Jacqueline Hope

Just me At sea Jacqueline Hope

Coastal-hopping up the east coast from Melbourne to Darwin - the "jumping off" point to cross the Indian Ocean, which must be attained before August to avoid cyclones - I write about my doubts and fears, and the crisis of confidence that almost stopped me there.

The passage across the Indian Ocean includes a collision with an Indonesian fishing boat, rigging failure, and being hammered round the "Cape of Storms". Highlights include the pristine Cocos Keeling Islands and wildlife reserves in South Africa. The raw, day to day experience of life at sea is counterbalanced with more exciting episodes, the lows and highs, the hardship and ecstasy. It was not a non-stop attempt to circumnavigate the globe, and I stopped at every possible country along the way and met many fascinating characters.

The closing chapters deal with the solitude of my longest time alone at sea, 7 weeks, from Panama to Tahiti. It is the inner journey more than the outer that has been of paramount importance for me.