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Catamaran Crossing: A Sailing Adventure from La Coruña to Antigua
2020: The 1st Place Winner in the PenCraft Awards for Non-fiction, in the Travel Adventure category.
2021: Silver Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite also in the Adventure genre.
It all starts with a simple plan. Take a three-week vacation in the summer. Fly to the Canary Islands, meet up with friends and help sail their new catamaran across the Atlantic. As it turns out, the vacation needs to be extended. Meeting up with friends is not so simple and the last part of the plan…
The story follows the tried-and-true monomyth plot structure. In the departure part of the narrative, the protagonist lives in his ordinary world and receives an invitation to go on a long distance sailing trip. At first he is reluctant, but a friend and mentor persuade him to go for it.
The initiation section begins when he arrives in the Canary Islands, where he faces tasks and trials. Later when far offshore, he reaches the central crisis of his adventure—the storm—where he and his friends are pushed to their limits. For days, they sail through the storm and later are rewarded with perfect weather conditions as they make their passage across the mid-Atlantic. The protagonist then returns home with a greater appreciation of his ordinary world.
Written by an author with undoubted credentials, the intriguing tale offers interesting tidbits along the way. The book's foreword is a fitting endorsement written by renowned boat designer John Shuttleworth, an expert in the field.
2021: Silver Medal Award from Readers’ Favorite also in the Adventure genre.
It all starts with a simple plan. Take a three-week vacation in the summer. Fly to the Canary Islands, meet up with friends and help sail their new catamaran across the Atlantic. As it turns out, the vacation needs to be extended. Meeting up with friends is not so simple and the last part of the plan…
The story follows the tried-and-true monomyth plot structure. In the departure part of the narrative, the protagonist lives in his ordinary world and receives an invitation to go on a long distance sailing trip. At first he is reluctant, but a friend and mentor persuade him to go for it.
The initiation section begins when he arrives in the Canary Islands, where he faces tasks and trials. Later when far offshore, he reaches the central crisis of his adventure—the storm—where he and his friends are pushed to their limits. For days, they sail through the storm and later are rewarded with perfect weather conditions as they make their passage across the mid-Atlantic. The protagonist then returns home with a greater appreciation of his ordinary world.
Written by an author with undoubted credentials, the intriguing tale offers interesting tidbits along the way. The book's foreword is a fitting endorsement written by renowned boat designer John Shuttleworth, an expert in the field.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 8, 2020
I really enjoyed my time reading this book. I actually took my time reading it because I didn’t want it to end. It was a comfort read for me and I found it very tranquil and informative. The author has a true talent for writing! The way the book was written made me feel like I was actually there. Like I could see and feel everything that was happening. I genuinely felt like part of the crew! I also loved to see all the different wildlife he encountered and I really enjoyed the other characters in the book as well. I actually would have liked to get to know them a little better, even! I think this is I short, fun, informative read. Anyone who has an interest in sailing or likes the idea of being on sea would really enjoy this! This was my first memoir and I’m so glad that it was.:)
February 26, 2020
This short, enjoyable memoir is a real gem. Written with clear quality by an author with undoubted credentials to do so, we get to join Doug and his experienced sailor friends, crossing the Atlantic from the Canaries to Antigua, on their custom-built catamaran in the 1980s. They are blessed for the first part of the journey to be joined by renowned boat designer John Shuttleworth, an expert in the field, who also writes a very welcome foreword to this book. At times utterly tense, sometimes tranquil as paradise, and on other occasions tediously drifting in the doldrums, this intrepid group braved some of the ocean’s worst elements, to complete their mission in sixteen days. The vast majority of us will never undertake such a task, and it is a real eye-opener to see the preparation, cost and execution of such a voyage.
Whilst their quest is not one I would personally wish to undertake in a million years, the lifestyle of this group is an enviable one. On both sides of their journey there is food, drink and climate which make it all worthwhile. And, of course, a real sense of camaraderie, relief and glory at the end of it. They are professionals, sure, but theirs is not an achievement exclusively available to the mega-rich, nor of athletes at the very top of their game; it is a journal of proof, of what people can achieve if they are determined, dedicated and brave enough to do it – I find it extremely easy to admire and respect such people. This group makes it look so easy and safe (which I am sure it is not) that the only fear you start to feel for them is that they might get sunburnt on one of their lazier moments, fishing in the tropic of cancer on a mirror-like sea; they tackle the twenty-foot waves of the terrifying storm with the same enthusiasm and glee as a football game, and that is encouraging.
This book is well written and Doug is a quality author. Whether or not you have an interest in sailing, or memoirs, or non-fiction generally, there will be something to take away from Catamaran Crossing; I read the whole book in one sitting, and an enjoyable one it was, too. Informative and educational, it is only fitting that this is as good a quality of penmanship that you will see on the subject; and, the endorsement of John Shuttleworth is as good a reference as any.
Whilst their quest is not one I would personally wish to undertake in a million years, the lifestyle of this group is an enviable one. On both sides of their journey there is food, drink and climate which make it all worthwhile. And, of course, a real sense of camaraderie, relief and glory at the end of it. They are professionals, sure, but theirs is not an achievement exclusively available to the mega-rich, nor of athletes at the very top of their game; it is a journal of proof, of what people can achieve if they are determined, dedicated and brave enough to do it – I find it extremely easy to admire and respect such people. This group makes it look so easy and safe (which I am sure it is not) that the only fear you start to feel for them is that they might get sunburnt on one of their lazier moments, fishing in the tropic of cancer on a mirror-like sea; they tackle the twenty-foot waves of the terrifying storm with the same enthusiasm and glee as a football game, and that is encouraging.
This book is well written and Doug is a quality author. Whether or not you have an interest in sailing, or memoirs, or non-fiction generally, there will be something to take away from Catamaran Crossing; I read the whole book in one sitting, and an enjoyable one it was, too. Informative and educational, it is only fitting that this is as good a quality of penmanship that you will see on the subject; and, the endorsement of John Shuttleworth is as good a reference as any.
April 30, 2020
If the opportunity of a lifetime knocked on your door, would you answer? Fricke did and it resulted in this quick read, gem of a book about a group of four experienced sailors taking a newly-built catamaran from the Canary Islands across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. Of course, there is adventure, but there are also languid days of sun-soaked sailing on calm seas with close friends. The author writes well, the book feels more like a friend telling you a long story over a couple of beers one night, very enjoyable. I loved living vicariously through the tale. And now I really want to sit on a catamaran in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by nothing but dark water and sky, and look up at the shining stars just once in my life. Cheers to a good book!
February 23, 2021
Doug Fricke takes on an adventure at sea and shows us that not all sailing is smooth in Catamaran Crossing! At the invitation of his friends, our protagonist flies to the Canary Islands to sail across the Atlantic Ocean. But when they encounter a storm, their lighthearted adventure becomes a harrowing one. Having sailed the Atlantic myself, I really loved how beautifully Fricke brought the adventure of the open sea back to life for me! This book was thrilling, deep, and just plain fun (similar to the ocean itself)! If you love sailing or real life travel adventures, definitely hoist the mainsheet and set out with Catamaran Crossing!
October 19, 2020
Crossing an ocean with a sailing boat is a great adventure. Doug’s book Catamaran Crossing is a vivid story about an Atlantic crossing in the year 1986. While some things for sure changed since then - we have now way more accurate satellite navigation and equipment like AIS and Iridium - the fundamental challenges and experiences are quite similar. I quite liked his description of the day-to-day routine and crew spirit during the crossing and how he managed to take the opportunity to participate despite his tight work schedule. Still, I think it isn’t easy to make such a trip on a tight schedule... fortunately I had more time allocated for our Atlantic crossing and to enjoy the Caribbean. One friend of mine once said “A sailor with time always has good weather” and I think there is some truth in it.
The book is informative, well written and easy to read. It takes you onboard with a sympathetic crew. It is almost like a friend tells you the story of this adventure. Although I don’t really share the general conclusion of the Toucan crew ‘not to sail across the ocean again’ (as for me it is a great thing!) I would recommend this book not only for sailors but everyone who is interested in adventure, the sea and outdoor fun! Take the opportunity to read this book and get inspired for your own adventures!
The book is informative, well written and easy to read. It takes you onboard with a sympathetic crew. It is almost like a friend tells you the story of this adventure. Although I don’t really share the general conclusion of the Toucan crew ‘not to sail across the ocean again’ (as for me it is a great thing!) I would recommend this book not only for sailors but everyone who is interested in adventure, the sea and outdoor fun! Take the opportunity to read this book and get inspired for your own adventures!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2020
The allure of the sea has always called to humankind, and Douglas Carl Fricke certainly answered that call.
Fricke has written a wonderful firsthand accounting of his catamaran crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. The spirit of adventure, the camaraderie of the crew, and the bravery shown by all onboard would have made Thor Heyerdahl smile. I soon learned that facing down the ocean in a small craft, with no land in sight, takes a special kind of person.
The writing style and pacing kept the story flowing even when more in-depth sailing information was addressed. And the author’s gift for describing his world with but a few well-chosen words, made the people and places around him come alive. I especially enjoyed reading about the first mate, Joni. Adept in the galley or at the helm, she kept their bellies full regardless of the rolling waves or what was available in the larder.
This nonfiction read is set in 1986 with the mention of songs, books, and the social culture of the 70’s and 80’s nicely sprinkled in around the sailing lingo. I also found the historical references, and the chapter quotes of interest.
If you’d like to learn what sailing is really like, you’re sure to enjoy this adventure of the high seas.
Fricke has written a wonderful firsthand accounting of his catamaran crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. The spirit of adventure, the camaraderie of the crew, and the bravery shown by all onboard would have made Thor Heyerdahl smile. I soon learned that facing down the ocean in a small craft, with no land in sight, takes a special kind of person.
The writing style and pacing kept the story flowing even when more in-depth sailing information was addressed. And the author’s gift for describing his world with but a few well-chosen words, made the people and places around him come alive. I especially enjoyed reading about the first mate, Joni. Adept in the galley or at the helm, she kept their bellies full regardless of the rolling waves or what was available in the larder.
This nonfiction read is set in 1986 with the mention of songs, books, and the social culture of the 70’s and 80’s nicely sprinkled in around the sailing lingo. I also found the historical references, and the chapter quotes of interest.
If you’d like to learn what sailing is really like, you’re sure to enjoy this adventure of the high seas.
September 1, 2020
An excellent sailing read!
The story of sailing a brand new catamaran sailboat from Spain to Antigua. The author writes in an easy and casual voice that helps carry the story along, and is befitting the pace of the trip, the collection of friends also on the boat, and the savory descriptions of the food eaten on the trip. A multi-day storm encountered between Spain and the Canary Islands added adrenaline and danger, reminding the reader that even in modern times, crossing the Atlantic is still a serious endeavor. My only minor quibble is that there should be a sketch or two of the boat layout to accompany the sections describing the boat. But that is minor. I enjoyed this book immensely!
The story of sailing a brand new catamaran sailboat from Spain to Antigua. The author writes in an easy and casual voice that helps carry the story along, and is befitting the pace of the trip, the collection of friends also on the boat, and the savory descriptions of the food eaten on the trip. A multi-day storm encountered between Spain and the Canary Islands added adrenaline and danger, reminding the reader that even in modern times, crossing the Atlantic is still a serious endeavor. My only minor quibble is that there should be a sketch or two of the boat layout to accompany the sections describing the boat. But that is minor. I enjoyed this book immensely!
July 16, 2020
You don’t need to be a sailor to enjoy this book...
...although you’ll undoubtedly learn some things about the sport along the way. Sailing (real sailing as is described in this book) as it turns out however, is far more than just sport: it’s an art, a discipline, a lifestyle, and a striking metaphor for a number of things, freedom among them.
The short memoir gives the reader a glimpse into a three week slice of author’s life when he helped crew a 42-foot catamaran named Toucan across the Atlantic Ocean. An accomplished, very knowledgeable sailor himself, Fricke’s writing style is crisp, and the narrative is interesting and easy to follow. Fricke has mastered the “show don’t tell” art of storytelling. Through his detailed stories he paints a realistic picture of the kind of adventure most of us will never have.
His descriptions of sailing for days through a storm, the disorienting doldrums, and mechanical problems are told without unnecessary over-dramatization and the result is a credible, very engrossing book that I highly recommend.
...although you’ll undoubtedly learn some things about the sport along the way. Sailing (real sailing as is described in this book) as it turns out however, is far more than just sport: it’s an art, a discipline, a lifestyle, and a striking metaphor for a number of things, freedom among them.
The short memoir gives the reader a glimpse into a three week slice of author’s life when he helped crew a 42-foot catamaran named Toucan across the Atlantic Ocean. An accomplished, very knowledgeable sailor himself, Fricke’s writing style is crisp, and the narrative is interesting and easy to follow. Fricke has mastered the “show don’t tell” art of storytelling. Through his detailed stories he paints a realistic picture of the kind of adventure most of us will never have.
His descriptions of sailing for days through a storm, the disorienting doldrums, and mechanical problems are told without unnecessary over-dramatization and the result is a credible, very engrossing book that I highly recommend.
August 12, 2020
Like most of the sailing memoirs I've read over the years, Douglas Fricke's Catamaran Crossing is a slight yet pleasant enough tale, in which we watch our protagonist and his friends slowly travel from the coast of Spain over to the Caribbean islands, having the kinds of minimalist adventures that you would expect one to have under those circumstances. It's a languid story, told with competent but pedestrian prose, with highs and lows that aren't so much peaks as they are gentle rolling waves, sort of the literary equivalent of getting quietly drunk on a Key West beach while listening to a Jimmy Buffett album. I'm assuming that this was Fricke's whole point, so in this the book is quite successful, although your own results may vary depending on how much you too like drinking pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.
May 9, 2020
I gave this rating because I enjoyed the book. It was well-written and informative. It was an experience to learn about sailing and boats. I also liked the fact that it is based a true story. I appreciated the friendships and the adventure of it all. The scenes with the fish and birds were fun. I respected the characters' passion and love for sailing. Their knowledge was impressive as well. I recommend this book for anyone who loves sailing and boats.
July 28, 2020
Perfect visuals, a quick casual read that would delight sailors (probably) and non-sailors alike! I very much enjoyed reading this novella from Doug Fricke. The story is a memoir of a journey across the Atlantic in a Catamaran, the first leg enduring a storm in a boat designed for two rudders, but only having one. It’s an adventure and a slice of life, and a delight to read from beginning to end. I can’t recommend it more!
January 8, 2021
Wonderful book!
May 12, 2020
An adventure story both informative and entertaining.
So it calls itself from the start... and so it is if in loose terms.
I'll give it that it's informative in that in a real retelling sort of way it drops parts of ships and what they do as they are doing them. The same with sailing terminology being mentioned. However it does occasionally go beyond that like in one of the most insightful bits: “Starboard is on the right side, facing forward. Where'd that word come from? he asks. It comes from the Old English steorbord. Ancient boat builders fastened the steering oar or paddle on the right side of the vessel. Probably because more people are right-handed...Exactly. The captain would dock with the other side against the wharf and it became known as the port side.” So overall I think it's fair to call it informative.
This is a retelling of a sailing trip from La Coruña to the Canaries in the summer of 1986 as introduced by the man who designed the ship. Who also claims that he really got on with the others who were going to be on the trip, and that they all shared a zany sense of humor knowing they were in for a fun social time as well as an adventure.
I'd contest both parts if in different measure. First the zany sense of humor which I think should be reflected in this book as the author is included in that description. By contesting this point I'm not saying that this isn't funny, simply more that sometimes the humor is: “Knock, knock. Who's there? Opportunity of a lifetime. Can't be, opportunity doesn't knock twice.” While other times it's more: “So, let's each summarize in three words of less. Summarize what, the meaning of life?...Yeah, like 'do unto others,' 'know yourself,' 'follow your bliss,' 'be here now.'...The Englishman summarizes his version in two words: go sailing.” Zany? Meh. It's not so unconventional humor in my opinion.
Second, let's talk about the “adventure.” When it comes to a book that world conjures images of jungles, wild beasts, aliens chasing you or destroying mythical rings, depending on the genre. But this isn't fiction, it's based on real life. In real life I think many of use *would *use the word adventure if we decided to get on a ship and go sailing... if we didn't know how or do so regularly. And that's where I have a bit of a problem calling this and 'adventure' because these aren't novices these are people who sail and sure if the location is new that qualifies as “adventure” but I think why I have a gripe is that this is easy to call a quiet retelling of a trip. It's not really a page turner, no one died, the ship didn't sink (though the rudder sure had a bad habit) and the worst they faced was a storm. It's tame and so calling it an 'adventure' to me is just overselling it.
And that brings me to why I only rate this three stars. It was bland. I don't care all that much about a trip where not much happened, if I *were on* the trip then I probably could enjoy it but as a read it just didn't do much for me. That said I did debate for a while on rating it higher, because after all **it does deliver** on exactly what it promises and for a nonfiction that should be enough to get five stars. However I couldn't leave my own subjective view unaccounted for. This just isn't my cup of tea. Like at all. Which is why I compromised by giving it the middling score when by enjoyment alone it would get zero.
I would recommend this to those who love sailing and/or 'slice of life' traveling retellings but to anyone else I would caution that this doesn't stray from what the title and blurb forewarns. When the goal is clearly stated as: “...to offer insights to sailors planning to venture far offshore” i.e. don't go expecting anything but a 'we went from here to here while doing this and this 'or you're going to be disappointed.
So it calls itself from the start... and so it is if in loose terms.
I'll give it that it's informative in that in a real retelling sort of way it drops parts of ships and what they do as they are doing them. The same with sailing terminology being mentioned. However it does occasionally go beyond that like in one of the most insightful bits: “Starboard is on the right side, facing forward. Where'd that word come from? he asks. It comes from the Old English steorbord. Ancient boat builders fastened the steering oar or paddle on the right side of the vessel. Probably because more people are right-handed...Exactly. The captain would dock with the other side against the wharf and it became known as the port side.” So overall I think it's fair to call it informative.
This is a retelling of a sailing trip from La Coruña to the Canaries in the summer of 1986 as introduced by the man who designed the ship. Who also claims that he really got on with the others who were going to be on the trip, and that they all shared a zany sense of humor knowing they were in for a fun social time as well as an adventure.
I'd contest both parts if in different measure. First the zany sense of humor which I think should be reflected in this book as the author is included in that description. By contesting this point I'm not saying that this isn't funny, simply more that sometimes the humor is: “Knock, knock. Who's there? Opportunity of a lifetime. Can't be, opportunity doesn't knock twice.” While other times it's more: “So, let's each summarize in three words of less. Summarize what, the meaning of life?...Yeah, like 'do unto others,' 'know yourself,' 'follow your bliss,' 'be here now.'...The Englishman summarizes his version in two words: go sailing.” Zany? Meh. It's not so unconventional humor in my opinion.
Second, let's talk about the “adventure.” When it comes to a book that world conjures images of jungles, wild beasts, aliens chasing you or destroying mythical rings, depending on the genre. But this isn't fiction, it's based on real life. In real life I think many of use *would *use the word adventure if we decided to get on a ship and go sailing... if we didn't know how or do so regularly. And that's where I have a bit of a problem calling this and 'adventure' because these aren't novices these are people who sail and sure if the location is new that qualifies as “adventure” but I think why I have a gripe is that this is easy to call a quiet retelling of a trip. It's not really a page turner, no one died, the ship didn't sink (though the rudder sure had a bad habit) and the worst they faced was a storm. It's tame and so calling it an 'adventure' to me is just overselling it.
And that brings me to why I only rate this three stars. It was bland. I don't care all that much about a trip where not much happened, if I *were on* the trip then I probably could enjoy it but as a read it just didn't do much for me. That said I did debate for a while on rating it higher, because after all **it does deliver** on exactly what it promises and for a nonfiction that should be enough to get five stars. However I couldn't leave my own subjective view unaccounted for. This just isn't my cup of tea. Like at all. Which is why I compromised by giving it the middling score when by enjoyment alone it would get zero.
I would recommend this to those who love sailing and/or 'slice of life' traveling retellings but to anyone else I would caution that this doesn't stray from what the title and blurb forewarns. When the goal is clearly stated as: “...to offer insights to sailors planning to venture far offshore” i.e. don't go expecting anything but a 'we went from here to here while doing this and this 'or you're going to be disappointed.
April 16, 2020
While being quarantined, nothing better to read a story about traveling during this time when you cannot travel. The yacht, the 80 degree weather, the ocean water, the ocean breeze over the indian ocean and the west indian party lifestyle. There is also alot of descriptive mention about the ocean creatures like fish and octopus. The canary islands and bodega chapter was full of plot twists. If you are not a navy seal or someone familiar with the locations and terms of a yacht or sailboat dont worry its not really that necessary to follow along in the story book. Towards the middle and end of the book you start to wonder who is going to make it back to shore alive in the book and who will be shipped off the boat. Great 167 page read.
December 19, 2020
What a lovely book. The story tells the tale of a sailor who meets a group of friends who traveled to England to pick up a new sailing boat then documents their adventure sailing it back to Florida across the Atlantic Ocean. I really liked the descriptions of places along the way, the animal and birdlife they encountered, and the degree of knowledge required to accomplish such a task. A nice read.
December 27, 2022
This was a relaxing read with enough technical material to give it authenticity and enough story to hold interest.
March 5, 2023
This little book is a great read, one that you can sit in the backyard and read without any worries of getting seasick.Frickle shares his story in a manner that takes his readers alon. I love his style as l felt like l was on the boat though l am sure hat if l had started the trip l may have bailed out!
Don’t be afraid to step out of your. Come zone and sail this voyage.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your. Come zone and sail this voyage.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews