Old Man Sailing: Some dreams take a lifetime (Oldmansailing Book 1)

Book Synopsis: When COVID-19 struck the UK, the government advised the over-70’s to “shield” while the country went into Lockdown. One old man went sailing instead. Single-handed and self-isolated, retired journalist John Passmore used the pandemic to achieve an ambition which had eluded him for 60 years. For 3,629 miles, he disappeared into a world of perfect solitude, adventure and adversity – arriving back 42 days later, short of water and with shredded sails to find himself celebrated on national radio as the embodiment of everybody’s Lockdown dream. This is his story. It is also a story for anyone who ever thought a dream was unattainable.

A word-of-mouth bestseller - Yachting Monthly

Amazon Reviews:

Jeremy S. Percy5.0 out of 5 starsA captivating story for sailors and landlubbers alikeThis 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 but we both enjoyed it immensely.

Skipper3.0 out of 5 starsNot what the title says.If you were expecting a story of a bumbling naive weekend sailor setting off into the great unknown to test himself this is not it. The author is clearly an accomplished yachtsman who set off in his well-founded and tested yacht on a journey which he had done before-so the sense of adventure is never really there in spite of low water supplies and torn sails. However, the story of the journey serves as a reference to some of the more exciting parts of his sailing biography. All in a good read told with modesty and wit.

Greenwave5.0 out of 5 starsGreat read whether a fellow sailor or an armchair dreamerWhat 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 and was.

Richard Keen5.0 out of 5 starsAge is not a problem!This is a charming book. Amusing, informative and also reflective.Des Owen5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent ReadWell-written book, a most enjoyable read. Knowledgeable and experienced sailor with a passion for writing and storytelling. Will lookout for his next book. Well done, you didn’t disappoint.

Mark5.0 out of 5 starsAbsorbing sailing storyToo 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.

Mr G Gillies5.0 out of 5 starsA 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.Tyrrell Day5.0 out of 5 starsLoved it and I'm no sailor!Excellently written, informative, interesting and amusing.

Rosie5.0 out of 5 starsGreat page turner. I totally recommend this bookYou 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 Customer5.0 out of 5 starsFantastic ReadSuch 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!