Child of the Sea

Description

A Child of the Sea is the true story of Jimmy Cornell's daughter sailing around the world on the family's small yacht from the age of 7 to 14, based on Doina's diaries, letters and memories. From 1975 to 1981 the Cornell family visited 54 countries, sailed more than 68,000 miles, and travelled about the same distance overland. The story is told from Doina's point of view, although the main part of the book focuses on the family's three-year stay in the Pacific when she is aged between 10 and 13. Child of the Sea is unusual in that it gives a glimpse into a life that most young children couldn't imagine, swimming, diving and playing the days away in deserted anchorages; visiting some of the most beautiful islands in the world; falling in love with the sea in all its ever-changing moods, from balmy trade wind ocean passages to the treacherous breakers that crash onto tropical reefs, and taking a full part in sailing and handling the yacht on passage. The book also tells the story of a girl's coming of age in the South Pacific, understanding different cultures and values, and experiencing at first-hand how people judge each other depending on the colour of their skin - from the time on Easter Island when tourists mistake Doina for a Polynesian girl, to her and her brother's hostile prejudiced reception back in an English school at the end of their journey. What do children need to grow up happy and healthy? Security with their family; an element of risk; freedom to explore the world; openness to other peoples and cultures; closeness with nature and the elements and an appreciation of the environment and our finite resources. The sailing life offers all this and more, and this book captures it all.

Doina Cornell is the daughter of long-distance cruising guru Jimmy Cornell. Between the ages of 7 and 14 she sailed with her parents and brother around the world. She has been a teacher in the UK, France and the Czech Republic.

This book should be read by all who are going to sell up and sail away into the Blue Yonder with kids. * Yachting Monthly * Whilst this is a really good read for anyone, sailor or non (and refreshing to know that even a guru such as Jimmy Cornell had to start somewhere), it's also a wonderful memoir for the whole Cornell family of their first circumnavigation. -- Sue Richards * Noonsite * A vivid and personal account perfect for any nautical or adventure travel collection. * The Midwest Book Review * A poignant story - told with appealing freshness - of a very different, fascinating childhood and a 'coming of age'. It is a must read for any young would-be sailor or traveller * Sailing magazine * Not only is it a real page-turner but Doina has a very relaxed, light-hearted yet informative writing style. * Noonsite.com *