Travellers on a Trade Wind

By Marcia Pirie

Excerpted from Latitudes & Attitudes, Jan./Feb. 2000:

“Here is a story by some folks who've done what we would all like to do. They gave up their jobs and set sail across the oceans of the world. It shows what it's really like once you have cut the docklines and joined the folks who live the cruising lifestyle. Perceptive and entertaining.”

WoodenBoat, January/February 1999:

“A couple drops out of the rat race and sails off to Paradise (Pacific Ocean model) in a 39’ ketch; this is their (eat your heart out) story.”

Sailing Inland & Offshore, December 1998:

“When Marcia and David Pirie abandoned their careers and sailed off in their home-built ketch MOONGAZER, they embarked on a journey that took them around the world, and became a way of life for nine years. Travellers on a Trade Wind covers the highlights of the journey.

“They traced the old sailing ship’s routes from the Galapagos to the islands of Polynesia. From the exotic Marquesas, they crossed the doldrums into the North Pacific, dodging hurricanes in Hawaii and icebergs in Alaska. We follow the Piries’ hardships, fears and joys as they develop into seasoned voyagers, attuned to the vagaries of the oceans.

For many, taking the plunge is the most difficult part of going cruising, so first-hand accounts such as this, really put things into perspective, and could easily become the nudge that makes one cast off.”