Alice Dews

Sailing the South Seas Alice Dews

In this book Alice describes the many adventures of sailing across the Pacific Ocean with her husband, Dan. Before leaving they spent seventeen summers sailing and coastal cruising in a succession of sailboats ranging in size from 10 to 30 feet. In 1981 they purchased Shaula, a sturdy 28 foot cruising sailboat. Their first ocean passage from Seattle to Hawaii nearly ended their dreams of ocean sailing. Three years later they took a wonderful two-year Pacific cruise, and became converts to the cruising lifestyle. They retired in their mid-fifties, sold their car and most of their belongings, and sailed to the South Pacific on an extended cruise. They visited Mexico, French Polynesia, Rarotonga, Niue, Tonga, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and finally Australia. The book tells of delightful weeks of trade wind sailing, including spectacular sunsets and star-filled skies. During their passages they enjoyed delicious meals of fresh tuna, wahoo, and mahi mahi caught on a line trailing behind the boat. Alice describes fabulous times with fellow cruisers, celebrating landfalls, sharing potlucks and meals on board, and exploring ashore. They had fascinating visits with friendly Pacific Islanders, learning about their culture and enjoying wonderful feasts on shore. Their favorite cruising grounds were the Banks Islands of Vanuatu, which they visited several times over a seven-year period. They were entranced by the gentle, friendly people on these small islands. During their cruise they dealt with cockroaches and rats on board, and going aground on sandbanks in the shallow waters of Australia. They experienced engine trouble, gear failure, gale force winds, huge seas, and a rogue wave. Their marriage survived through fifteen years of living and cruising on a small boat. After returning home to Seattle they continue to sail every summer in Shaula to their favorite cruising grounds of Desolation Sound.