Old Man Sailing: Some dreams take a lifetime

I found myself at the beginning of Covid on a small Island in the middle of the Pacific, where I was living, worrying for friends and family about to go into lockdown in the UK. Having read this book, a lot of people's mental health would have been improved if they have followed John's approach. The way he tells the story is eloquent, but to the point. Some great insight to the pleasures and frustration of sailing offshore and a thoroughly entertaining read. Not a technical sailing book by any measure, but some great insights about what can, and usually will, happen on long passages. An inspiration for all those sailors who think about life aboard, John has managed to live that life that most will only dare to dream.

A very compelling read about the joy and risks of sailing.

A very enjoyable read that is well written and gives just the right amount of detail to maintain interest and also gain a feel of what it was like . I would have given five stars but it lacked a bit of excitement but remains an accurate account of his experiences.

John is a great story teller, easy to read and one of those books where you feel like you are there in the moment

If ever there is another lock down - which I hope never, ever comes about again - I know that the answer is to follow the authors lead and take to the seas and oceans just to see where the sky blue yonder takes you. One of the many positive messages that I took from the book was that by all means think about it but don't over think about it - just do it. By all accounts the authors example is working many wonders for him and it makes fascinating reading to a wannabe ocean sailor! (or even an inland coastal or estuary sailor!)

Written from a seafarers heart with the upside and some downside. What an achievement. Well done.

As a man of similar age, interest and sense of humour I enjoyed it very much.Not a boring reproduction of a boat's log ... as so many of these books can be ... but an interesting account written with good humour.

"Old Man Sailing: Some dreams take a lifetime" offers a surprisingly engaging narrative that defies expectations. Initially anticipating a tale of an old, perhaps comically inept sailor akin to the Alan Partridge character, I was pleasantly surprised to encounter a protagonist, John Passmore, with a wealth of sailing expertise and unwavering determination.Passmore frequently references his age throughout the book, weaving not just the account of his sailing adventure during the first UK COVID lockdown but also recounting various escapades from his lifetime, including tales of his previous boats. Despite the insightful and rich storytelling, there were moments that slightly irked me, as the narrative tended to jump between stories, creating a sporadic flow.While Passmore's idiosyncrasies become apparent, and his concerns about aging and health issues are laid bare, there were instances where I felt the narrative veering into the promotion of vitamins through what seemed like a network marketing scheme, giving the impression of a commercial element.In essence, "Old Man Sailing" is a decent read, providing glimpses into the author's quirks and worries. However, it falls short of being a sailing adventure classic due to occasional disjointed storytelling. Despite its shortcomings, the book remains engaging and informative, offering a unique perspective on a seasoned sailor's lifetime of experiences.

That was enough for me to acquire the book as I am finally realizing the dream myself. It was definitely an entertaining read I have enjoyed as I live on the Cal I purchased 2 years ago as I prepare to head off myself. The book was a bit different than I initially expected, but was a fun and informative read. And I think anyone contemplating purchasing a cruising catamaran should read chapters 4 and 5 of this book for some perspective.

I enjoyed this book cover to cover. Purchased it after watching a few of his videos and it did not disappoint.

A great read for anyone who enjoys reading about sailing, this well written book is interesting, humorous and very entertaining. I enjoyed reading it very much - certainly made me chuckle.

Entertaining from the very first page. I love John`s sense of humor and the way he describes difficult situations. If you like sailing, it`s a must read!

Reads easily.