# II explained — Sailing Alone Around the World

> Chapter companion for Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum.

## What happens

Captain Slocum spends time fishing off the coast, then decides to embark on a voyage around the world. He departs Boston on April 24, 1895, sails to Gloucester for supplies, and then to Nova Scotia, where he visits old friends. He refits the Spray, including a half-dory as a boat, and continues his journey.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Independence

Slocum sets out alone, relying on his own judgment and skills.

### Craftsmanship and Seamanship

Refitting the Spray, including making a half-dory, demonstrates practical seamanship.

### Resilience and Perseverance

Despite challenges like rough weather and a wrong course, Slocum persists.

## Character check-ins

### Spray

The sloop is overhauled and refitted for the voyage.

### Captain Joshua Slocum

Decides on a voyage around the world and departs Boston.

### Mr. Lowry

A tailor from Briar's Island, remembered for an eccentric accident with gunpowder.

## Key lines

> I had resolved on a voyage around the world, and as the wind on the morning of April 24, 1895, was fair, at noon I weighed anchor, set sail, and filled away from Boston.

Slocum decided to circumnavigate the globe and left Boston on April 24, 1895, with favorable winds.

_The departure from Boston marks the beginning of his solo voyage._

> The want of a chronometer for the voyage was all that now worried me.

Slocum was concerned about not having a chronometer for navigation.

_He chose to leave his old chronometer behind due to cost, relying on other methods._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sailing_alone_around_the_world_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sailing_alone_around_the_world_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/sailing_alone_around_the_world_se/chapters