New
AcquisitionsShipwreck or Shangri-la?; Peter Lickfold; Thomas Reed Publications, 2001; 0-90128-95-6; ; CA 15904
The first "call of the deep" comes for Peter Lickfold and his wife Tina at the boat show at Earls Court. As with so many dreams this one takes some thirty years to materialise by which time Peter and family have emigrated to South Africa and the children grown up. After much searching they purchase " Vespera" and embark on that steep learning curve that turns a landlubber into a true "salty dog".
"Shipwreck or Shangri-la?" is the great ocean adventure for these innocents aboad ( or even abroad) who at first really believe that the well-defined East Africa sailing seasons do not apply to them. There's lots of "we want to sail NOW!" rather reminiscent of Mole and his rowing. They set sail for the small islands of the Saloman atoll and all goes well until a dragging anchor deposits "Vespera" on a coral reef leaving her a virtual wreck. Much of the story deals with the reconstructionof the frro-cement hull in order to get her refloated and shows how, in adversity, the sailing community will pull out the stops to help each other, albeit that this in itself can produce a clash of personalities. There are some excellent descriptions both of the sailing and the wild life encountered. As the Author's Note points out, the contributory friends and helpers were almost too numerous to mention - wonderful characters all. Hoever, two of the most endearing characters in the book must be Hermie the hermit crab and Jess the long-suffering feline crew member - intrepid sailors both!
This modern day Swiss Family Robinson is a good read. - JCM
Page prepared 22 March 2002
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