Old Man Sailing: Some dreams take a lifetime

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!