Customer Reviews

Two girls, two catamarans

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This recently reprinted volume is (in either edition) a remarkable document. It tells the true tale of 1950s adventure wherein a young man on a tight budget and his lady loves create "Tangaroa". This is the first of a long line of successful ocean-going catamarans, and they sail it across Biscay in heavy weather, then on from the Canaries across the Atlantic.

The first multihull two-way Atlantic crossing, no less....

The author's directness exposes for all to see the feelings and fears experienced in their undertaking. It feels to me so much like being there.

We are then shown in graphic detail the deficiencies of that first design. This is not only unusual, it is almost unprecedented in design circles, and reflects warranted confidence in the subsequent work.

For those interested in seaworthy boat design and development we are granted an intimate view of the design process wherein the second boat "Rongo" is designed and built before the return trip via New York to the UK.

"Rongo" is a remarkable design, and clear echoes of the concept are still to be seen in the latest from James Wharram Designs. Materials and structures have taken advantage of advances down the years, and rigs have evolved remarkably, but Rongo is the parent from whom all the Wharram family has sprung.

Of course, I am biased. Having built one of these boats (Tiki 30) from plans, how else could I feel? They are truly remarkable.

The book however, is accessible to all, you don't have to be a salty dog to enjoy the adventures, the triumph in the face of adversity and refutation of much uninformed criticism.

Highly recommended.

This interesting little time capsule is back in print in a handsome new edition with many new photographs.