AntarcticPilot
Well-known member
I think it is worth remembering that Slocum's navigation was not like ours (remember his tin alarm clock - the only timepiece on the Spray?), and a slavish attention to keeping a course wasn't part of his methodology. As long as Spray was heading in generally the right direction, I doubt he would be much bothered what course she kept! He carried plenty of stores, so the length of a passage wasn't critical to him. Nor was his progress being checked by people on-shore - once he left a harbour, he was out of contact till he reached the next one.
And Slocum was a consummate sailor. I always recall the passage near the beginning of the book where he describes coming alongside the dock after what was pretty much his maiden voyage! Slocum modestly puts his success down to luck; but he was clearly a far better instinctive boat handler under sail than the majority of us.
And Slocum was a consummate sailor. I always recall the passage near the beginning of the book where he describes coming alongside the dock after what was pretty much his maiden voyage! Slocum modestly puts his success down to luck; but he was clearly a far better instinctive boat handler under sail than the majority of us.
