Moitessier - good?

[TimLamb]

I think I've now read most of the popular long distance cruising/circumnavigation sailing books, but one author I have yet to discover is Bernard Moitessier - are his books any good ? (I know he was into the mysticism thing and I want to read about sailing, not one man's ((an amazing man no doubt)) philosophy).

Thanks.

Tim

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[warrior40]

The best. enough said.

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[warrior40]

..' sunsets the colour of blood,... the colour of life..'

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[Sybarite]

Most of the best known French offshore sailors will say that he provided the inspiration for them to take up sailing. Read "The Long Route"

John

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[TimLamb]

Thanks - more posts may follow, but I've heard enough to give him a try.

Tim

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[craigbalsillie]

Did you mean "The Long Way" or "The Logical Route"..

I've just been looking on Amazon, as it sounds like it might be worth a read..
£10 on amazon too.. bargain..



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[Peppermint]

Re: Moitessier

Rare to find poetry & practicality in one package but this guy is it.

Redefined yacht tactics in heavy weather on open water.

One for the spartans though.

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[AndrewB]

If you want pure sailing without any of the mysticism, his first book 'Sailing To The Reefs' is the best. A new English edition was published about 5 years ago in paperback, so it should be available through specialist bookshops. Another book worth considering is "A Sea Vagabond's World: Boats and Sails, Distant Shores, Islands and Lagoons" a heavily edited version by William Rodamour of some of Moitessier's last writings (Sheridan House, 1998), which is a condensation of much life-style advice, not altogether practical but evocative and again with the mysticism well toned down.

I saw him in the flesh once. He ran an occasional sail training course in France in the 1980's that reflected his fascination with 'instinctive' navigation, ocean passages without any instruments, even a compass. The course was notoriously "back to basics" in other respects.

Moitessier was a fascinating character, living so recently, yet in a totally different world where the trade routes were largely free of yachts, yachtsmen could expect a full welcome and open-handed generosity wherever they showed up, and it was still possible to just land on a South Pacific island and set up home as one pleased. A world we yearn for, but have lost.

 

[Sybarite]

You're right. I read it in French where it is called "La Longue Route".

John

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[wayneA]

I agree with Andrew. I'd suggest starting with 'Sailing To The Reefs' which, as Andrew mentions, is less 'mystic' or philosophical. 'The long Way' - also very good - tends to be more philosophical than his other books, but hey he was on a boat alone for a long while, it can do that to a man.

Might I also suggest (If you haven't already read it) 'A Voyage for Madmen' by Peter Nichols which is excellent. A lot of Moitessier's history is covered by this book while charting the history of the first 'Golden Globe' race and IMHO is a good primer before reading Moitessier's work.

Cheers

Wayne

<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.</font size=1>

 

[craigbalsillie]

I wasn't trying to be a smart arse...
Just wanted to make sure I ordered the right one from amazon..

marci buckets..

(as you can see my franglais isn't the best)

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