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Of Foreign Build: From Corporate Girl to Sea-Gypsy Woman
After suffering an emotionally-brutal bereavement and against her counsellor’s advice, Jackie ran away. Suddenly within a new culture, with a new husband, and no friends, she was living in the obscure world of cruising with zero knowledge of boats.
Crashing within the first twenty-four hours, Jackie realised life would never be the same again; a floating home with no fridge or hot water, and with a dinghy instead of a car. Suffering self doubts, she became fearful of her new world.
The first off-shore voyage took Jackie into a ferocious storm, which battered her physically and mentally. Amid the raging seas, Jackie shed the fear she’d been harbouring.
Soon she was blissfully voyaging around the world, but she still carried the mixed emotions of losing one man, while falling head over heels in love with another.
Not only did Jackie deal successfully with the challenges of her new existence, she also battled with the testosterone fuelled nautical world to become both a professional captain and a qualified maritime teacher.
Most importantly, Jackie found herself.
Crashing within the first twenty-four hours, Jackie realised life would never be the same again; a floating home with no fridge or hot water, and with a dinghy instead of a car. Suffering self doubts, she became fearful of her new world.
The first off-shore voyage took Jackie into a ferocious storm, which battered her physically and mentally. Amid the raging seas, Jackie shed the fear she’d been harbouring.
Soon she was blissfully voyaging around the world, but she still carried the mixed emotions of losing one man, while falling head over heels in love with another.
Not only did Jackie deal successfully with the challenges of her new existence, she also battled with the testosterone fuelled nautical world to become both a professional captain and a qualified maritime teacher.
Most importantly, Jackie found herself.
- GenresMemoir
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2014
44 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Sarah Parry
5 books54 followersOriginally from the UK, Jackie is now an adopted Australian. She grew up with horses in the UK until her world was shattered with a heart-breaking bereavement. Disillusioned with life she ran away to Australia and met and married Noel. They decided to buy a boat and set sail. So within her first year living in a foreign land, she was getting used to a foreign husband, and a foreign life on board!
Mariah II took Jackie & Noel around the world. Pyewacket II (purchased in San Francisco) took them across the Pacific Ocean for a second time on a more southerly route. Adventures include The Great Loop in the USA plus Canada’s Great Lakes and the French Canals.
As a commercial skipper Jackie has worked internationally, and has been a Marine Rescue skipper. She has also taught commercial maritime. She co-wrote a pilot book (in America) and several hundred magazine articles worldwide. Cruisers' AA (accumulated acumen) was Jackie (and Noel's) first self-published book.
Currently Jackie is exploring the French canals on a Dutch barge with her Australian husband.
Mariah II took Jackie & Noel around the world. Pyewacket II (purchased in San Francisco) took them across the Pacific Ocean for a second time on a more southerly route. Adventures include The Great Loop in the USA plus Canada’s Great Lakes and the French Canals.
As a commercial skipper Jackie has worked internationally, and has been a Marine Rescue skipper. She has also taught commercial maritime. She co-wrote a pilot book (in America) and several hundred magazine articles worldwide. Cruisers' AA (accumulated acumen) was Jackie (and Noel's) first self-published book.
Currently Jackie is exploring the French canals on a Dutch barge with her Australian husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 22, 2014
Resolute! Unconventional! A great way to see the world without getting your feet wet! The idiom "every cloud has a silver lining" is the marvelous life lesson I took after reading Jackie Parry's adventures on the high seas. What began as a heart rendering loss, concluded gloriously as a validating, yet unconventional approach to living life on one's own terms--and finding joy in every moment, even the little things. Let me emphasize, this is not merely a book for those that are nautical-minded, but instead it is a vibrant memoir with a perspective that is as far and wide as the horizon.
From the safety of my favorite chair I was swept up in Jackie's tale. And what wonderful (and sometimes seedy) destinations we visited. Through the author's eyes we blew bubbles in the face of a sea lion, was swept in the wake of a whale, and grinned when escorted by pods of dolphins. This is stuff I dream of! There were turbulent times too: the uncooperative weather, heaving decks and stomachs, unsanitary stop-overs with suspect food, corrupt officials and meager rations. But then the silver lining with jovial fellow sailors, a warm shower and cool beer, the kindness of strangers, the enchantment of remote places, the quaint charm of ethnic peoples and the joy of family.
But to me the most meaningful was witnessing on the page Jackie's personal growth, from that of nautical newbie to becoming a top-rated mariner in what is very much a man's world. With every chapter, as her confidence in her sea legs grew so did her craft as a writer, and I so enjoyed reading her vivid descriptions of exotic places such as Borneo, Egypt and the Galapagos. So thank you Jackie for allowing me to join you and Noel on the deck of the Mariah, it was wonderful to be able to immerse myself on your floating world. I would like to encourage others to read your story, they like you may become inspired to strike out on their own unique paths.
Review written by Mark FineThe Zebra Affaire
From the safety of my favorite chair I was swept up in Jackie's tale. And what wonderful (and sometimes seedy) destinations we visited. Through the author's eyes we blew bubbles in the face of a sea lion, was swept in the wake of a whale, and grinned when escorted by pods of dolphins. This is stuff I dream of! There were turbulent times too: the uncooperative weather, heaving decks and stomachs, unsanitary stop-overs with suspect food, corrupt officials and meager rations. But then the silver lining with jovial fellow sailors, a warm shower and cool beer, the kindness of strangers, the enchantment of remote places, the quaint charm of ethnic peoples and the joy of family.
But to me the most meaningful was witnessing on the page Jackie's personal growth, from that of nautical newbie to becoming a top-rated mariner in what is very much a man's world. With every chapter, as her confidence in her sea legs grew so did her craft as a writer, and I so enjoyed reading her vivid descriptions of exotic places such as Borneo, Egypt and the Galapagos. So thank you Jackie for allowing me to join you and Noel on the deck of the Mariah, it was wonderful to be able to immerse myself on your floating world. I would like to encourage others to read your story, they like you may become inspired to strike out on their own unique paths.
Review written by Mark FineThe Zebra Affaire
January 1, 2015
This is a review from Readers' Favorite
Of Foreign Build: From Corporate Girl to Sea-Gypsy Woman is a travelogue written by Jackie Parry. The author's predictable and safe life changed forever when her fiance, Martin, died after a grueling fight with illness. She decided to leave her native England and emigrate to Australia, where she met Noel. He was older, divorced and had children, but they had something special and went with it. Noel had some experience sailing, and the two decided to find a sailboat and travel. After seeing a number of boats that didn't catch their fancy, they found Mariah II, a 38-foot sloop. They lived aboard and took short trips for the first few years, and then started off on a world voyage.
Jackie Parry's travel memoir, Of Foreign Build: From Corporate Girl to Sea-Gypsy Woman, is likely to start corporate girls and boys thinking seriously about their own chances at freedom. Her book details the marvels and exotic locales they visit, while at the same time the reader shares in the many hardships that can accompany such a lifestyle. There's life aboard a ship that has no refrigeration and features hasty-tasty meals from tins, and heaving seas that leave Jackie and Noel seasick for days on end. Jackie also details her coming of age, as it were, as she learns to be herself, free of the constraints and expectations of the corporate world, and as she gains confidence in her own abilities. She shares with us a view of life aboard ship with all its rigors, discipline and marvels, and her descriptions of their adventures at sea are fabulous. I found myself following the Mariah II's voyage on Google maps and learned a lot of the geography I had avoided in school along the way. Of Foreign Build: From Corporate Girl to Sea-Gypsy Woman is a remarkable memoir and travelogue, and it's highly recommended.
Of Foreign Build: From Corporate Girl to Sea-Gypsy Woman is a travelogue written by Jackie Parry. The author's predictable and safe life changed forever when her fiance, Martin, died after a grueling fight with illness. She decided to leave her native England and emigrate to Australia, where she met Noel. He was older, divorced and had children, but they had something special and went with it. Noel had some experience sailing, and the two decided to find a sailboat and travel. After seeing a number of boats that didn't catch their fancy, they found Mariah II, a 38-foot sloop. They lived aboard and took short trips for the first few years, and then started off on a world voyage.
Jackie Parry's travel memoir, Of Foreign Build: From Corporate Girl to Sea-Gypsy Woman, is likely to start corporate girls and boys thinking seriously about their own chances at freedom. Her book details the marvels and exotic locales they visit, while at the same time the reader shares in the many hardships that can accompany such a lifestyle. There's life aboard a ship that has no refrigeration and features hasty-tasty meals from tins, and heaving seas that leave Jackie and Noel seasick for days on end. Jackie also details her coming of age, as it were, as she learns to be herself, free of the constraints and expectations of the corporate world, and as she gains confidence in her own abilities. She shares with us a view of life aboard ship with all its rigors, discipline and marvels, and her descriptions of their adventures at sea are fabulous. I found myself following the Mariah II's voyage on Google maps and learned a lot of the geography I had avoided in school along the way. Of Foreign Build: From Corporate Girl to Sea-Gypsy Woman is a remarkable memoir and travelogue, and it's highly recommended.
January 20, 2015
Jackie Parry had me on a roller coaster of emotions from the very beginning. When she described her partner’s death I cried and then, as she ran away from England and all her painful memories and started a new life in Australia, I cheered her on.
I was so glad when she found a new love in Noel, an older man whose love of adventure rivaled her own. Together they bought a sailing boat and set off for what would eventually be a round the world trip. Jackie at first was scared of being incompetent and struggled with her new life but by the end of their journey she had become a very competent sailor and found her true self.
I shuddered with fear at some of their hair-raising adventures and went misty-eyed with longing when she described some of the exotic locations where they dropped anchor.
I am passing this book on to my husband who loves sailing. His dream is to do exactly what Jackie and Noel did. I think I would be too scared, so hope he does not finish it and then drag me off to buy a new boat! I admire the courage of this remarkable couple enormously.
Apart from their epic journey, which the author describes in exciting detail, what warms the reader most is the growing bond between Jackie and her husband and the way two twin souls can share a life which many would call foolhardy but which they know is really pure freedom.
I was so glad when she found a new love in Noel, an older man whose love of adventure rivaled her own. Together they bought a sailing boat and set off for what would eventually be a round the world trip. Jackie at first was scared of being incompetent and struggled with her new life but by the end of their journey she had become a very competent sailor and found her true self.
I shuddered with fear at some of their hair-raising adventures and went misty-eyed with longing when she described some of the exotic locations where they dropped anchor.
I am passing this book on to my husband who loves sailing. His dream is to do exactly what Jackie and Noel did. I think I would be too scared, so hope he does not finish it and then drag me off to buy a new boat! I admire the courage of this remarkable couple enormously.
Apart from their epic journey, which the author describes in exciting detail, what warms the reader most is the growing bond between Jackie and her husband and the way two twin souls can share a life which many would call foolhardy but which they know is really pure freedom.
January 25, 2015
I like this book! There's a saying something like, "Either write a book about a life lived well, or live your life well enough to have a book written about it." Well, Jackie Parry is one of those rare souls who has done both. She opens up and candidly tells her life story, metaphorical warts and all. Right from the first few pages you sense her genuine self, and that is a great thing because surely many readers - sailors or not - can relate to her self-doubts and fears. But don't worry: she doesn't go on and on about heartaches and ruminations. No, she mentions these things because they are part of the story and then she moves on, often with soft humor. All in all, she tells her story well, not with overly-wrought phrasing and a self-conscious tone but in a way that feels natural and totally genuine. The book is not about her, or her writing, but her story, and it shows between the lines.
I recommend this book for everyone, especially young women who have not yet found their niche in life. Jackie Parry's life story is a great example of possibility and personal courage. This book is great fodder for important mother-daughter talks . . . On the surface it's about building a life aboard a sailboat, but it's also very much about voyaging through life.
I recommend this book for everyone, especially young women who have not yet found their niche in life. Jackie Parry's life story is a great example of possibility and personal courage. This book is great fodder for important mother-daughter talks . . . On the surface it's about building a life aboard a sailboat, but it's also very much about voyaging through life.
January 2, 2015
“Of Foreign Build” really is a personal journey and a very emotional one at that. It takes a lot of courage to up sticks and move to the other side of the world on your own at the best of times, but to do so after facing a terrible personal loss is something else. This book is as much about overcoming grief and rebuilding a life as it is about the challenge of learning to sail while sailing from one side of the world to the other and back again.
I know very little about sailing although I know a lot more now, but all I can say is that I found the book to be well written and thoroughly enjoyable and an inspirational read from a remarkable lady.
I know very little about sailing although I know a lot more now, but all I can say is that I found the book to be well written and thoroughly enjoyable and an inspirational read from a remarkable lady.
November 9, 2014
Reading Sailing Adventure Books is always a pleasure for me.
But some of those books soon become addictive.
A Foreign Build is one of those.
The end arrived about 1000 pages to soon.
Thoroughly enjoyed Jacky's sailing around the world in 9yrs.
Many Thanks for sharing your adventures, can only dream of following in your wake.
Kim.
But some of those books soon become addictive.
A Foreign Build is one of those.
The end arrived about 1000 pages to soon.
Thoroughly enjoyed Jacky's sailing around the world in 9yrs.
Many Thanks for sharing your adventures, can only dream of following in your wake.
Kim.
July 19, 2017
I've read a number of nonfiction books and memoirs about sailing, most very good reads. "Of Foreign Build..." was an exceptional story in many ways. First, the writing was fabulous; the author has a gift for making the reader feel present for the events, and it was never boring. I thought there was a perfect mix of detail about the boat, day-to-day sailing, difficulties encountered (some very unusual), adventures on sea and on land, scary or challenging encounters, and relationships with family (back home, but occasionally present for parts of the trip), and friendships developed along the way. Lots of cultural information made for a very interesting and educational read.
The thing that stood out most about this particular "sailing around the world" story was the route taken. This couple was not just sailing around the world in order to accomplish the feat. Although, of course, they had to plan and take into consideration the season and the local weather, they sailed to some very unlikely places. I was shocked that they were willing to venture into waters and countries with aggressive policies toward people (their own and visitors), and even into waters where pirates were a risk. Beyond that, they sailed routes I've never read about in other accounts of long-distance sailing. I was very glad I didn't know where they would head next, and enjoyed the surprises. So, no spoilers from me.
What a pleasure to read a great book, so well-written and so perfectly edited.
The thing that stood out most about this particular "sailing around the world" story was the route taken. This couple was not just sailing around the world in order to accomplish the feat. Although, of course, they had to plan and take into consideration the season and the local weather, they sailed to some very unlikely places. I was shocked that they were willing to venture into waters and countries with aggressive policies toward people (their own and visitors), and even into waters where pirates were a risk. Beyond that, they sailed routes I've never read about in other accounts of long-distance sailing. I was very glad I didn't know where they would head next, and enjoyed the surprises. So, no spoilers from me.
What a pleasure to read a great book, so well-written and so perfectly edited.
February 27, 2018
What an intrepid and adventurous lady Jackie Parry is. Following a traumatic bereavement she took herself off to Australia. Quite soon afterwards she got married and set off with her husband Noel on a round the world trip in their newly purchased boat Mariah. And what a journey it was! With no knowledge of sailing it was an extremely steep learning curve. Some might even call it foolhardy to set out on such a venture.
Jackie writes with great honesty about her feelings and all that she had to overcome. I must say I enjoyed journeying with her although I’m very much an armchair traveller. There are some wonderful descriptions and it’s just as if you are sitting with her letting her tell you all these fantastic tales of her voyage. I particularly enjoyed reading about the trip through America via rivers and canals and little explored waterways. She has the knack of making you see these through her eyes.
There were hard times, times with friends and family times along the way. It’s always interesting to see how firm friendships can be made very quickly within the sailing community. I thought it would be lonely but there seems to be a real fraternity of those seafarers who travel the world.
What an adventure! I can recommend this one.
Jackie writes with great honesty about her feelings and all that she had to overcome. I must say I enjoyed journeying with her although I’m very much an armchair traveller. There are some wonderful descriptions and it’s just as if you are sitting with her letting her tell you all these fantastic tales of her voyage. I particularly enjoyed reading about the trip through America via rivers and canals and little explored waterways. She has the knack of making you see these through her eyes.
There were hard times, times with friends and family times along the way. It’s always interesting to see how firm friendships can be made very quickly within the sailing community. I thought it would be lonely but there seems to be a real fraternity of those seafarers who travel the world.
What an adventure! I can recommend this one.
July 10, 2018
After the heartbreaking loss of her partner, Martin, Jackie flees the UK to Australia where she meets Noel. After spending time together they fall in love and decide to buy the Mariah II and set sail around the world.
Jackie must learn along the way all terms nautical and sailing, she does a fine job of it at that.
In 1998 they set sail and the adventure begins. I was in a state of awe throughout the entire book.
The exotic ports they were able to anchorage at conjured up wonderful visual in my head.
There were several hair raising moments on this 8 year adventure but that just made the book all the more exciting.
I thoroughly enjoyed the flow of the writing and was pleased how the timeline was laid out, no jumping all over the place.
Of Foreign Build is a thoroughly enjoyable read and a hearty arm chair adventure.
I look forward to reading more of this authors books.
Jackie must learn along the way all terms nautical and sailing, she does a fine job of it at that.
In 1998 they set sail and the adventure begins. I was in a state of awe throughout the entire book.
The exotic ports they were able to anchorage at conjured up wonderful visual in my head.
There were several hair raising moments on this 8 year adventure but that just made the book all the more exciting.
I thoroughly enjoyed the flow of the writing and was pleased how the timeline was laid out, no jumping all over the place.
Of Foreign Build is a thoroughly enjoyable read and a hearty arm chair adventure.
I look forward to reading more of this authors books.
Read
July 18, 2018Thoroughly enjoyed reading. laughs, excitement, adventure, sadness. Jackie really feels like you are on the fair ground ride with them at times. Having been sailing with family many years ago, some of their escapades resonated with similar experiences but in a much smaller level.
December 27, 2014
With reluctance I turned the last page of Jackie Parry’s “Of Foreign Build”. I now feel compelled to write a review – why? Because this journey has dispelled my misconceptions of the word memoire. My previous imaginings - a book crammed full of factual writing and devoid of character and emotions.
From the first page my preconceived concerns of drifting thoughts and broken concentration disappeared and I found myself caught up in the tragedy and triumphs of Jackie’s adventures. Jackie transported me to palm fringed islands, wild unforgiving sea’s and a world full of magic and music. She introduced me to the real character of the people she met, and her descriptions painted pictures of the colourful landscapes she visited. Her unique style provided me with laughter and tears and her ability to be critical of her own personal shortcomings and emotional struggles kept me wanting to turn another page.
Not only did “Of Foreign Build” provide entertainment it also gave me a window through which I could view this special and sometimes lonely way of life. Touched by tragedy and re-evaluating her life a little bit of Jackie is in all of us.
Even for die hard lovers of fiction this story has much to offer. It is escapism at its best. A sympathetic look at Jackie’s own personal relationships and emotions under the most trying of circumstances and a celebration of her journey to find herself. I would highly recommend “Of Foreign Build” and look forward to reading more from this talented and interesting author.
June 5, 2015
Of Foreign Build is a good read for people interested in learning more about what it is like to sail around the world as a novice and to get a ‘behind the scenes’ insight into sailing communities and the different types of people yachting attracts. It would especially hold the interest of anyone with a sailing background, as the book is quite technical and has a strong focus on the practical aspects of boat maintenance, dealing with authorities in different countries and the day-to-day routines of sailing life. I certainly picked up some useful hints about what vegetables keep for a long time (I am traveling at present) and I enjoyed discovering what it is truly like to live in such a confined space for a long period of time. I don't think I could do it! I also enjoyed hearing about the different people the author met during her travels and their own stories of adventure and supporting one another during tough times at sea. My favourite part was the author’s description of her time with the orangutans in Borneo. Her voice came alive at that point in the story and it was clear how much that experience meant to the author. Because of that, the orangutans encounter read beautifully and left an impression with me that still lingers.
This book would definitely appeal to readers who enjoy diary-style accounts of adventure travel and/or sailing. If that is you, then definitely give this book a read and enjoy.
This book would definitely appeal to readers who enjoy diary-style accounts of adventure travel and/or sailing. If that is you, then definitely give this book a read and enjoy.
December 14, 2014
It takes a certain type of courage to leave behind the familiar, travel to the other side of the world and embark on a totally new lifestyle. Following a tragic bereavement this is exactly what Jackie Parry did. The result? An adventure on the high seas that tested her physical and emotional strength to the limit!
This extremely well-written book takes the reader on Jackie’s personal journey where she grows both as a person and a sailor. The fabulous descriptions transport you to the wonderful (and not so wonderful) parts of the world on her day to day travels. Peppered with humour and tragedy this book will make you laugh out loud one minute and cry the next. I would recommend this book to readers of both fiction and non-fiction. In fact if Jackie Parry decided to write fiction I’ve no doubt that her books would be best-sellers!
This extremely well-written book takes the reader on Jackie’s personal journey where she grows both as a person and a sailor. The fabulous descriptions transport you to the wonderful (and not so wonderful) parts of the world on her day to day travels. Peppered with humour and tragedy this book will make you laugh out loud one minute and cry the next. I would recommend this book to readers of both fiction and non-fiction. In fact if Jackie Parry decided to write fiction I’ve no doubt that her books would be best-sellers!
November 26, 2014
Tragedy affects people very differently. Some might go off the rails, others might join a convent, Jackie Parry decided to up sticks and travel to the other side of the world, change her life and circumnavigate the globe, despite never having sailed before. I'm a fiction fan normally, but there is enough adventure in this book to keep even the most hardened adrenaline junky turning pages. Travelogues should transport you as a reader and this book certainly does that. The good times in exotic ports contrast starkly with the dangers of being on a small boat on a very big sea with all the gut churning that can bring. But behind all that is Jackie's search for herself which brings a very human touch to this memoir
March 22, 2015
Enjoyable trip around the world
Really enjoyed reading Jackie and Noel's story. I'll likely never experience circumnavigating the world on a sailing vessel, and I was able to vicariously participate in their adventures as I read. The author has an easy conversational style, and the story moves along quickly with many interesting events and a number of harrowing experiences. I enjoyed the mundane details of life at sea and the descriptions of various cultural differences. At times the narrative shifted abruptly and I found it hard to follow. And there were a few typos missed in the editing process, but all in all a great read, highly recommended especially if you love travel.
Really enjoyed reading Jackie and Noel's story. I'll likely never experience circumnavigating the world on a sailing vessel, and I was able to vicariously participate in their adventures as I read. The author has an easy conversational style, and the story moves along quickly with many interesting events and a number of harrowing experiences. I enjoyed the mundane details of life at sea and the descriptions of various cultural differences. At times the narrative shifted abruptly and I found it hard to follow. And there were a few typos missed in the editing process, but all in all a great read, highly recommended especially if you love travel.
June 3, 2015
First of all, I liked to thank Jackie Parry for sending me her book and sharing her story with me. 9 years of adventure. I know that the pages were to short to tell everything...this book is a memento for the writer and a mirror of what she was and what she became.
Jacke is a very strong women who should be very proud of what she was capable of. Her adventure and memories are funny to read.
It was good to read about sailing and about other cultures and to see their great photos of their trip as well.
This journey sure was a life changing experience.
Follow your dreams and never give up this is what Jackie and Noel thaught me through their book and adventures.
Jacke is a very strong women who should be very proud of what she was capable of. Her adventure and memories are funny to read.
It was good to read about sailing and about other cultures and to see their great photos of their trip as well.
This journey sure was a life changing experience.
Follow your dreams and never give up this is what Jackie and Noel thaught me through their book and adventures.
November 30, 2014
I loved this book! It is so well written each page draws you in more and more. The writing style is full of energy.
From devastation to new love and adventures, you will feel like you are right there with Jackie. I spent many years sailing around the world so I truly enjoyed the travel stories however, you do not need to be a seasoned traveler to enjoy this book! Very relatable characters.
Highly recommended read.
From devastation to new love and adventures, you will feel like you are right there with Jackie. I spent many years sailing around the world so I truly enjoyed the travel stories however, you do not need to be a seasoned traveler to enjoy this book! Very relatable characters.
Highly recommended read.
November 27, 2014
Of Foreign Build is a particularly enjoyable read. It covers the whole gamut of emotions without ever becoming maudlin or excessive in anyway. I could never wait till the next opportunity presented itself to pick up this book and continue reading. Alas it was over all too soon. Lorna Allen
March 15, 2015
If you like circumnavigation tales this one will please you. Beautiful descriptions of places, people and emotions fill the sails of this book. It is a true account of growth and adventure. I liked this book.
January 20, 2015
Just a bit long and with a few English and/or Australian references that escaped my American understanding. Still, an interesting read.
August 8, 2022
Of Foreign Build is a memoir that entertained me from the beginning until the end. The author talks about sailing experiences and shoreside adventures with her husband as well as her personal transition and feelings. Sailing knowledge is sprinkled throughout the narrative as she gains confidence about her new lifestyle. My favorite parts were her wildlife encounters while she sailed around the world.
I applaud Jackie’s learning curve, increased happiness, and sense of belonging as the story progresses. It was satisfying to read she stood her ground in several situations, sticking to her principles and self-worth. Learning about the love and support she receives from her family was heartwarming and I totally respect her determination to get things done and reach the next frontier, as well as the fact that the couple sailed without a fridge for so long. Yet, I shivered each time she endured terrible bouts of seasickness or encountered nasty weather.
The main reason why I enjoyed this book so much is personal. Jackie’s circumnavigation brought back memories, especially about the San Blas Island in Panama and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, and made me feel connected to her, like a kindred spirit, because her personality traits, passions, priorities, and thought processes are very similar to mine.
I applaud Jackie’s learning curve, increased happiness, and sense of belonging as the story progresses. It was satisfying to read she stood her ground in several situations, sticking to her principles and self-worth. Learning about the love and support she receives from her family was heartwarming and I totally respect her determination to get things done and reach the next frontier, as well as the fact that the couple sailed without a fridge for so long. Yet, I shivered each time she endured terrible bouts of seasickness or encountered nasty weather.
The main reason why I enjoyed this book so much is personal. Jackie’s circumnavigation brought back memories, especially about the San Blas Island in Panama and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador, and made me feel connected to her, like a kindred spirit, because her personality traits, passions, priorities, and thought processes are very similar to mine.
December 29, 2017
A love lost and then wow a whole new adventure and new love happens - brave, funny, scary - incredibly ballsy - I really liked this memoir - as well as everything else Jackie Parry takes us on a journey - circumnavigating the globe, which for the author means 'learning on the job' for the most part - inpsiring.
February 20, 2018
Delightful
Wonderful mix of sailing and personal stories, as we follow along as the writer/sailor earns her chops as each. As a sailor, I enjoyed the vicarious time on the water and in the distant destinations; as the father of a spirited daughter, I applauded and cheered when an obstacle was faced and overcome. Well done, J&N.
Wonderful mix of sailing and personal stories, as we follow along as the writer/sailor earns her chops as each. As a sailor, I enjoyed the vicarious time on the water and in the distant destinations; as the father of a spirited daughter, I applauded and cheered when an obstacle was faced and overcome. Well done, J&N.
August 6, 2019
Wonderful Travel, Circumnavigation
Jackie Perry and Noel give a wonderful account of their sailing vessel Wander II and circumnavigating the world starting from Australia.
Jackie’s writing is superb without too much sailing / boat jargon so that laymen can enjoy their adventure and not be intimidated.
Jackie Perry and Noel give a wonderful account of their sailing vessel Wander II and circumnavigating the world starting from Australia.
Jackie’s writing is superb without too much sailing / boat jargon so that laymen can enjoy their adventure and not be intimidated.
February 23, 2018
Unusual And Exciting Circumnavigation
Another fascinating book from Jackie. Their circumnavigation was unlike most, which made it even more exciting to read. I look forward to following their adventures.
Another fascinating book from Jackie. Their circumnavigation was unlike most, which made it even more exciting to read. I look forward to following their adventures.
May 2, 2019
Excellent book
What an awesome work. Thank you for writing such an inspiring book. Your journey in both sailing and writing has been both a pleasure to read and a useful reference for our own adventures. Fair winds.
What an awesome work. Thank you for writing such an inspiring book. Your journey in both sailing and writing has been both a pleasure to read and a useful reference for our own adventures. Fair winds.
December 17, 2017
Motivational story
Great read for anyone interested in life on a boat, travel and an insight into the cruising life style. Thanks...
Great read for anyone interested in life on a boat, travel and an insight into the cruising life style. Thanks...
May 14, 2018
Interesting read
A good and interesting read about a couple sailing round the world. Recommend it to all armchair adventurers like myself.
A good and interesting read about a couple sailing round the world. Recommend it to all armchair adventurers like myself.
February 13, 2019
Such a personal journey of discovery, watching her blossom was a powerful and intriguing insight into the human experience!
Written with heart, what a wonderful book!
Written with heart, what a wonderful book!
June 11, 2016
It is always interesting to read how a person deals with the hardship of an unexpected death of a spouse or child. This is not why I chose to read this book, but I wanted to mention this point in my review and state that the method the author chose may be the best method. Whether one calls it running or moving on, I think is indifferent, so long as the results are something similar to what the author has obtained. She has made a life for herself and it appears to be a happy and rewarding one free of misery and depression.
Why I read the book is because every chance I get to read a story about a circumnavigation, I try not to pass it up. While the rounding of the globe happened prior to 2006, I still think there are many lessons learned I might use ten years later. Obviously with the creation of the Arab spring and ISIS, traveling through the Red Sea in order to gain access to the Mediterranean might be a thing of the past, at least for the near future, but accounts of other places visited in the world are very useful. I especially enjoyed reading the section pertaining to the navigation of the canals through France, from north to south, to enter the English channel. Another interesting section was the traversing of the great loop through North America.
If you pick this book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did,
Russ.
Why I read the book is because every chance I get to read a story about a circumnavigation, I try not to pass it up. While the rounding of the globe happened prior to 2006, I still think there are many lessons learned I might use ten years later. Obviously with the creation of the Arab spring and ISIS, traveling through the Red Sea in order to gain access to the Mediterranean might be a thing of the past, at least for the near future, but accounts of other places visited in the world are very useful. I especially enjoyed reading the section pertaining to the navigation of the canals through France, from north to south, to enter the English channel. Another interesting section was the traversing of the great loop through North America.
If you pick this book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did,
Russ.
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