that one.

this was probably the best book I read all year!