Sailing South 'til the Butter Melts

by Lecain W. Smith

Most cats don't dream about sailing around the world. Neither did Chowder. But in the 1990's, she somewhat reluctantly joined her caregivers, Captain Lee and mate Sheila, on a voyage that lasted six years, covering over 45,000 miles while visiting foreign lands and remote paradise islands. In this first of three books based on her true life sea adventure, Chowder reveals how she left her home on land and got her sea legs onboard a forty-three foot sailboat that Lee had built. While they sail down the west coast of the Americas to the enchanted islands of the Galapagos, she shares how she handles each experience and adapts to the variety of situations that occur during her first two years at sea. Her apprehension turns into a sense of curiosity and wonder as she is transformed into a global sea cat by the challenges of rolling seas, lightning, storms, sharks, wild jungle animals, and the dangers of pirates. Yet, she also purrs about the pleasure of eating fresh fish, playing with birds, listening to singing parrots, watching dancing dolphins or spouting whales, and being with friendly folks from many cultures. She loves to give the readers the inside scoop on life aboard a cruising yacht. Come sail away with her!

158 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2021

About the author

LeCain W. Smith, known to his friends as Captain Lee, was born near the ocean on the coast of Maine and was called to the sea early in life. Over the years different sailboats took him on many nautical adventures, and on most every voyage, he had a cat as a companion. With time, his skills came to include teaching sailing and navigation, boatbuilding, boat deliveries, yacht surveying, acting as a harbormaster, and chartering boats as a licensed captain. In addition, he wrote several non-fiction books with nautical, historical, and health-related themes.
While living in Port Townsend, Washington, during the 1980’s he spent five years building a forty-three foot ketch and then completed a six-year voyage around the world. In company with his mate Sheila and trusted sea cat Chowder, this extensive exploration took them through many remote islands of paradise and exotic parts of the world.
When it was over, Chowder felt that all their adventures were definitely worth sharing. Since LeCain had produced Far Away, a documentary video about the South Pacific part of their voyage, Chowder decided to tell her own version of the complete story with a trilogy of books, starting with this one: Sailing South ‘til the Butter Melts. The E-Book version of this book is to be released on April 3, 2021.

Reviews

[Books Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sailing South 'til the Butter Melts" is a charming and unique tale of a cat's remarkable journey around the world. Chowder, the feline adventurer, provides readers with an entertaining and insightful perspective on her life at sea. The book's narrative, encompassing six years and over 45,000 miles of travel, is an engaging and heartwarming account of her adventures alongside her caregivers, Captain Lee and mate Sheila.

Chowder's ability to adapt to the challenges of life on a sailboat is a delightful aspect of the story, and her curiosity and wonder in the face of new experiences are truly endearing. The book succeeds in painting a vivid picture of her life, from rolling seas and storms to encounters with fascinating wildlife and people from diverse cultures.

However, there are a few criticisms to consider. The pacing of the narrative can sometimes feel uneven, with certain parts moving swiftly and others more slowly. Additionally, the book might benefit from more vivid descriptions and imagery to truly transport readers into the exotic locations Chowder visits.

In conclusion, "Sailing South 'til the Butter Melts" is an enjoyable and heartwarming tale that showcases the incredible journey of a cat turned global sea traveler. Despite minor pacing and descriptive shortcomings, the book offers a unique and engaging perspective on life at sea and the world's wonders as seen through the eyes of a charming feline companion. It's a delightful and memorable read for both cat lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this may be a first for me .... reading a book from a cat's viewpoint.

Sailing South 'til the Butter Melts is written by LeCain W. Smith but it is told from the viewpoint of his cat Chowder. Chowder is "owned" by Lee and Sheila (I have owned in quotes because we know they own us) and they are on the first leg of their six-year trip sailing around the world. I know ... a cat on a sailboat!!!

The story first starts off with Chowder overseeing the building of the massive sailboat that will become their home for years. Before they move onto the boat Lee, being the good master that he is, puts Chowder through some tests to ensure that she will be able to move around the boat while it is sailing without any trouble.

Then once they are aboard and sailing, we will follow along as Chowder details the stops, the people, the sea animals, and more. She will provide little tidbits of their adventure and the places that they see. She will encounter lots of sea animals and birds, some she will like, others she vows to steer clear of.

Amazingly she will also provide stories of Lee and Sheila when they go on land at certain stops and the things they see and experience ... it will be like she is there with them.

Sailing South 'til the Butter Melts is the first of three books detailing their trip and I cannot wait to dive into the second book, Far Away Islands of Paradise. I hope that you will join them in their adventure as well.

[Down East From Away · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is good story. Only first third is released and I am eager for more. Likely an appropriate book for 5th through 9th graders. I don't think it needs to turn into a quasi-dictionary, and there are several sailing and nautical terms that I looked up.
Plenty of animals and nature. I'm glad Lee put the book in the voice of their on-board cat.
The actual round-the-world world voyage occured before GPS was a common tool, so the navigation was done the old-fashioned way. Lee has to be a good navigator.
Lee is a friend. I assure you he is also an enthusiastic writer.

[Robert Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun light-hearted travel story. I've never read a story told from the point of view of a cat and I enjoyed seeing the journey through that lens. This a good book for people who, like me, are interested in sailing, but don't know much about it. I plan to pick up the sequels. I need to know what happens to this adventurous cat, Chowder.

[Janelle Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures both scale and intimacy beautifully. While the world and events feel expansive, the emotional core remains grounded and personal. Relationships are handled with care, and the stakes feel real rather than manufactured. It’s clear the author respects the reader’s intelligence and trusts the story to speak for itself. A rewarding read that stays with you.

[Emily Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This installment shows real growth in both storytelling and character development. The pacing is confident, the scenes are vivid, and the dialogue feels natural rather than scripted. I found myself visualizing entire moments as if watching them unfold on screen. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in quietly and then refuses to let go until the final page.

[Teri Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific! Such an inspiring book, cannot wait for the next 2!!!
Thank You Captain Le!!!!