Bookhabit - A Fright A Day By Judith Thomson - Sailing around some of the most isolated and treacherous coasts in the world is challenging enough for experienced mariners. When we set out from Sydney Harbour to sail 6,500 nautical miles around the north of Australia and down the wild west coast to Fremantle to make the most of our retirement, we were told we were marvellously brave or absolutely mad . . . we had no ocean sailing experience, we had not sailed through squalls, overnight or alone into unfamiliar anchorages. By extreme good luck, we chose Aurora III, a small proven yacht that had circumnavigated the world. And with a brief study of coastal navigation and meteorology and advice soaked up from trusted sailors, we prepared our little ship and set out. One piece of advice became our mantra: "If the weather's not right, don't go." This is the story of our two-year voyage: the exhilaration, the frights, the friends we made along the way, our struggle to complete the undertaking, and the enormous sense of achievement. It is a story of a journey in our relationship, a move away from our habitual behaviour and the shift in our perspective of the world, the sea and wild places. The book includes a list of favourite books for your onboard library and a check-list for choosing your ideal cruising yacht. You can also hear Judith speak about her journey by clicking on the podcast link (above right).

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A Fright A Day	Listen to Podcast
By: Judith Thomson
Sailing around some of the most isolated and treacherous coasts in the world is challenging enough for experienced mariners. When we set out from Sydney Harbour to sail 6,500 nautical miles around the north of Australia and down the wild west coast to Fremantle to make the most of our retirement, we were told we were marvellously brave or absolutely mad . . . we had no ocean sailing experience, we had not sailed through squalls, overnight or alone into unfamiliar anchorages. By extreme good luck, we chose Aurora III, a small proven yacht that had circumnavigated the world. And with a brief study of coastal navigation and meteorology and advice soaked up from trusted sailors, we prepared our little ship and set out. One piece of advice became our mantra: "If the weather's not right, don't go." This is the story of our two-year voyage: the exhilaration, the frights, the friends we made along the way, our struggle to complete the undertaking, and the enormous sense of achievement. It is a story of a journey in our relationship, a move away from our habitual behaviour and the shift in our perspective of the world, the sea and wild places. The book includes a list of favourite books for your onboard library and a check-list for choosing your ideal cruising yacht. You can also hear Judith speak about her journey by clicking on the podcast link (above right).
Full books downloaded: 110 First chapter downloaded: 429 time(s)
Price: $4.00 Comments: 24
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Keywords: Sailing cruising cruising yacht sailing Australia retirement sailing experience.
Categories: Adventuring Sports Travel
Classification: General Language: English

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	Thanks for writing this, I really enjoyed it. It's easy to read, honest and hard to put down.

	Comments for: Full book Posted By: adfox Posted Date: 2009-11-02

	To have so many people downloading the first chapter and buying A Fright A Day is a wonderful compliment and I feel as elated as I did when we completed the first leg of our voyage! Thank you. A book always seems to be a work in progress and every time I go back to it I see areas where it could be improved. I know that charts and photos would improve it and I would like to add them, but as some people are downloading on very slow systems, it would make it impossible for them. If you have any comments, please put them in - I will certainly consider them very seriously. Thanks again.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: apageaday Posted Date: 2009-01-25

	Absolutely what I would have expected, most enlightening, interesting and thought provoking. Don't know why I procrastinated about reading it? Really looking forward to the rest of the book.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: AmandaR Posted Date: 2008-05-13

	Nicely written opening chapters. There were a couple of occasions when a character's emotions were assumed, which would be anathema to a novellist, and I felt some of the dialogue was overwritten - it reminded me of Michaela Denis (showing my age I'm afraid). All in all looks like the start of a most competent travelogue.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: oldchesnut Posted Date: 2008-05-12

	Good, solid writing. It flows nicely and I enjoyed the tone...made me want to see the ocean. You've got a strong voice. My mind wandered around page 6 though and I didn't really pick it back up again until page 8 or 9. Too much back story I think...took me away from the narrative. And watch that you're dialogue doesn't get too stiff.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: Greebosears Posted Date: 2008-05-09

	Judith and Don have done a wonderful job of showing that you can achieve what your mind believes. They had the dream and lived it. This is a delightful, humerous and easy to read book. Very well done folks. Jenny and I wish you all the best in your future adventures

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: Trax Posted Date: 2008-04-29

	Judith captures the anxiety, even fear of commencing ocean sailing, then bravely balances concerns with safety, health and finance against the need to go out and live. Many don't, so I want to read on.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: Peter Carter Posted Date: 2008-04-26

	Good stuff! loved the style, great subject. Well done!

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: christopher lucas Posted Date: 2008-04-23

	I really enjoyed the first chapter. Some detailed maps as you go through would be good but realise this would come in time. Can't wait to read the rest. Will have to download the book now!!

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: KGraham Posted Date: 2008-04-07

	A very interesting real life read. I look forward to reading the rest of it.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: Jess Posted Date: 2008-04-06

	I almost wish I was on board to share this journey but perhaps when I read on I will be grateful I am a landlubber. The first chapter was easy to read and and ensures the need to read the book and to see how this spirited couple who whould have known better at their age achieve their dream and who and what they encounter enroute.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: freespirits Posted Date: 2008-04-06

	A great read and looking forward the continuing saga.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: rosslyn Posted Date: 2008-04-05

	Easy reading style, sympathetic characters can't wait for the adventure to start!

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: DevaRupa Posted Date: 2008-04-05

	Compelling reading for seadogs and landlubbers alike! Can't wait to read on see what lies over the next wave. Dizzy

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: Dizzy Posted Date: 2008-04-03

	Having read the first chapter - I am sitting here day dreaming of being out on the water again. It has made me all excited for my cruising holiday next year.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: rafkyn Posted Date: 2008-04-03

	"Just two people and a dog on a small yacht facing a vast Pacific Ocean." Phew! how evocative,scary and exciting can one line be? This first chapter has captured my imagination and struck a chord with my own memories of fear and challenge that is all a part of sailing the oceans of this beautiful planet. Thanks to the author for taking me on such a journey.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: Haj Posted Date: 2008-04-03

	The first chapter is good enough to make me buy the book. Already it has me thinking of what will I be doing when I retire?

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: Vasant Posted Date: 2008-04-03

	Really enjoyed this first chapter.. made me feel like picking up my roots and sailing away. Looking forward to the rest.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: Erin Posted Date: 2008-04-03

	What a wonderful tale - it is so inspiring to read about people who have pushed themselves out of their comfortable lives and have gone on to achieve truly amazing things. I particularly like the honesty with which this story is told, and the great descriptions of the people Judith met along the way - a great mix of laughs and nail biting episodes. Stop reading the comments and start reading this book!!

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: pdunstan Posted Date: 2008-04-02

	Really enjoyed this one.. and it certainly gave me the stimulation to get up out of that reading chair and get on with doing those things that have been beckoning. The message comes through loud and clear.. whatever the fear get out there and do it anyway because time's awastin' and there is no point to that! Well done - a great travelogue and insightful journey book - keep up the good work.. and looking forward to seeing more from this author.

	Comments for: Full book Posted By: Shazar Posted Date: 2008-04-01

	Well that has just whet my appetite for the rest of this story.... but I can already tell it's going to be enthralling stuff ! All it needs is a local chart or two (where it all began, of ROBIN HOOD's home cruising ground and of the locale in Sydney Hbr where AURORA III was readied) for readers who like graphics... and some encouragement to go seeking .... but I'm sure this will be in your finished article/book. Moving along... I know when all this transpired... and think it would be good to fix it in time.... take this adventure out of the realms of fantasy.... for it really did happen and others (youngsters and retirees) who are searching for empowerment.... might gain from your experiences of timing & scale.. " A fright a day ". it's looking good, .... how exciting, Judith.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: David J VENNING Posted Date: 2008-04-01

	A really good start and it has certainly got me interested in reading the rest, especially as I think the issue of what to do in retirement is one that will have a lot of meaning for many people. The time jump caught me out as well at first, and it would have been nice to get some idea of the time frame, but I'm sure this will come out in later chapters. Nicely written and very interesting!

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: Tezpin Posted Date: 2008-04-01

	A fantastic start. Really looking forward to reading the rest of the book. One comment though, I didn't see the 3 asterisks at the end of the first page, therefore I initially didn't realise the time shifted back a year or 2. Maybe make that first page an intro page, then start chapter 1 on page 2.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: Dot Posted Date: 2008-03-31

	A great read. Insightful look into author and partners feelings about setting out on this epic journey which most folk would plan to have completed at a far earlier stage in their lives! Looking forward to reading the full book. Found the authors writing style easy to read, humourous and very descriptive. Most enjoyable.

	Comments for: First chapter Posted By: Heatherg Posted Date: 2008-03-31