by R.T. McMullen
with an introduction by Dixon Kemp
One of the first single-handers, and a unique character, McMullen died much as he had lived; sailing alone. From the introduction: ". . . He began his expeditions with little or no experience, feeling his way at first, but finding everything out for himself, and, in the end, acquiring so much confidence in his skill and endurance that the most congenial form of prolonged recreation was, to him, 'sailing alone'. . . The passion for single-handed sailing, and belief that if carried out with great effectiveness and thoroughness it formed an agreeable pursuit, developed themselves very strongly in Mr. McMullen's case. . .It can easily be believed that the end of Mr. McMullen was exactly as he would have wished it to be--when alone upon the sea. It was peaceful, and not the result of any disaster or misadventure due to human failing. . . he died upon the sea, sitting in the cockpit of the little 'Perseus,' his face towards the sky, whilst she was sailing up the silver path of the moon, which seemed to unit heaven and the sea. After his spirit had gone forth the little craft sailed herself to the French coast, as recounted at the end of this volume." Is there a better way for a sailor to go?
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