Bound for Distant Seas

A Voyage Alone to Asia Aboard the 28-Foot Sailboat Atom

By: James Baldwin

Narrated by: Nick O'Kelly

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

Sailing and social commentary

Having listened to this book and it's entirety, I find that the adventure that the author has penned is definitely worthy of a listen. I think that the author is a very deep and intelligent man who wants to open the world that he has sailed to others on the same level. I am certain that his experiences in each of these places touched him greatly. Having spent quite a bit of time in the Philippines, I understood so much of what he spoke about. I am fascinated by the people there and the resilience. Descriptions in Thailand and the Philippines of the subjugation by predatory sex tourists was quite enlightening.

I think that the only negative that I found in the actual reading of the book were some of the pronunciations were not very close to the actual local pronunciations.

must listen!

what a great life to live. sharing cultures with locals along the way and filling me in on how west ppl have effected simple civilization. lets go sailing!

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.

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.

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.