A Passion for the Sea

Publisher: Noonsite, £32
Publication Date: 2007

Most cruising yachtsmen will have heard of Jimmy Cornell, the founder and organizer of the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) but I wonder how many realize he was born Dragos Corneliu Cismasiu in Roumania in 1940. His father was imprisoned by the communists and Jimmy's childhood was very difficult but he seems to have been a great entrepreneur from an early age;his skills at making money and cultivating influential friends are recounted in the opening chapter. He first saw the sea on a state-run trip in 1949. His attempts to escape the regime make fascinating reading.His passion for the sea started when he was given an inflatable kayak and paddled down the Danube delta, living off the fishermen. He met his wife,Gwenda when she was touring but they had to wait 3 years for permission to marry and eventually he was able to emigrate to England. Here he bought a house in London and started work for the BBC joining their sailing club where he had his first taste of sailing. In 1974 he fitted out and launched his first boat "Aventura" and sailed round the world for 6 years with Gwenda and 2 children. In 1986 he set up the ARC,of which he organized 14 and to these he added many other rallies. The book is subtitled "Reflections on three circumnavigations" and is a clever combination of a cruising account alternating with chapters of advice on round-the-world cruising. It is hard to think of anything that is omitted so it makes a very useful buy for anyone contemplating a long-distance cruise. It also makes interesting reading in the accounts of his travels, not only recounting the voyage and navigational aspects but also a brief history of the places visited. My only slight criticism is that there is quite a lot of repetition. The book is glossily printed with superb colour photography from all over the world;one trip was from Antarctica to Alaska! A magnificent instructive and entertaining production. - Norman Tricks

Editorial Note: the book is available from www.noonsite.com  and the author tells us that any member who would like a signed personal dedication may contact him with the text required at info@noonsite.com