Tamata and the Alliance [Hardcover]

Bernard Moitessier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 1995

This fascinating memoir spans the time from Moitessier's magical childhood in Indochina to the months before his death in June 1994. Moitessier became famous for his daring sailing exploits, often done solo. He first went to sea on junks, criss-crossing the Gulf of Siam. After leaving Indochina, he led the life of a sea-gypsy, wandering the Indian Ocean, the South Atlantic, and the Caribbean. Then came the Golden Globe Race: during ten months alone at sea, something happen to Moitessier that made him turn his back on a small fortune and fame. He withdrew from the race, and explained it in his book, The Long Way. He spent the last eight years of his life writing Tamata.

Editorial Reviews

Review

He has an exquisite eye for imagery and detail....an enthralling book. --San Francisco Chronicle, March 1996

Bernard Moitessier, the renown French sailor and author of The Long Way, gives in this his last book before he died, an intriguing and thought provoking insight into his life and philosophy of life.

It is a deeply meditative book whilst remaining an extremely appealing read. Described by Robin Knox-Johnston as one of the great free spirits of the sea, Moitessier tells of his early childhood in Vietnam and the subsequent call of the sea, that took him around the World in an endless quest. His extraordinary story is a book that prompts us to look within ourselves and seek that same spirit that dares to challenge destiny. It is also an incredible adventure story. --Royal Navy Sailing Association Journal, Spring 1996

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Sheridan House (January 25, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0924486775
• ISBN-13: 978-0924486777
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,067,046 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The LOOOONNNNNNGGGGGGest book, June 8, 2008

By 

J. Meadows - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tamata and the Alliance (Hardcover)

I am a huge fan of Bernard, and LOVED "The Long Way". Perhaps I was just not in the mood for this lengthy diatribe involving his youth in Indochina and the stages of his life. I made it through about 3/4 of the book but his going on and on and on about his gardening methods and coconut planting just made me impatient; frankly, I just lost interest. It seemed a bit narcissistic to me also, and, when he was younger, he found it very entertaining to hunt and kill beautiful animals with his slingshot for entertainment, which really upset me.
This is my least favorite of his books I've read; my husband loved it. It does contain his usual themes of freedom and bucking the materialistic establishment, though he seems to come from a very privileged background and also seems to enjoy making money when he can do it some of the time.
We do happen to be sailors and I read most of this on our sailboat. Sorry, I just didn't get it and feel I am a pretty discriminating reader.
It just went on way too long and in detail I found to be boring and excessive. Just my opinion; everyone else seems to love it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tamata & the Alliance - An epoch journey!, February 19, 2002

By 

B. Drew (oceanside,ca, ca United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tamata and the Alliance (Hardcover)

Bernard Moitessier was more than the "Father of singlehanded sailboat racing", his book is that of a poet in action-all his life. Reading The Long Way first would be well recomended to better understand Bernard's references in this book. The author has put his heart & soul into writing this for us as he did working to elevate social awareness. If you've ever been daunted by Cape Horn, yearned to live on a deserted Atoll, or thought World Powers should make the world a better place, then this is for you! If you want to bring Western ways to the Paradise of Sea and Sand, you'll not likely understand what the title means!! :)))

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Feast at the Great Table, February 9, 2000

By 

Waid Lackey - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tamata and the Alliance (Hardcover)

The book is for anyone with the insight and vision to look within themselves for the answers to the questions that plague man. Bernard Moitessier once wrote, "to feast at the great table, you must have a great hunger and a willingness to go unfed. Only one in amillion have both." This book illustrates that beautifully. This book isn't about sailing. It is about man's struggle within himself to reach peace and harmony. This book is about the hope and triumph of man's indomitable spirit. It is about man's fortitude to pursue dreams and follow their passions. The ideals contained in this book are like the messages in the bottles that Moitessier alludes to in the book. Some of them will bear fruit immediately, others, only after many years, and yet others will be washed up on desert islands where they will fade and wither dismally with age.