Philosophy of Sailing: Offshore in Search of the Universe

By: Christian Williams

Narrated by: Christian Williams

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

A master storyteller. “Something is out there that doesn’t have a name,” writes veteran sailor and writer Christian Williams as he invites us along once again on a 5,000-mile voyage of discovery around the North Pacific. Equipped with a new boat, a well-stocked toolbox, and the entire history of philosophic thought, he takes us as crew through squalls and calms deep into a laboratory of the universe that exists only out of sight of land. 

Funny, erudite, and at times deeply personal, Philosophy of Sailing explores who we are and how encounters with the unknown can be a path to revelation and joy. With 20,000 miles at sea, Williams is also a master teacher of how to sail a boat across perilous oceans and the renovation of yacht and outlook required before departing on the voyage of a lifetime. 

With a preparation guide, toolbox of books, and glossary of nautical terms.

©2018 Christian Williams (P)2018 Christian Williams

...AKA, an exercise in patience

While I find....this “audiobook” to...be filled...with valuable information, it’s really....tough to get through it...easily. I am writing this....”review” in exactly the.....same way.......the author is performing.....”it.” The “content” is really quite informative...........and “good.” The “problem” lies.......in the fact that the.......”author” plods along in his.....”telling” of the..................story. I’ve had to.......speed “up”.....the play speed..... in order to shorten the “excessive”....................pauses. I can......only assume these are...............added for “dramatic...............effect.” My use of “air quotes” in this review...............is indicative of................the author’s.................penchant for speaking in........”air quotes.” I’m not.......sure if........it is part of the actual.........”printed.”...”work”......but it can be plainly.......”heard” in the narration........The book .........”itself”..... is really entertaining.....”and”.......fun. I would suggest.........a new......narrator....unless......you can stand.......”this.”......................

Great Escape

I loved this book! It gets you away from any troubles or worries you may have and allows you to just "simply relax" and forget your problems, if only for a little while. It's great!

A heading is required... " A heading"

What can I say; I'd listen to him read a phone book. Thank you Mr. Williams for your books, your YouTube channel and the suggested readings which have enriched my life.

Very educational and a fun journey.

I didn't expect this to be so educational. This book is an entertaining introduction to what a passage on a sailboat entails. And as the title implies, it is packed full of useful philosophy.

Hear and Sea

If I were to invent an alter-ego CW would be the person I would sculpt. For an aged sailor who never had the chance, or when such a chance did present itself, was ignored, the CW 'should-have-been, could-have-been mirror' takes me to that place. Solo, but not alone for thoughtfulness is the greatest of travel companions, if I were on an ocean crossing, his book would not be a bible, nor an almanac, nor a compass but a Wilson with a voice albeit in words. From those pages a friend and comforter would reach to me and be a salve to a troubled mind when fear came a-knocking. If you are landlocked and know you will never dance to the music of the sea on the deck of a tupperware magic carpet, read this book and discover how important 'the journey' is and then feel free to talk with yourself about what 'meaning' means. In other words, enjoy this passport to self discovery.

Really enjoyed this book.

One of the best books about sailing. The author has a way of sharing his world in a way that puts you on the on deck and in the adventure.

Enjoyable

Very good book and well narrated. This book was definitely worth reading for anybody interested in sailing, especially solo sailing. It wouldn't hurt to have an interest in philosophy as well because the author dives into the world of philosophy too. Not in a long, boring way though. An interesting fact to keep in mind while reading this book is that the author is 74 years old while making this sailing adventure.

Fabulous

Everything about this book is marvelous. I am a keen sailor but anyone would gain from this book.
Highly recommended.

Entertaining

The voice was hard to get used to - awkward pauses in the middle of sentences, etc. But he grew on you after a few hours.

If you’re a millennial, be prepared to be occasionally annoyed. There’s some blatant bashing and some intense but brief entitlement ranting. But he doesn’t come across as self-righteous or intensely arrogant, so it balanced out.

It’s definitely a conversation, not a deep, dry delve into various schools of philosophical thought. The action of the voyage and the conversation about philosophy was well-balanced.

Overall worth listening to over a week’s commute.

If you if you love sailing you’ll love this book

The author who has a great deal of sailing experience discuss as a travel from California to Hawaii and when he discovers and related to various philosophies. He advocates not only on philosophy but I’m sailing life and his observations and what he learned sailing 4000 miles by himself. I’m going to listen to it again!

Loved this book of sailing musings

I can see myself returning to this again and again as a background to my sailing thoughts and dreams.
Thanks Christian

Great Story

Enjoyed this read as a sailor. Lovely anecdotes and tips! The exploration into philosophy was interesting but a sideline for me. I enjoyed the reading by the author.

Just Glorious

Christian Williams has crafted a wonderful story, which combines philosophical insight and reflections, with an easy, enjoyable sense of humour. This is a book I have come back to listen to time and again. Well done Sir! Looking forward to more tales in the future. Highly recommended.

superb listen even if you aren't a sailor

relaxing, humorous, educating and insightful. wonderful narrating voice too. I watched Christians you tube videos of his voyages on the ocean and if you like those you will love the book.

everything to love, nothing to hate

A great book with sailing and philosophy blended with skill! Each chapter takes you through a different sailing concept and delivers a gentle dive into philosophy. The voice (the author) is compelling and easy to listen to.

If you’re into sailing and inner thought processes, give it a go.

As someone who has recently fallen in love with sailing around the Scottish western isles, and just bought my first yacht, and someone who reads and reads and reads… I found great atmosphere and understanding with Christian on his quest to know himself and all that surrounds him, and at 75 years, to show his worth against the ocean and its potential wrath. A thoughtful book by someone who seems to be a very decent, loving and thoughtful man. I enjoyed his processes. I enjoyed every second.

A journey..

Not only is this an engaging story it’s also perfectly narrated by the author. The jokes, witty intonations and wisdom come rolling line after line. If you’re gunna spend a prolonged time at sea with any one you couldn’t ask for a better companion. I feel like I have a new friend. Thanks Christian!

Sailing offshore.

Excellent spot on thanks CRISTIAN keep going looking forward to your next adventure. Be with you all the way. good luck and thanks again. TERRY.

A must-read for all sailors

Thank you, Christian, for your entertaining and enlightening read. I recommend this book to anyone interested in sailing.

Step Aboard… You Will Not Regret It!

I certainly did not and can say for sure that I am hooked on the sailing adventures of Mr Williams and his unique narrative style. This gem of a book is a voyage of escapism, education and enlightenment with a good measure of sardonic humour thrown in which had me smiling, laughing and contemplating the bitesized lessons of the great philosophers delivered superbly by the author.