Synopsis

We dreamed for years of crossing an ocean. Then we did it in a boat called Scarlet.

The skipper – a philosopher in his day job – reveals an inner monologue as absorbing as the journey itself. With self-deprecating humour, Keith Stenning describes finding the right boat, coping with weeks of repairs and arguments in a sweltering USA boat yard, and finally the crossing which kicks off with the wrong weather, serious leaks, broken boat parts, and a very sea-sick crew as Scarlet gets blown way off course in turbulent seas.

Not many women sail, and fewer still cross oceans. Lynn Michell explains why as she describes the extreme discomfort, the salty dampness, diminishing supplies, bruises, jelly fish and her anxiety about the deteriorating health of her son who, suffering from ME, should have stayed at home.

Male and female perspectives collide.

Is this the same voyage?