Sailing Alone Around the World · Chapter
Goodbye to the American Coast explained
Slocum departs from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, on July 2, 1895, beginning his solo Atlantic crossing.
What happens
Slocum departs from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, on July 2, 1895, beginning his solo Atlantic crossing. He navigates through fog, encounters a full moon that becomes a companion, and battles loneliness. He meets the barkantine La Vaguisa, whose captain sends a bottle of wine. After eighteen days, he arrives at Fayal in the Azores, where he enjoys the hospitality of the islanders and reflects on their kindness.
Themes in this chapter
Solitude and Self-Reliance
Slocum experiences profound loneliness and combats it by singing and talking to the moon, relying on his own resources.
Adventure and Exploration
The chapter marks the beginning of the solo Atlantic voyage, with encounters with other ships and the Azores.
Hospitality and Human Connection
The kindness of the Azorean islanders, including a host who drives Slocum around and shares a meal, highlights human warmth.
The Sea as Teacher
The sea challenges Slocum with fog and gales, teaching him self-reliance and resilience.
Characters to notice
- Spray
The sloop is prepared for the Atlantic crossing, with topmast sent down and lanyards hitched. She performs well, making eight knots and later sailing without the helmsman's aid.
- Captain Joshua Slocum
Departs from Yarmouth, experiences loneliness and uses singing to cope. He interacts with the man in the moon and meets the captain of La Vaguisa.
- Captain Juan Gantes
Captain of La Vaguisa, sends a bottle of wine to Slocum and crosses himself upon learning Slocum is alone.
- Antonio
A native of the Azores who serves as interpreter for a damsel and expresses a desire to sail to America to meet John Wilson.
- John Wilson
Mentioned by Antonio as a friend in Boston, with one daughter and one son.
Key passages
“I now stowed all my goods securely, for the boisterous Atlantic was before me, and I sent the topmast down, knowing that the Spray would be the wholesomer with it on deck.”
I secured all my belongings and lowered the topmast to make the Spray safer for the rough Atlantic crossing.
Preparation for the voyage.
“The fog, which till this moment had held off, now lowered over the sea like a pall. I was in a world of fog, shut off from the universe.”
The fog descended like a shroud, isolating me from the rest of the world.
Description of the fog's intensity.
“Many a long talk since then I have had with the man in the moon; he had my confidence on the voyage.”
I often conversed with the moon, which became a trusted companion during the journey.
Slocum's imaginative companionship.
“The loneliness of my state wore off when the gale was high and I found much work to do. When fine weather returned, then came the sense of solitude, which I could not shake off.”
During storms, I was too busy to feel lonely, but in calm weather, the solitude was overwhelming.
The ebb and flow of loneliness.
“Islanders are always the kindest people in the world, and I met none anywhere kinder than the good hearts of this place.”
The islanders of the Azores were the most hospitable people I encountered anywhere.
Praise for the Azorean people.
