Sailing into Solitude

helixkimara

helixkimara

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Just finished reading Val Howells book, "Sailing into Solitude". Very personal and interesting account of his experience in the "first" 1960 single handed ocean race. The "half crown bet" myth or fact, etc. The "Actual" involvement of Frances Chichester. The 9 months "after" the event it took to have the awards dinner compared to the next OSTAR in 1964 when the Frenchman Eric Tabarly won, he was flown immediately home and made King of France.

Please don't ask to borrow it cos, well , ya cant.


Malcome
 
Yes, a very good and informative book. Val Howells is, of course, the only surviving competitor from the 1960 race - alive and kicking in west Wales.
 
co256 said:
Thanks for the feedback Malcome.

Would you give it five stars "an absolute must read"?
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Hi
I think its certainly seems a different and very honest approach. Val bares all in his mental ups and downs throughout the voyage (and on his visit to Bermuda). As the event is of great interest to me, then I am so pleased it was pointed out on the “jester” web site. I would rate it as a 5 star book for ME. Also any other potential Jester Skippers.
 
There was a TV film made about his voyage which I saw as a teenager. I have tried to track down a copy but no luck.

I wrote to Val Howells a few years ago to ask if he knew where I could get one but he was unable to help. However he kindly sent me a copy of his book.

A gentleman (Val Howells, I mean!).
 
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oldvarnish said:
Yes, a very good and informative book. Val Howells is, of course, the only surviving competitor from the 1960 race - alive and kicking in west Wales.
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I wasn't sure about that but its good to hear "he" is "alive and kicking". I recall his date of birth, in the book was 1926
 
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