• Bound for Distant Seas

  • A Voyage Alone to Asia Aboard the 28-Foot Sailboat Atom
  • By: James Baldwin
  • Narrated by: Nick O'Kelly
  • Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (244 ratings)

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Bound for Distant Seas  By  cover art

Bound for Distant Seas

By: James Baldwin
Narrated by: Nick O'Kelly
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Publisher's summary

Bound for Distant Seas begins sailing author James Baldwin's epic tale of his second circumnavigation. His story is seasoned by his adventures during his first circumnavigation in 1984-86 as told in Across Islands and Oceans. Alone with little money aboard Atom, his now-engineless 28-foot sailboat, James embarks on his odyssey without the comforts and equipment most sailors consider essential. Challenging himself to live as closely with the sea as possible, the author sets sail in 1987 from Florida, bound for new adventures on the distant shores of Asia. He does not return home again for 15 years.

In this paean to the sea and foreign lands, the author recounts the best and worst of life on the ocean, visits to far-flung islands, and adventures amid throngs of humanity in some of the world's most densely populated cities. This unvarnished physical and philosophical saga includes encounters with dead-eyed bureaucrats, native angels of mercy, newly discovered WWII wreckage, fellow expat adventurers, rogues and misfits.

The journey takes many unplanned turns as the author faces near misses with lurking dangers, hikes across islands, finds temporary employment ashore, and immerses himself in foreign cultures. Along the way he is tested by sea and society, and he ultimately discovers the priceless treasures of heart and mind that he seeks. James invites you to come aboard Atom for the journey of a lifetime.

©2015 James Baldwin (P)2015 David N. Olberding

What listeners say about Bound for Distant Seas

Average customer ratings
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  • 04-10-17

great sailor, great story

i enjoyed the narration and Im glad I bought the audiobook instead of the print book

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

amazing

This man is one of my personal heroes, a true inspiration to young and old alike and a testament to hard work and the steadfast belief in the abilities of one's own self.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

More than just a sailing story

James Baldwin is a great sailor, but he is also a great writer. Cruising is 5% sailing and 95% being there, and James' book is just that. His book makes me more confident as I prepare to live my own circumnavigation, and inspired to live my own life.

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2 people found this helpful

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Great book

This was a awesome book. Great stories and adventures. But if compared to his other 2 books I would say this is my 3ed favorite. It just doesn’t compare to is first book, which is the best or his second. All great books though.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Great journey!

The story was filled with adventure and laughter. The descriptions of his time, and see your field with fantastic, verbal images, and you felt like you were right there with him.

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    4 out of 5 stars

great!!!!

very cool story. very well done...
cant wait to read about the remainder of the voyage

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1 person found this helpful

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Awesome adventure

Great book
You will feel like you were there sailing with him. Feel the warm breezes taste the salty sea

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Fantastic book

I loved this book! Wonderfully written! What a incredible journey. Extremely easy to listen to. The adventure captured and held my atention right to the end. I just finished it and I've started listening to it again from the beginning. A great thanks to Mr. Baldwin for allowing us to come along with him.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Cool sailing story

I like the start to middle very much. As it got closer to the end it got more preachy.

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2 people found this helpful

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great book! very detailed!!

great nautical book. great writing and oration! very much enjoyed hearing about sailing and the authors experiences

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