Alone Together

Sailing Solo to Hawaii and Beyond

By: Christian Williams

Narrated by: Christian Williams

What happens when a man of today's overconnected world sets off alone across the Pacific at the age of 71? Christian Williams, a veteran sailor and writer, planned a 6,000-mile voyage as a test of his own seamanship and endurance, and to fulfill a lifelong goal. But he found his focus quickly turning from the surrounding sea to all of us. Is anyone the same person when no one else is there? Do we dare to find out? In a new world of soaring seabirds, violent storms, and majestic emptiness, Williams discovered answers to questions he had never asked about who we are, why we sail, and the universal fear of being alone.

Alone Together is a complete technical course in offshore sailing technique and yacht preparation, and a philosophical inquiry into what it takes to be truly alive in the 21st century.

©2016 Christian Williams (P)2016 Christian Williams

Gutsy Adventure

The author displays a courage and spirit that must be admired. He is a talented writer and - after a somewhat monotonous beginning - the adventure will grab you and not let you go. It is a masterful teaching tool, that schools you effortlessly in the art of sailing, and the author does so like your favorite professor from college. Well worth the outlay and time commitment. As an aside, I had hoped he would have decided to continue his solo journey, taking us with him through the South Pacific.

Captivating and instructive!!

amazing. simply amazing. well written, well narrated, highly instructive and perhaps one of the most captivating audio books I have ever enjoyed.

This book is new, and features a few people I have personally met, and several people that are friends of friends. I was living aboard my 1967 30 ft sloop in Hawaii in Keehi lagoon (practically the only haul out spot in Hawaii) while all of the travels recorded in this book took place, and I well remember preparing for the double hurricanes that year; I felt a strange kinship with the author when I listened to him recall tying triple dock lines and the strange atmosphere of worry and relaxation on the docks.

I am now convinced that at least some of the best pieces of sailing advice and tips I have ever received may have originated with this author. Some of the sayings were word for word to that which I learned on the docks of Oahu. Perhaps it is merely common wisdom, but either way - this book is as useful and instructive as it is captivating.

Expect this title to make your heart intone like a bell for the sea. It contains lots of useful instruction but feels like a story. I can't wait to be offshore again.
Godspeed!

excellent

I really enjoyed listening to this book as read by the author. It will probably get a 2nd listen.

Wonderfully told

You don't quite realize how captivating this book is until you start to listen to the others. His cadence and tone are captivating and the insight he offers into the world of sailing is so wonderfully told I couldn't stop listening. Williams uses language beautifully to bring you into the world of his travels upon the high seas. The chapters blend effortlessly into each other and the overall arch and theme of his story is balanced and articulately insightful. My favorite in a long while.

Cry good story and self thought about sailing alone

I like the way Christian talks through things. I like how he explains the thought process when he was doing specific tasks. The way he jumps backs to preparation is good for someone that’s planning on doing offshore sailing. Many people might have a problem being alone, by themselves, for such a long time.

thank you!

truly felt like enjoying the experience with you...
it is an encouraging and educational book... entertaining all the same.

Solo Sailing

Interesting look into what it is to solo sail. Also into the psyche of one who was crazy enough to do it. (twice!)

Loved the book!

A great journey - definitely worth the trip and the time to listen to the book.

For sailors or anyone wishing to be

We found Christian Williams recently on YouTube. Thankfully he offers more than bikini clad women and those rebuilding old or damaged sailboats.
Maybe I’m getting old but I am grateful for his storytelling. His writing is brilliant but his voice truly makes the story come alive.

If you read this review, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. You always brighten my day and make me want to immediately get on my sailboat and head out.

Absolutely Wonderful

When I was a kid my mom gave me a copy of Dove by Robin Lee Graham. It inspired my love of the sea, of sailing and a trip to sailing camp. It became something of a bible in my childhood. Now, as a young adult, I have discovered Alone Together and found that love and inspiration renewed. I have fondly remembered childhood dreams, planned a return to the water I use to love so much and found myself absolutely adoring this work.