Old Man Sailing is something of a phenomenon. It started as a blog post, then became a radio interview. After 7million listeners tuned in, the Wordpress site crashed under the onslaught. Then a leading literary agent picked up the story - and sent the book to five London publishers.
Every one of them liked it but asked: “Who is this author? What is his platform?”
Was he, perhaps, a disgraced politician, a film star, a contestant on Love Island?
When they heard he was just a retired Fleet Street foreign correspondent who spent the COVID lockdown sailing 3,629 miles alone around the Atlantic because he didn’t want to be stuck indoors, they declared the book “not commercially viable”.
And yet, over the ensuing four years, self-published on Amazon, it sold 13,000 copies. Yachting monthly called it “a word-of-mouth bestseller”.
But this is not just a sailing book - and it is so much more than another Lockdown diary. This is the story of dreams and ambitions, and a life spent waiting for them. It is both inspiring and uplifting.
A story for anyone who needs to hear: It’s never too late…
Amazon Reviews for the English-language edition
Jeremy S. Percy
5.0 out of 5 stars
A captivating story for sailors and landlubbers alike
This was a genuinely fascinating read, sharp and pragmatic yet with due deference to the romanticism of the sea. The author is a retired journalist and is clearly adept at putting down his thoughts and observations in a very readable way. I'm a sailor but my wife is most definitely not, yet we both enjoyed it immensely.
Mr G Gillies
5.0 out of 5 stars
A joy from start to finish.
John's skilled writing had me hooked from the first page. This book was an absolute joy from start to finish. John's way of describing his adventure in such wonderful detail really gave me a clear picture of this whole adventure. It was a heartwarming and at times funny read and one I would heartily recommend.
Greenwave
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read whether a fellow sailor or an armchair dreamer
What really comes over in this book is the character and nature of the 'old man sailing'. He feels very real and tells it how it is.
Richard Keen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Age is not a problem!
This is a charming book. Amusing, informative and also reflective.
Des Owen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Read
Well-written book, a most enjoyable read. Knowledgeable and experienced sailor with a passion for writing and storytelling.
Mark
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absorbing sailing story
Too many sailing yarns are disappointing because the author doesn't know how to tell a good story. Especially self-published ones. This is different. John Passmore can write, really well. Which I guess you would expect from a former Fleet Street hack. It's really good stuff, entertaining and inspiring. Not a dull moment in it.
Tyrrell Day
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it and I'm no sailor!
Excellently written, informative, interesting and amusing.
Rosie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great page turner. I totally recommend this book
You do not need to be a sailor to enjoy this book. The style in which it is written is witty and a very smooth read.
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Read
Such a super read from beginning to end. It will capture the imagination of both a landlubber and a sailor. It's up there with the classics!
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Anbieter: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, Vereinigtes Königreich
Paperback. Zustand: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers GOR011289972
Anzahl: 2 verfügbar
Anbieter: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, Vereinigtes Königreich
Paperback. Zustand: Very Good. Old Man Sailing: Some dreams take a lifetime This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 7719-9798599208402
Anzahl: 1 verfügbar
Anbieter: WeBuyBooks, Rossendale, LANCS, Vereinigtes Königreich
paperback. Zustand: Like New. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. An apparently unread copy in perfect condition. Dust cover is intact with no nicks or tears. Spine has no signs of creasing. Pages are clean and not marred by notes or folds of any kind. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers rev3778988523
Anzahl: 1 verfügbar
Anbieter: Bahamut Media, Reading, Vereinigtes Königreich
Paperback. Zustand: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 6545-9798599208402
Anzahl: 1 verfügbar
Anbieter: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, USA
Zustand: As New. Like New condition. A near perfect copy that may have very minor cosmetic defects. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers O11L-00334
Anzahl: 1 verfügbar
Anbieter: Better World Books Ltd, Dunfermline, Vereinigtes Königreich
Zustand: Good. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 42364451-75
Anzahl: 1 verfügbar