The Voyage Alone in the Yawl Rob Roy

The Mariners Library #24

by John MacGregor, Arthur Ransome (Editor)

Riveting tale of a 1,500-mile voyage on a 21-foot sailboat in 1867, undertaken in response to a "Boat Exhibition" and regatta staged by Napoleon III to encourage the youth of France to explore the rivers and streams of their native land. This rapturous account became known as "the book that launched a thousand ships."

214 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

John Rob Roy MacGregor was a Scottish philanthropist, explorer and travel writer.

Reviews

[SD Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable Book

This was the second book I have read from this author. Both are well written and enjoyable reads. If you like sailing and enjoy learning some of its history give this book a try.

[Dunya Dianne McPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am dipping in and out of this entertaining, warm-hearted nonfiction escape to another world. Written in 1846, MacGregor's book apparently set off a craze in solo sailing. His adventures are not solitary as he makes his way in Britain and France amongst the throng of other marine traffic of the era. However, we see how clearly tide, wind, coastline, and dodging other vessels require his continual attention and skill. I love his ink sketches of the boat's fittings. So relaxing.

[TheNavigator · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather old-fashioned, and could have done with more detail on the sailing, but enjoyable nonetheless. Long sections pontificating on religion I just skipped to try to find the next sailing bits. It's a pity that the free Kindle version I read seemed to have been scanned without the illustrations, which would have been useful. But, you get what you pay for, I suppose.